Help with replacement headlight lens or entire unit

[AMA6]

Dear All,

The headlights (factory fitted xenons) on my 1999 audi a6 avant 2.5tdi quattro have always been poor, at least for as long as I have had it, circa 5 years.

I have decided enough is enough and am looking at replacing the lens or entire unit. Having done the wet sand and polish once before, I'm going to give it one more shot before splashing out but don't expect it to make too much difference as it was not a major improvement before. Perhaps more elbow grease needed...

New Xenon bulbs fitted about 8 months ago did make a little difference but night driving still difficult compared to other motors.

Really, it just seems to be the lens that is the problem, being quite yellowed. They come off relatively easily and have 4 or so metal clips and some sealant keeping them on.

My questions are, does anyone know of somewhere that sells replacement lenses? I did find somewhere online once but now have searched and searched with no joy.

Are there any aftermarket headlights that you would recommend? I was looking at some nice ones with daytime LEDs made by FK automotive but they are all for left hand drive...presumably not an option.

FK Automotive Tuning Shop | Headlight Daylight Set suitable for Audi A6 (type 4B) yr. 97-01 chrome | purchase online

I would very much appreciate any advice.

Many thanks,

Alistair

[AMA6]

I should add, the lights are great on full beam, it is only dipped beam that are the problem.

Thanks,

Alistair

[v6avant]

Hello Alistair

I too have the same problem on my '99 C5 (owned for 7 1/2 years)... I've tried T-Cut and Mer several times too to no avail ! I've searched for just the lens but never found any ... even second hand complete units can go for up to £150 each !

Hope you managed to sort them out - let me know if you found a solution to "fixing" them please mate !

Paul

[mjhamilton]

what kit are you using to refurb them???... if you are using toothpaste or the meguiars kits then you are doing it wrong

Get the 3M kit and got hard and aggressive on those suckers - remove a mm or 2 from the surface and apply a fresh clear coat and they will come up like new

[v6avant]

what kit are you using to refurb them???... if you are using toothpaste or the meguiars kits then you are doing it wrong

Get the 3M kit and got hard and aggressive on those suckers - remove a mm or 2 from the surface and apply a fresh clear coat and they will come up like new

"toothpaste" !? lol

I might try that 3M kit ... eBay ?

thanks for tip mate ....

[mjhamilton]

I tried the Megs kit and to be honest it was only any use for very, very light surface imperfections and did nothing really on my lens - the 3M kit starts with dry 600 grit paper on a disc which will rip the heck out of the surface and leave you with no vision at all

The next progressive steps followed by wet & dry then the special wet foam disc then bring back the sparkle

These pictures give you some idea although they do not show the damage all that well, the lens was very yellow, pitted and bubbly all over

Lens when I got the car
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=ea53332ab160d6fc&sa=528338508#cid=EA53332AB16 0D6FC&id=EA53332AB160D6FC%212454&v=3

After having ago with the Megs kit I bought the 3m one and then took the cluster off the car for full attack
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=ea53332ab160d6fc&sa=528338508#cid=EA53332AB16 0D6FC&id=EA53332AB160D6FC%212464&v=3

3M kit is not cheap but does the job and is less expensive than a new light
3M Head light Lens Restoration System for Plastic lenses | eBay