Taking apart ellipsoids

[E30 Wagen]

I searched before posting but came up with nothing... My US spec ellipsoids need some attention and I want to take them apart to do some thorough cleaning and refurbishing, but I can't figure out how to separate the lense assembly from the mounting frame. I feel like it's supposed to be really easy but i'm just too stupid to figure it out, lol. I'm afraid I'm going to break the adjusters because that's the only thing holding them to the frame, or am I wrong?

I'm also wondering if it's possible to get geniuine, new parts for euro ellipsoids, and fit them onto the US spec ones. One of the high beam lenses is shattered, and the rest of the lenses are pitted. I want to get glass replacements.

[dogsbark26]

Where did you search. Took me two minutes.

Here are exploded parts diagrams to show you how they are assembled (these are for my car).

Here is one source for genuine, new parts (Euro or American).

The glass is not a separate part.

[george graves]

The glass does indeed come off. You need to heat it up and the glue will soften up. I used a heat gun, being very careful to heat it up slowly, and evenly. Other have popped them in the oven. - then you need to pry off the glass very carefully. I'd suggest wearing some eye protection.

You'll need to replace the glue when you put it back together.

[dogsbark26]

Thanks George!

Why would you take the glass off if it is not a replaceable part? Why not just use the lamp with the good glass? I am clearly missing something here.

[george graves]

There are companies that sell replacement lenses (although I think they are plastic) - and sometimes you'll have two sets of headlights, one with a broken tab, and the other with a broken glass. So you can swap the parts and get one good set - stuff like that.