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Fog Light Lens Replacement

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    Fog Light Lens Replacement

    I know there must be a million DIY's on replacing the fog light lenses, but here is my take. And hey, the more resources the better!

    On my continuing quest to replace all the old or faulty OEM parts on my E30, I decided to replace the fog light lenses with aftermarket durable polycarbonate ones. The OEM lenses are made of glass, and pretty much every E30 at one point or another has cracked or even broken the lenses off.

    First, I started off by jacking the car up. You don't really have to, but, if your E30 is as low as mine..working underneath it is way too cramped. Rest the car on some sturdy jack stands.


    After the car is up, you'll notice the back of the fog lamp is connected. Go ahead and disconnect this.


    The fog lamp is mounted by 4 bolts. The bottom 2 are easiest to get to, however the top 2 are a bit cramped. Use an 8mm socket to remove these.


    After the bolts are off, the lamp should slide out easily from behind. You can clearly see the cracked and broken lens.


    There are several ways to remove the lens, but the easiest way I found was by gently hammering the lens further breaking it. Not too hard or you might damage the bulb housing beneath the glass. Then using the back of the hammer, try to pry out the large pieces by ripping them off from the old adhesive. You might want to use goggles and even rubber gloves as pieces of glass tend to fly around everywhere. Clean up all the bits of glass and adhesive until you are left with a smooth surface.


    Now that you have the lens off, it's a good time to clean the inside of the housing. I used a can of compressed air and made sure all the dust and even left over glass was gone.


    Once you've cleaned the inside housing, it's time to apply clear silicone adhesive around the rim of the fog lamp. Also make sure your fog lamp is mounted flat. I used an old basket I had lying around.


    Place the lens on the housing lining up the edges and push down a bit so the lens rests flat against the edge of the housing.


    Let the lens rest for a few hours or overnight giving the silicone enough time to adhere itself to the lens.


    Once dry, reinstall the lamp. If your lamp doesn't sit flush (as mine didn't), you can adjust the angle in which the lamp rests. Take a philips screwdriver and give the top screw a few turns and the lamp should adjust itself accordingly.


    Here are the finished fog light lenses replaced and ready to go!


    Enjoy!

    2008 BMW E92 335i - Space Grey/Coral Red/Titanium
    1991 BMW E30 325i and loving it!

    #2
    your car is super clean.....

    Comment


      #3
      Where did you buy new lenses?

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by Bryan View Post
        Where did you buy new lenses?
        where?

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by ADEN View Post
          where?
          Oh sorry guys...forgot to mention..
          You can purchase the lenses from this site

          :)

          Mario

          2008 BMW E92 335i - Space Grey/Coral Red/Titanium
          1991 BMW E30 325i and loving it!

          Comment


            #6
            good write up. :)

            i have the same lenses installed on mine and after a winter they are holding up well. some x-pel/laminex helps keep the plastic in good shape.

            Comment


              #7
              Thanks!

              Comment


                #8
                Looks great in person. I chatted with you at bimmerfest for a few minutes. Sweet pick up man. Can't wait to see the completed project

                Nick

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by joonsup View Post
                  Looks great in person. I chatted with you at bimmerfest for a few minutes. Sweet pick up man. Can't wait to see the completed project

                  Nick
                  Nice to meet and chat with you, Nick! Stay tuned for more updates on my project E30! :)

                  Mario

                  2008 BMW E92 335i - Space Grey/Coral Red/Titanium
                  1991 BMW E30 325i and loving it!

                  Comment


                    #10
                    49 bux for a set for the fogs, thats alot haha

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Originally posted by e30trooper View Post
                      49 bux for a set for the fogs, thats alot haha
                      Yeah it's not cheap... but the alternative is even more pricey. Plus these are very durable. My guess is I won't need to replace them for a very long time to come, if ever.

                      2008 BMW E92 335i - Space Grey/Coral Red/Titanium
                      1991 BMW E30 325i and loving it!

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Nice write up, when I get fog lights I will need this, Thank you.
                        -Andy

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Originally posted by Mote View Post
                          Yeah it's not cheap... but the alternative is even more pricey. Plus these are very durable. My guess is I won't need to replace them for a very long time to come, if ever.
                          yea i need a fog light anyways, but i picked up some 80's MB yellow high beams that are kinda early fog light shape, once i get a front valance ill fab it up and they will be yella and bright , same bulbs and everything as teh fogs i have now

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Looks good, but I think the factory adhesive was black, looks much better that way I think.
                            1993 325ic Schwarz/Natur
                            1991 318is Black/Black - Slicktop - Project s52
                            1989 Alpine White/Black M3 S52
                            1988 Henna/Pearl M3 <3

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Nice writeup.

                              I was impressed with the poly lenses - tough to beat for the cost.

                              FWIW, When I did my fogs, I used black silicone to seal the lenses. I believe it keeps the light from "leaking" from the sides.

                              Comment

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