e30 ellipsoids dirty lens

[goldfishe666]

Hey I have a pair of stock e30 ellipsoids and the lends are pretty dirty inside. Is it possible to open then up and clean the lens since these arent considered to be the "Sealed headlights?" Also my drivers side high beam lens has a crack. Is it possible to buy this lens only and swap it in? I dont want to purchase another assembly..

Thanks! I searched the fourms but found no answer

[ELVA164]

You have to "bake" the lights in an oven at low heat until the adhesive softens, then gently pry the lens away from the bucket with a screwdriver or something similar. Cracked lenses do not sound uncommon. I've never done this myself but I know that's the process.

[bmw325csi]

Bake em @ 350* for 15-20 mins. Then use a plastic pry bar and slowly go around the edges till the glass seperates from the housing. If you take your time, you won't crack the lens.

[bmw325csi]

Disclaimer: Your bake time may vary depending on your oven. Check after 10 minutes, use oven mitts!!! Check if its getting loose, if not, throw them back in checking every 5-10 minutes.

People have been known to boil them also but I'm not a fan of that.

[AndrewBird]

I just removed the lenses on mine two days ago. The low beams only needed 10 minutes at 350º, but the highs required 15 minutes. The glue on the highs was rock hard where as the lows was more flexible. I used a sharp awl to get under the lens. On the awl was all the way in one side, the whole lens came off without any more prying. Never even used a screwdriver or other prying tool.

One thing that did happen, and I'm not sure why, is the chrome on one of the high beams bubbled up all over, completely ruining the light. I don't know what caused it as the other high beam came out fine. Must have been a manufacturing defect and the chrome didn't properly adhere.

[goldfishe666]

When you guys say 350 degrees do you mean warm it up to 350 first then add the lens and then start timing? OR do you mean drop it in and turn it on and start timing?

[Killacortes]

Always pre heat the oven! Lol

[15Michaeljoseph]

make some cookies too so youre not wasting that oven time


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