Headlight Cover Replacements

gjstacy · 12-07-2010, 10:59 PM

All,

I am posting this on behalf of jholt, who is unable to post his own question at this time due to some issues with his registration.

He owns a 2000 Alpine and is in need of new headlight covers, so if anyone can help direct him to a source, I know he will greatly appreciate it. I did a search and sent him a link with the results, but I'm not sure that it really tells him how to replace the covers versus polishing them. He said he has polished them but is not satisfied with the results, so would prefer to replace them.

Thanks!

takepride · 12-07-2010, 11:02 PM

I say replace them with these http://www.optionracing.com/2002-bmw...-p-20144.html:

takepride · 12-07-2010, 11:17 PM

They also have the 1997 through 2002 models as being the same fit. Maybe more years, too.

Refuse1 · 12-08-2010, 07:27 AM

As far as I can tell, Alpines from 2000 on use BMW "E39" headlight assemblies. There are many aftermarket headlights available for these cars. Some are better quality than others. I did some research before I bought mine on Ebay and found "Depot" brand lights to be of a good quality.

The ones I bought have LED "angel eyes" that I wired in to come on when the ignition is on. They serve as daytime running lights and draw very little power. The pictures below show the lights with the LED's only.

Here's the link to the seller & lights:

97-03 BMW E39 UHP LED ANGEL EYES CLEAR CORNER HEADLIGHT - eBay (item 120657206576 end time Jan-05-11 15:08:28 PST)

These lights have a projector type lens for the low beams. They are easy to install and adjust.
Jeff

StansCustoms · 12-08-2010, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by takepride

I say replace them with these http://www.optionracing.com/2002-bmw...-p-20144.html:

I can't get this link to open ..am I the only one?

Thanks..Stan

Wayne R · 12-08-2010, 08:53 AM

Stan,
Same here, just search for E39 BMW headlights and you will get plenty of options. I am in need of new light assemblies alao. I will be looking for comments from others that have changed theirs.

Dale777 · 12-08-2010, 12:21 PM

For the broken URL link above from takepride, I first went to the OptionRacing.COM, Automotive aftermarket parts - Expect the Unexpected! web site, then searched for the parameters that were in the broken URL. The following working URL is what I found:

2002 BMW 540i Base Projector Headlights

This particular model notes, "Directly bolt-on, euro spec. minor modification required". I don't know if "minor modification is required" on an Alpine Coach. There is another link for almost the same headlight that states no modification is required:

2002 BMW 540i Base Projector Headlights

Tom and Patty · 12-08-2010, 08:33 PM

If the headlights are just crazed (yellowed with surface cracking) they can be removed and sanded. I did mine with 800 grit 1500, then 2000. Followed by plastic polish and a mothers foam ball for application. It took some elbow grease but they came out looking almost new.

dshogman · 12-09-2010, 07:12 AM

Or if you're real lazy, go to Wal-Mart and for $39.95 they will totally refurbish your headlight covers.

takepride · 12-09-2010, 09:40 PM

The link seemed to have worked for only a short while (I tested it). Here is the link for the E39 lights I ordered.

1997 BMW 528i Base Projector Headlights

The various years and the E39 and E46 lights all use the same product picture. There are numerous variations of the light. Projector, CCFL, Angel-eyes, Superbrights, LED strings, etc.

According to Option Racing, the "modification" clause is due to wiring differences not fitment.

zinom · 12-09-2010, 09:56 PM

Hey REFUSE1
Did you have to make a "major" modification the the headlight electrical circuit to have the halo lights work as daytime running lights? On my '05 the system appears to just supply a lower voltage for daytime running lights on thje same wire. Low beams and daytime running lights appear to use the same bulb. Matt