E39 Headlight Reflector Removal

PLAYBOY · #1 (**permalink**) 10-18-2002, 09:30 AM

I'm trying to remove those amber reflectors from inside the headlights of my E39 530 and either paint them black and re-install them back, or leave them out completely.
If anyone knows how to take the headlight apart and remove the reflector please let me know. If someone can professionally do it, I'll pay to have this done.

DB540 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-18-2002, 10:52 AM

You have to buy new light housings. The amber is part of the front lens. You can either buy clear or smoked corners, whatever you do, make sure you buy Hella.

PLAYBOY · #3 (**permalink**) 10-18-2002, 11:01 AM

But someone told me you can take that reflector out from inside the headlight unit. I am talking about the E39 530 (year 2002)

DB540 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-18-2002, 11:04 AM

I don't think so. Everyone I know has upgraded to entirely new lenses for their MY 2001 + e39's.

PLAYBOY · #5 (**permalink**) 10-18-2002, 11:06 AM

I see. I could do that, but then I can't have the self leveling of the headlights that comes w/ the factory unit.

shragon · #6 (**permalink**) 10-18-2002, 11:14 AM

it's possible, i've seen it for myself. it's been done on a black e39 in LA with 2001+ headlights, forgot what his name is. looks real clean. the guy said it took him a really long time to do it, and that it is a delicate process.

actually, we had this thread and discussion before a few months ago.

Gamite · #7 (**permalink**) 10-18-2002, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by PLAYBOY
I see. I could do that, but then I can't have the self leveling of the headlights that comes w/ the factory unit.

When you upgrade, your still buying a BMW unit, ($2000/pair), which still has the self leveling system.

Black Majik · #8 (**permalink**) 10-21-2002, 12:34 PM

Alen, contact Lee... he's the one ur referring to.

Try him over on Planet.

PLAYBOY · #9 (**permalink**) 10-22-2002, 08:30 AM

Bro I had the whole unit removed yesterday and we tried to open it up to remove the reflector, but it's tough. The whole thing is sealed w/ some rubbery sealant so as not to let any rain or condensation inside the headlight unit. If I break the seal and open the headlight unit, I am afraid sometimes during rain some water may go behind the headlight unit cover, or some condensation may appear. So I gave up the idea, UNLESS Lee can do something different. I am not a member on Planet and don't know what the guy's username is and stuff either.

TC535i · #10 (**permalink**) 10-22-2002, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by PLAYBOY
Bro I had the whole unit removed yesterday and we tried to open it up to remove the reflector, but it's tough. The whole thing is sealed w/ some rubbery sealant so as not to let any rain or condensation inside the headlight unit. If I break the seal and open the headlight unit, I am afraid sometimes during rain some water may go behind the headlight unit cover, or some condensation may appear

That's how you do it. You gotta heat it up, and it's easy to seperate them. When you put it back together, use some silicon sealer to reseal it so you don't get moisture inside.

Gamite · #11 (**permalink**) 10-22-2002, 05:21 PM

You mean this one? Lee22 on planet.

Yeah, the car looks real clean w/o the reflector.

PLAYBOY · #12 (**permalink**) 10-22-2002, 07:48 PM

That looks tightttttttttttttt. Yeah I want to do exactly that. I should contact him and see what he says. Time to become a bmwplanet member