Headlight Cracked...ARHHH
 

Ok guys please tell I don't need a complete new headlight assembly? I noticed this a couple of nights ago. I've done some searching around and haven't come across just the plastic housing.

The crack at this time doesn't seem to go completely through but give it some time it will sooner or later.

What do you think?

surprised it doesn't happen more often to be honest. Is it plexiglass? Flying rocks can't be too friendly otherwise.

The headlight will need to be replaced as an entire assembly (as its glued with a special epoxy for being weather-tight and moisture resistant). Sorry.

Do look around ebay for replacement, as you just need the shell and as such, can transfer the costly HID, ballast into the shell.

I use to work in a auto plant and this subject came up on how much abuse it can take. I swear, the guy to a baseball bat to it and whacked it with no breakage just to prove it can take a rock. I think it also comes down to its shape and size and if there are any parting lines (which maybe a weak spot).

OEM E70 Xenon Headlight assemblies are on ebay for around $550 USD.... They are the older part # though up to 08 E70 model...although I do not believe the headlights have changed that much if at all past 08...

Is there any sign of a rock impact? And looks like you have the newer headlights that aren't on eBay yet.... Maybe make mention of it next time you are in for service and see if they replace it under warranty or shoot you an estimate. (kind of a gray area)

I think they are made of Lexan/polycarbonate. The baseball bat is a favorite example, as it's typically sharp objects, such as large crushed rock, that cause cracks -- rounded blunt objects like a baseball bat are about the easiest shape for Lexan to handle.

I wonder how much difference those clear plastic headlight shields really make? You know, the ones that go on sorta like the paint protection film, only mush thicker using self-stick adhesive. I've used it on one of my motorcycles and it hasn't yellowed or anything over the past five years.

But how much time do the bikes spend in direct sunlight? Just about every set of clear film I've seen on headlights was faded and looked like poo... but I have no idea how long they were on the vehicles. But if you park in a garage at home and work the stuff would last much longer.

> But how much time do the bikes spend in direct sunlight?


Not a lot as they are stored in the garage, except on cross country trips. And the bike I put it on has an older style, traditional "vertical" straight up-and-down orientation, so sunlight doesn't hit it as directly as the angled style on most new vehicles.

It's not just the cost of the headlight assembly, it's the cost of labor to replace. It's a big job and very time consuming. I had a replacement (both sides) done under warranty for cracking around the edges and it took 2 days!! Dealer said it was around $3,500 CDN!!!

Yeah, you gotta remove the bumpers/fenders to get the lights out on the E70... but since it has been replaced before they might parts warranty it?