PDA

View Full Version : Headlight Protection



MantecaBMW
10-21-2004, 03:20 PM
Replacing all four headlights this weekend and would love to protect my investment. Has anyone used these? Not a bad price at BAV but I'm wondering how good they are and if they have any affect on the lighting.

Thay also sell clear urethane adhesive overs as well.

Which ones work better?

Thanks,

Mark

rickm
10-21-2004, 03:49 PM
3M makes the material, StonGard has them also, sometimes cheaper. www.stongard.com. If you're handy with a knife you could possibly purchase the material then cut and fit it yourself.

I've had these on since...oh...spring of 2003? or so, they're holding up ok. Not sure how well they work since I've not had a cracked headlight/foglight yet. The fogs have some heavy indentations, so I'm guessing I've had a few close calls. I don't see any cut in the amount of light, though I didn't do a "before and after". Put them on my wife's Volvo, no problems their either (if you think the BMW lenses are $$, the volvo cover is up near 300.00 or so).

MantecaBMW
10-21-2004, 04:09 PM
All 4 lights and both foglights was a bit over $400....

Which ones do you have? The covers I showed or the adhesive ones?

Dan in NZ
10-21-2004, 05:09 PM
I would go for the adhesive film... You can't tell it's there, so you don't get the look of something added-on. Definately needed for the foglights, both of mine have stone holes in them at the moment.

MantecaBMW
10-21-2004, 05:18 PM
I order a set from BAV that cover all 4 lights, the parking lights and the foglights. Not bad protection for $50. And if I get hit with a rock large enough to crack a lens, at least it will keep the light sealed so it won't take on water.

rickm
10-21-2004, 06:00 PM
Stick on. I didn't see the 3d on the ones you posted earlier...the adhesive stuff is ok. Someone in NZ makes a clear cover that covers the likes (like on E39s), haven't heard anyone review them yet though.

TC535i
10-21-2004, 06:02 PM
I have 2 more sets of StonGard 3m adhesive headlight film for the E34 left. $50+ shipping on the website, $30 to your door from me.

I've sold the other sets to MANY people on the board, they can vouch for myself as well as the product.

If you're interested, email me.

MantecaBMW
10-21-2004, 06:13 PM
My order from BAV shipped today. Hope it arrives Saturday so I can do the whole job at once.

Seems like getting the grilles of is going to be the hardest part of the replacement. Do you know if I'll need to re-adjust the lights after changing them?

rickm
10-21-2004, 06:41 PM
If you ordered the film, it adheres to the lenses on out outside. No need to take the grill off unless you're Gordon and wish to clean behind it with a toothbrush. :)

TC535i
10-21-2004, 08:40 PM
If you ordered the film, it adheres to the lenses on out outside. No need to take the grill off unless you're Gordon and wish to clean behind it with a toothbrush. :)

He's changing the headlights themselves as well as installing film over them.

callen
10-22-2004, 01:44 PM
Purchased both BAV's and GTS headlight covers as you show about five years ago.....BAV's for my 535 and GTS for my wifes 530. The Bav's cheaper ones turned yellow and brittle. A rock actually broke through and cracked my headlight. Threw the rest away. The GTS covers on 530 still look new...keep dirt and moisture out and are as clear as the day I bought them. Just today bought replacement headlight assymblies and ordered a new set of GTS covers for 535. Live in Houston and have lots of stones being projected and doubt the stick on ones would prevent headlight from cracking...course just my opinion.

callen 91 535i 94 530 89 735il

callen
10-22-2004, 01:45 PM
PS Bav auto's fog light covers do not fit application...bouth those as well. Total waste of money.

JeremyT
10-22-2004, 03:46 PM
I have 2 more sets of StonGard 3m adhesive headlight film for the E34 left. $50+ shipping on the website, $30 to your door from me.

I've sold the other sets to MANY people on the board, they can vouch for myself as well as the product.

If you're interested, email me.

TC, I'm defiently in for a set at the $30 price. Does your set include the fogs as well as the four headlights? Thanks!
-Jeremy

MantecaBMW
10-22-2004, 03:50 PM
Are you referring to the adhesive ones, or the plastic covers that snap on?

Karl
10-22-2004, 04:27 PM
For adhesive film I went to the local office supply place and got the self adhesive laminatng film -- about $6 for three 8.5x11" sheets. ;)

TC535i
10-22-2004, 08:26 PM
Purchased both BAV's and GTS headlight covers as you show about five years ago.....BAV's for my 535 and GTS for my wifes 530. The Bav's cheaper ones turned yellow and brittle. A rock actually broke through and cracked my headlight. Threw the rest away. The GTS covers on 530 still look new...keep dirt and moisture out and are as clear as the day I bought them. Just today bought replacement headlight assymblies and ordered a new set of GTS covers for 535. Live in Houston and have lots of stones being projected and doubt the stick on ones would prevent headlight from cracking...course just my opinion.

callen 91 535i 94 530 89 735il

Stongard has a $2,000 headlight warranty against cracking... Sounds like they're pretty confident in their product!

http://www.stongard.com/sgcontent/compare.asp?point=4

TC535i
10-22-2004, 08:31 PM
TC, I'm defiently in for a set at the $30 price. Does your set include the fogs as well as the four headlights? Thanks!
-Jeremy

Tried to email you, but the address you have registered bounced?

jmt6@direcway.com