Audizine - An Automotive Enthusiast Community

Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 40 of 125
  1. #1
    Veteran Member Four Rings CONative's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 06 2015
    AZ Member #
    331349
    My Garage
    B8 A4 Avant / Subaru Outback Limited / Honda Odyssey
    Location
    5280

    B8 Headlight Lenses

    Guest-only advertisement. Register or Log In now!
    My headlight lenses are badly pitted/scratched and I've been looking for just a set of lenses. I had no luck and was going to purchase a set of used halogens from another member and just swap the lenses and resell on eBay for cheap.

    Tooling around on eBay and ran across these -



    http://m.ebay.com/itm/Audi-A4-2009-2...%257Ciid%253A9

    Kind of pricy IMO but could make an offer. Has anyone tried these and care to comment?



    Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app
    Cheers,
    Ry-man

  2. #2
    Veteran Member Three Rings EHesh14's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 16 2010
    AZ Member #
    61515
    Location
    Colorado

    I bought these a while ago and all I have to say is great things about them. Quality and fit is perfect. You won't regret it.

  3. #3
    Established Member Two Rings HenrikMeister's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 03 2016
    AZ Member #
    371235
    Location
    Norway

    Tried polishing the headlights first?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  4. #4
    Veteran Member Three Rings Roadtrippn's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 15 2011
    AZ Member #
    81290
    Location
    Hilton Head Island

    Wow I'll def have to get these and fix my ruined blacked out corners at the same time
    18' RS3 Stage II and all the Fixn’s
    21' SQ8

    2011 A4 2.0TQ 6MT Stage III
    2001 A4 Stage II

  5. #5
    Veteran Member Four Rings Zach L's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 23 2010
    AZ Member #
    55071
    Location
    Austin, TX

    Quote Originally Posted by CONative View Post
    Kind of pricy IMO but could make an offer. Has anyone tried these and care to comment?
    I haven't tried the lenses yet, but I did submit an offer of $140 a couple weeks ago and they rejected it. The reason I still haven't purchased is I did a full lens replacement job on my Mk5 GTI using eBay lenses. When I bought them they were all about $140 per pair but now they're all selling for less than $75 per pair. So part of me feels like these things are going to really come down in price, but just haven't yet due to there not being enough sellers at this point. All that said, the ones I got for the Mk5 are holding up well. My patience is dwindling for the cloudy A4 lenses.

    Polishing them is a waste IMO. It never has the clarity or clearness of new, even with the best attempts. The worst part though is polishing is time consuming and it has to be redone often. Ain't nobody got time for that!!
    Daily Driver: B8 A4 quattro 6MT, Aruba Blue on Black, Premium Plus, Sport Package, Bang & Olufsen
    Current Projects: 2006 Cayman S 6MT • 2006 VW GTI 2.0T 6MT • 1997 VW Golf • 1982 VW Rabbit Diesel • 1972 VW Bay Window Bus

  6. #6
    Veteran Member Four Rings CONative's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 06 2015
    AZ Member #
    331349
    My Garage
    B8 A4 Avant / Subaru Outback Limited / Honda Odyssey
    Location
    5280

    I have the Turtle Wax headlight polishing kit and didn't work as well as I hoped. Looked good right after but after a few days the blemishes returned.

    How long before you noticed the price drop on the MK5 lenses? I agree they will eventually come down in price once more manufacturers infiltrate the market. I have patience, but like you it's dwindling.


    Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app
    Cheers,
    Ry-man

  7. #7
    Veteran Member Three Rings endy1's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 04 2014
    AZ Member #
    208996
    Location
    Sweden

    Quote Originally Posted by CONative View Post
    I have the Turtle Wax headlight polishing kit and didn't work as well as I hoped. Looked good right after but after a few days the blemishes returned.

    How long before you noticed the price drop on the MK5 lenses? I agree they will eventually come down in price once more manufacturers infiltrate the market. I have patience, but like you it's dwindling.


    Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app
    If you do the job right, it wont come back.

  8. #8
    Veteran Member Four Rings Zach L's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 23 2010
    AZ Member #
    55071
    Location
    Austin, TX

    Quote Originally Posted by endy1 View Post
    If you do the job right, it wont come back.
    Some restore kits work better and last longer than others. They all suck.

    If one goes the custom route manually sanding the headlight, cleaning, clearcoat, wet sanding and sealing, it will work better than the kits and last longer. But it will still retain some yellow and not not be as clear as new. It's still not permanent and you just spent several hours for your life for something that, even when you 'do the job right', still sucks.

    I've tried all these​ methods and replacing the lenses is easier than doing a restoration.The new lenses will be absolutely perfectly clear, they have a UV protective coating and will last a good 6-8 years before they need attention again.

    Not to mention people are already removing lenses frequently to modify the amber sidemarker, or upgrade the projector's lens. So swapping new housing lenses on during one of those times would create absolutely no extra work.
    Daily Driver: B8 A4 quattro 6MT, Aruba Blue on Black, Premium Plus, Sport Package, Bang & Olufsen
    Current Projects: 2006 Cayman S 6MT • 2006 VW GTI 2.0T 6MT • 1997 VW Golf • 1982 VW Rabbit Diesel • 1972 VW Bay Window Bus

  9. #9
    Veteran Member Four Rings Zach L's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 23 2010
    AZ Member #
    55071
    Location
    Austin, TX

    Quote Originally Posted by CONative View Post
    How long before you noticed the price drop on the MK5 lenses?
    It was like 1.5 years between when I bought them and when I checked the price again.

    I'll still pay $175 later if the price doesn't come down, but just not right now when I got other priorities for the car. It was one of those things I was willing to do right away for a certain price, but am willing to wait if it's going to cost more. My headlights are not that bad yet anyway.
    Daily Driver: B8 A4 quattro 6MT, Aruba Blue on Black, Premium Plus, Sport Package, Bang & Olufsen
    Current Projects: 2006 Cayman S 6MT • 2006 VW GTI 2.0T 6MT • 1997 VW Golf • 1982 VW Rabbit Diesel • 1972 VW Bay Window Bus

  10. #10
    Veteran Member Three Rings Audi Advocate's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 26 2005
    AZ Member #
    5867
    My Garage
    2012 B8 S4, 2012 A3 Wagon
    Location
    Toronto

    [QUOTE=CONative;12101102]My headlight lenses are badly pitted/scratched and I've been looking for just a set of lenses. I had no luck and was going to purchase a set of used halogens from another member and just swap the lenses and resell on eBay for cheap.

    Tooling around on eBay and ran across these -



    http://m.ebay.com/itm/Audi-A4-2009-2...%257Ciid%253A9

    Kind of pricy IMO but could make an offer. Has anyone tried these and care to comment?



    Do it - $200 for the Lens via E-Bay, $450 for the install = 40% improvement in output - 110% improvement in looks to the front end.
    Current #1 2012 S4 3.0T DSG Technik with Unitronic Stage 1+, Milltek res., KW V2 coilovers, StopTech BBK, Alu Kreuz, H&R Rear Sway, BBS CH-R's, Michelin PS4S, Disabled wink, De-badged, ZIZA LED's, 30% tint and fancy aluminum pedals - Current #2: Wife driven 2012 A3 2.0T Progresiv- stock

  11. #11
    Veteran Member Three Rings Roadtrippn's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 15 2011
    AZ Member #
    81290
    Location
    Hilton Head Island

    450 install?? Damn next time ship it to me ill do it for 150 My lights weren't that bad, but I noticed a better light output for sure. I'll order up some new HID bulbs pretty soon to replace my 5+ year old ones.
    18' RS3 Stage II and all the Fixn’s
    21' SQ8

    2011 A4 2.0TQ 6MT Stage III
    2001 A4 Stage II

  12. #12
    Veteran Member Four Rings A4 Centaur's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 05 2009
    AZ Member #
    43360
    My Garage
    2020 Ducati Panigale V4S
    Location
    Scottsdale Arizona

    Did mine the other night. Only took about an hour a side.

    Couldn't figure out how to pull the guts of the lamps without breaking every tab and bracket. So they got the amber lens delete and buttoned them back up.







    2023 S4 Prestige Mythos Black. Brembo GT BBK, APR FMIC, 034 Stg 1
    2012 B8 A4 Avant, Phantom Black S-Line Prestige, 2014 CPMB Engine, 8 speed, JHM K04-R, Eurocode HFC, APR FMIC, 034 Alu Kreuz, Vogtland Coilovers, Stoptech 380mm BB Kit, H&R Swaybar, ECU with IE K04 Tune, Rev. "d" DV, R8 Coils, Folding Mirrors, S5 Rear Brakes, 034/Apikol mounts, OEM Facelift LED Brake lights ]

  13. #13
    Veteran Member Four Rings CONative's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 06 2015
    AZ Member #
    331349
    My Garage
    B8 A4 Avant / Subaru Outback Limited / Honda Odyssey
    Location
    5280

    Shoot them a best offer, I paid $150 with shipping.

    Looking good A4 Centaur! Didn't see the aftermath in your thread.


    Sent from my iPhone using Audizine
    Cheers,
    Ry-man

  14. #14
    Veteran Member Four Rings jfo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 17 2010
    AZ Member #
    67149
    Location
    Courtenay, BC, Canada

    Quote Originally Posted by A4 Centaur View Post
    Did mine the other night. Only took about an hour a side.

    Couldn't figure out how to pull the guts of the lamps without breaking every tab and bracket. So they got the amber lens delete and buttoned them back up.
    Did you apply protective film yet? I've had it on mine since day 1 and they are still in as new condition after 6 years.
    2011 A4 Avant

  15. #15
    Veteran Member Four Rings A4 Centaur's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 05 2009
    AZ Member #
    43360
    My Garage
    2020 Ducati Panigale V4S
    Location
    Scottsdale Arizona

    Not yet. Need to do this for sure!

    Wonder if I should do Laminex Yellow?
    2023 S4 Prestige Mythos Black. Brembo GT BBK, APR FMIC, 034 Stg 1
    2012 B8 A4 Avant, Phantom Black S-Line Prestige, 2014 CPMB Engine, 8 speed, JHM K04-R, Eurocode HFC, APR FMIC, 034 Alu Kreuz, Vogtland Coilovers, Stoptech 380mm BB Kit, H&R Swaybar, ECU with IE K04 Tune, Rev. "d" DV, R8 Coils, Folding Mirrors, S5 Rear Brakes, 034/Apikol mounts, OEM Facelift LED Brake lights ]

  16. #16
    Veteran Member Four Rings jfo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 17 2010
    AZ Member #
    67149
    Location
    Courtenay, BC, Canada

    Quote Originally Posted by A4 Centaur View Post
    Not yet. Need to do this for sure!

    Wonder if I should do Laminex Yellow?
    Well, it's personal but to me that would look weird/tacky.
    2011 A4 Avant

  17. #17
    Veteran Member Four Rings Zach L's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 23 2010
    AZ Member #
    55071
    Location
    Austin, TX

    Quote Originally Posted by Audi Advocate View Post

    Do it - $200 for the Lens via E-Bay, $450 for the install = 40% improvement in output - 110% improvement in looks to the front end.
    That is an absolute insane price to pay. This is a 2 hour job for a first timer. Only about 30 minutes for someone that's done it before. Who ripped you off?!?

    This whole job from beginning to end should cost $150-160.
    Daily Driver: B8 A4 quattro 6MT, Aruba Blue on Black, Premium Plus, Sport Package, Bang & Olufsen
    Current Projects: 2006 Cayman S 6MT • 2006 VW GTI 2.0T 6MT • 1997 VW Golf • 1982 VW Rabbit Diesel • 1972 VW Bay Window Bus

  18. #18
    Veteran Member Three Rings Audi Advocate's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 26 2005
    AZ Member #
    5867
    My Garage
    2012 B8 S4, 2012 A3 Wagon
    Location
    Toronto

    Quote Originally Posted by Zach L View Post
    That is an absolute insane price to pay. This is a 2 hour job for a first timer. Only about 30 minutes for someone that's done it before. Who ripped you off?!?

    This whole job from beginning to end should cost $150-160.
    Hey Zach - disagree - if you have the ability to manufacture your own identical B8 Headlight covers for less than $200 ( let the Forum know how you do that btw) then remove and replace the existing covers - akin to replacing a windshield - and put it all back together then sure it's a lot more money than you think. To me It's an $85,000 car - I don't have the time nor the expertise. You get what you pay for.
    Current #1 2012 S4 3.0T DSG Technik with Unitronic Stage 1+, Milltek res., KW V2 coilovers, StopTech BBK, Alu Kreuz, H&R Rear Sway, BBS CH-R's, Michelin PS4S, Disabled wink, De-badged, ZIZA LED's, 30% tint and fancy aluminum pedals - Current #2: Wife driven 2012 A3 2.0T Progresiv- stock

  19. #19
    Veteran Member Four Rings Zach L's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 23 2010
    AZ Member #
    55071
    Location
    Austin, TX

    Quote Originally Posted by Audi Advocate View Post
    Hey Zach - disagree - if you have the ability to manufacture your own identical B8 Headlight covers for less than $200 ( let the Forum know how you do that btw)
    Did you read the thread... that's already happening. These are selling for $150 including shipping. The manufacturing cost on these lenses is a fraction of that price.

    Quote Originally Posted by Audi Advocate View Post
    then remove and replace the existing covers - akin to replacing a windshield - and put it all back together then sure it's a lot more money than you think. To me It's an $85,000 car - I don't have the time nor the expertise. You get what you pay for.
    If you haven't replaced a windshield and replaced headlight lenses, I don't see how you have any basi can say they're the same. I've done both and can assure you replacing headlight lenses is about 1/10th the difficulty. Especially these headlights on the B8, since they do not use a permanent epoxy sealant as a great deal of cars have since the mid-2000s. A car being more expensive doesn't make the job more difficult.

    I just don't want people to think $450 is a good price to have these installed. As someone else said, $150 is more appropriate. I also wanted to know what company charged you $450 so I know not to buy my HID bulbs or glass projector lenses from them.
    Daily Driver: B8 A4 quattro 6MT, Aruba Blue on Black, Premium Plus, Sport Package, Bang & Olufsen
    Current Projects: 2006 Cayman S 6MT • 2006 VW GTI 2.0T 6MT • 1997 VW Golf • 1982 VW Rabbit Diesel • 1972 VW Bay Window Bus

  20. #20
    Veteran Member Three Rings Audi Advocate's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 26 2005
    AZ Member #
    5867
    My Garage
    2012 B8 S4, 2012 A3 Wagon
    Location
    Toronto

    I think the point is this is not an easy DIY. Perhaps it is for you but most of us get Pros to do the work. I don't change my oil nor replace the wiper blades either. Extra points if you can DIY.
    Current #1 2012 S4 3.0T DSG Technik with Unitronic Stage 1+, Milltek res., KW V2 coilovers, StopTech BBK, Alu Kreuz, H&R Rear Sway, BBS CH-R's, Michelin PS4S, Disabled wink, De-badged, ZIZA LED's, 30% tint and fancy aluminum pedals - Current #2: Wife driven 2012 A3 2.0T Progresiv- stock

  21. #21
    Veteran Member Four Rings Zach L's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 23 2010
    AZ Member #
    55071
    Location
    Austin, TX

    Quote Originally Posted by Audi Advocate View Post
    I think the point is this is not an easy DIY. Perhaps it is for you but most of us get Pros to do the work. I don't change my oil nor replace the wiper blades either. Extra points if you can DIY.
    And my point is it is an easy DIY.

    I'm curious to know what would an easy DIY for someone that doesn't change their own wiper blades.
    Last edited by Zach L; 05-25-2017 at 06:54 AM.
    Daily Driver: B8 A4 quattro 6MT, Aruba Blue on Black, Premium Plus, Sport Package, Bang & Olufsen
    Current Projects: 2006 Cayman S 6MT • 2006 VW GTI 2.0T 6MT • 1997 VW Golf • 1982 VW Rabbit Diesel • 1972 VW Bay Window Bus

  22. #22
    Veteran Member Four Rings A4 Centaur's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 05 2009
    AZ Member #
    43360
    My Garage
    2020 Ducati Panigale V4S
    Location
    Scottsdale Arizona

    I think there is a DIY in the S4 section?



    Haha!!!!!
    2023 S4 Prestige Mythos Black. Brembo GT BBK, APR FMIC, 034 Stg 1
    2012 B8 A4 Avant, Phantom Black S-Line Prestige, 2014 CPMB Engine, 8 speed, JHM K04-R, Eurocode HFC, APR FMIC, 034 Alu Kreuz, Vogtland Coilovers, Stoptech 380mm BB Kit, H&R Swaybar, ECU with IE K04 Tune, Rev. "d" DV, R8 Coils, Folding Mirrors, S5 Rear Brakes, 034/Apikol mounts, OEM Facelift LED Brake lights ]

  23. #23
    Veteran Member Four Rings Zach L's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 23 2010
    AZ Member #
    55071
    Location
    Austin, TX

    Quote Originally Posted by A4 Centaur View Post
    I think there is a DIY in the S4 section?



    Haha!!!!!
    Lololol so good!
    Daily Driver: B8 A4 quattro 6MT, Aruba Blue on Black, Premium Plus, Sport Package, Bang & Olufsen
    Current Projects: 2006 Cayman S 6MT • 2006 VW GTI 2.0T 6MT • 1997 VW Golf • 1982 VW Rabbit Diesel • 1972 VW Bay Window Bus

  24. #24
    Active Member Two Rings
    Join Date
    May 02 2017
    AZ Member #
    398801
    Location
    phoenix

    Quote Originally Posted by Zach L View Post
    Did you read the thread... that's already happening. These are selling for $150 including shipping. The manufacturing cost on these lenses is a fraction of that price.

    If you haven't replaced a windshield and replaced headlight lenses, I don't see how you have any basi can say they're the same. I've done both and can assure you replacing headlight lenses is about 1/10th the difficulty. Especially these headlights on the B8, since they do not use a permanent epoxy sealant as a great deal of cars have since the mid-2000s. A car being more expensive doesn't make the job more difficult.

    I just don't want people to think $450 is a good price to have these installed. As someone else said, $150 is more appropriate. I also wanted to know what company charged you $450 so I know not to buy my HID bulbs or glass projector lenses from them.
    Agreed.
    I'm about to do a walk though on how to replace the lenses and pull everything apart.
    First time using a heat gun too. Literally took me 3 minutes to pull the headlights apart. 3 goddamn minutes.
    My old car I did them in the oven. Turned it to 200 till preheat. Turned it off and put one in on a towel for 5-10 minutes came apart easy but didn't want to risk it with the Audi and all the electrical things inside. My old car didn't have any of that stuff.
    I've literally pulled these headlight lenses 4 times over the last two days. That's the easiest part.
    I could do 20 and hour

  25. #25
    Veteran Member Four Rings Lambda13's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 07 2012
    AZ Member #
    96422
    My Garage
    A4, car parts, paint, random sockets, OEM parts.
    Location
    Boston, MA

    Quote Originally Posted by Audi Advocate View Post
    I think the point is this is not an easy DIY. Perhaps it is for you but most of us get Pros to do the work. I don't change my oil nor replace the wiper blades either. Extra points if you can DIY.
    No offense but if heating up glue and pulling a lens off a head light isn't considered easy, I suggest you stay away from light bulbs, fuses, and my car.

    First time I took mine apart it took me about 40 minutes per side.

    I can now break down the lights and swap the lenses in 40 minutes total.
    My 2009 A4 Prem+ Build thread

  26. #26
    Veteran Member Four Rings CONative's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 06 2015
    AZ Member #
    331349
    My Garage
    B8 A4 Avant / Subaru Outback Limited / Honda Odyssey
    Location
    5280

    Quote Originally Posted by A4 Centaur View Post
    I think there is a DIY in the S4 section?
    That's one way to get them off - love it!


    Sent from my iPhone using Audizine
    Cheers,
    Ry-man

  27. #27
    Veteran Member Four Rings jfo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 17 2010
    AZ Member #
    67149
    Location
    Courtenay, BC, Canada

    Don't you guy's have any friends that don't like to tinker with their cars?? I'm a long time DIY'er but I have some very intelligent friends that have no clue about mechanical things. Nor do they have any interest in acquiring the skills or messing about with things they will likely break. So if the OP doesn't want to mess with his lights, why mock him?
    2011 A4 Avant

  28. #28
    Veteran Member Three Rings Audi Advocate's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 26 2005
    AZ Member #
    5867
    My Garage
    2012 B8 S4, 2012 A3 Wagon
    Location
    Toronto

    Quote Originally Posted by jfo View Post
    Don't you guy's have any friends that don't like to tinker with their cars?? I'm a long time DIY'er but I have some very intelligent friends that have no clue about mechanical things. Nor do they have any interest in acquiring the skills or messing about with things they will likely break. So if the OP doesn't want to mess with his lights, why mock him?
    Thank you for this - it's mocking like that that keeps me away from the Forum that used to be so helpful not hating. As a 12 year member I am sad to see the flaming more and more. I really can't DIY and its not for lack of wanting to its lack of ability. I appreciate your support jfo! As I can see another long time member.
    Current #1 2012 S4 3.0T DSG Technik with Unitronic Stage 1+, Milltek res., KW V2 coilovers, StopTech BBK, Alu Kreuz, H&R Rear Sway, BBS CH-R's, Michelin PS4S, Disabled wink, De-badged, ZIZA LED's, 30% tint and fancy aluminum pedals - Current #2: Wife driven 2012 A3 2.0T Progresiv- stock

  29. #29
    Veteran Member Four Rings
    Join Date
    Aug 17 2015
    AZ Member #
    349632
    Location
    California

    So what is everyone's technique for the heat gun to remove the lenses?

    Which setting?
    How far away to hold it from the lens?
    How long to hold it before moving on to the next section?

    Please forgive my noobness. I'm going to buy a heat gun and new lenses soon! Mine are kind of trashed after 75000 miles.

    Thanks!

  30. #30
    Veteran Member Four Rings Lambda13's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 07 2012
    AZ Member #
    96422
    My Garage
    A4, car parts, paint, random sockets, OEM parts.
    Location
    Boston, MA

    Quote Originally Posted by A4x View Post
    So what is everyone's technique for the heat gun to remove the lenses?

    Which setting?
    How far away to hold it from the lens?
    How long to hold it before moving on to the next section?

    Please forgive my noobness. I'm going to buy a heat gun and new lenses soon! Mine are kind of trashed after 75000 miles.

    Thanks!
    I just run it over the glue a few times around and then begin to pull the lense while giving it additional heat. Stay at least 6 inches away from the plastic.

    Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
    My 2009 A4 Prem+ Build thread

  31. #31
    Active Member Two Rings
    Join Date
    May 02 2017
    AZ Member #
    398801
    Location
    phoenix

    Quote Originally Posted by A4x View Post
    So what is everyone's technique for the heat gun to remove the lenses?

    Which setting?
    How far away to hold it from the lens?
    How long to hold it before moving on to the next section?

    Please forgive my noobness. I'm going to buy a heat gun and new lenses soon! Mine are kind of trashed after 75000 miles.

    Thanks!
    i used 1000 degree setting and was 4-6 inches away for a few seconds. One pass over the top and side. Flipped over did the same thing.then flipped it back over and did a quick pass on the whole headlight. Took under 5 minutes to take them off. Easy
    Be careful how you pull too i got some glue on the side of the inside parts( not really visible but i removed it). Pull up one side a little then the other side then grab by the middle and pull it straight out.

  32. #32
    Active Member Two Rings
    Join Date
    May 02 2017
    AZ Member #
    398801
    Location
    phoenix

    heres some pics of the cutoff i got out of the stock housing with clear lenses and one washer per each bolt. Adjusted the adjustment bulb with the lenses off both sides where different there but got them to look the same. Cf wrapped the side marker. I attempted to restore the headlights from major rock chip damage and they aren't much better. Ill probably end up going with these lenses sometime this week.









  33. #33
    Veteran Member Four Rings Zach L's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 23 2010
    AZ Member #
    55071
    Location
    Austin, TX

    Quote Originally Posted by Audi Advocate View Post
    Thank you for this - it's mocking like that that keeps me away from the Forum that used to be so helpful not hating. As a 12 year member I am sad to see the flaming more and more. I really can't DIY and its not for lack of wanting to its lack of ability. I appreciate your support jfo! As I can see another long time member.
    When we disagree with your saying this is a difficult DIY, we're not mocking you. We're simply telling you you're wrong (as an encouragement to those considering doing it themselves). If you had actually tried and failed at doing it that'd be one thing, and would give credit to your statement. But as someone that has never even tried this, what do you think validates you to comment on its difficulty? To the contrary, the people that have actually tried this (even many for their first time) have been surprised at how easy it is.

    The fact that you can't accept how easy this modification is I think just to justify your paying $450 for install without feeling like you got ripped off.

    Getting ripped off has nothing to do with your technical or mechanical abilities. Paying twice as much as you should for anything is getting ripped off. And some people are fine getting ripped off, but it doesn't mean you need to comment on the difficulty of something you've never tried and/or misrepresent the difficulty of this job.
    Daily Driver: B8 A4 quattro 6MT, Aruba Blue on Black, Premium Plus, Sport Package, Bang & Olufsen
    Current Projects: 2006 Cayman S 6MT • 2006 VW GTI 2.0T 6MT • 1997 VW Golf • 1982 VW Rabbit Diesel • 1972 VW Bay Window Bus

  34. #34
    Veteran Member Four Rings Zach L's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 23 2010
    AZ Member #
    55071
    Location
    Austin, TX

    Quote Originally Posted by elijahscott View Post
    heres some pics of the cutoff i got out of the stock housing with clear lenses and one washer per each bolt. Adjusted the adjustment bulb with the lenses off both sides where different there but got them to look the same. Cf wrapped the side marker. I attempted to restore the headlights from major rock chip damage and they aren't much better. Ill probably end up going with these lenses sometime this week.

    Wow, congrats! That is insane how much brighter and sharper it is with the clear glass lenses and the new plastic housing lenses. The comparison shot of the new one of the right and the old on the left is perfect.

    Did you also put a new bulb in on just the right side, or is it the same as the bulb on the left?

    I can't wait to do the ZKW-R projector lenses.
    Daily Driver: B8 A4 quattro 6MT, Aruba Blue on Black, Premium Plus, Sport Package, Bang & Olufsen
    Current Projects: 2006 Cayman S 6MT • 2006 VW GTI 2.0T 6MT • 1997 VW Golf • 1982 VW Rabbit Diesel • 1972 VW Bay Window Bus

  35. #35
    Veteran Member Four Rings Lambda13's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 07 2012
    AZ Member #
    96422
    My Garage
    A4, car parts, paint, random sockets, OEM parts.
    Location
    Boston, MA

    Quote Originally Posted by Zach L View Post
    Wow, congrats! That is insane how much brighter and sharper it is with the clear glass lenses and the new plastic housing lenses. The comparison shot of the new one of the right and the old on the left is perfect.

    Did you also put a new bulb in on just the right side, or is it the same as the bulb on the left?

    I can't wait to do the ZKW-R projector lenses.
    What lenses are you talking about? I hate the light output I have on my e-codes. Sometimes I feel like I have no lights at all...
    My 2009 A4 Prem+ Build thread

  36. #36
    Veteran Member Four Rings Zach L's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 23 2010
    AZ Member #
    55071
    Location
    Austin, TX

    Quote Originally Posted by Lambda13 View Post
    What lenses are you talking about? I hate the light output I have on my e-codes. Sometimes I feel like I have no lights at all...
    The glass lens on the front of the actual projectors in each headlight. All light output passes directly through these projector lenses, so they control the brightness, the color, the direction and diffusion, and the cutoff of the light output. From the factory, the projector lenses are cloudy, tinted yellow, have small dimples to spread light, and they have a horizontal line right through the middle which blurs the cutoff. The factory lenses alter the color of the light and destroy the blue/purple flicker you see on most higher end Japanese vehicles.

    The main difference with E-codes is that the glass lense is slightly better than the US-spec ones. It doesn't have quite as many dimples, but it still hurts light output significantly. It's why people with even E-codes still do clear lens upgrades. The ZKW-R lenses only cost $40 and are a vast improvement for both US-spec lights and E-codes. There's really no point to E-codes when the US-spec lights can be upgraded for a mere $40 and have far superior light output to E-codes.

    There is no bulb that can improve light output anywhere near as much as a projector lens upgrade. The pics from elijahscott above in this thread show the huge improvement.

    Here's the lenses: http://www.lightwerkz.net/index.php/...lear-lens.html

    Clear glass projector lens swaps are a more complex install. Here's a DIY with a boatload of pics: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=708079
    Daily Driver: B8 A4 quattro 6MT, Aruba Blue on Black, Premium Plus, Sport Package, Bang & Olufsen
    Current Projects: 2006 Cayman S 6MT • 2006 VW GTI 2.0T 6MT • 1997 VW Golf • 1982 VW Rabbit Diesel • 1972 VW Bay Window Bus

  37. #37
    Veteran Member Four Rings Lambda13's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 07 2012
    AZ Member #
    96422
    My Garage
    A4, car parts, paint, random sockets, OEM parts.
    Location
    Boston, MA

    Quote Originally Posted by Zach L View Post
    The glass lens on the front of the actual projectors in each headlight. All light output passes directly through these projector lenses, so they control the brightness, the color, the direction and diffusion, and the cutoff of the light output. From the factory, the projector lenses are cloudy, tinted yellow, have small dimples to spread light, and they have a horizontal line right through the middle which blurs the cutoff. The factory lenses alter the color of the light and destroy the blue/purple flicker you see on most higher end Japanese vehicles.

    The main difference with E-codes is that the glass lense is slightly better than the US-spec ones. It doesn't have quite as many dimples, but it still hurts light output significantly. It's why people with even E-codes still do clear lens upgrades. The ZKW-R lenses only cost $40 and are a vast improvement for both US-spec lights and E-codes. There's really no point to E-codes when the US-spec lights can be upgraded for a mere $40 and have far superior light output to E-codes.

    http://www.lightwerkz.net/index.php/...lear-lens.html
    Sorry should have been more specific, I knew what you were referring to, was looking for the link you mentioned. I'm very interested in that. They come individually I assume?
    My 2009 A4 Prem+ Build thread

  38. #38
    Veteran Member Four Rings Zach L's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 23 2010
    AZ Member #
    55071
    Location
    Austin, TX

    Quote Originally Posted by Lambda13 View Post
    Sorry should have been more specific, I knew what you were referring to, was looking for the link you mentioned. I'm very interested in that. They come individually I assume?
    No, the pair is $40.
    Daily Driver: B8 A4 quattro 6MT, Aruba Blue on Black, Premium Plus, Sport Package, Bang & Olufsen
    Current Projects: 2006 Cayman S 6MT • 2006 VW GTI 2.0T 6MT • 1997 VW Golf • 1982 VW Rabbit Diesel • 1972 VW Bay Window Bus

  39. #39
    Veteran Member Three Rings Roadtrippn's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 15 2011
    AZ Member #
    81290
    Location
    Hilton Head Island

    Dang more things i should have done while i had mine cracked open a few weeks ago!
    18' RS3 Stage II and all the Fixn’s
    21' SQ8

    2011 A4 2.0TQ 6MT Stage III
    2001 A4 Stage II

  40. #40
    Veteran Member Four Rings Zach L's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 23 2010
    AZ Member #
    55071
    Location
    Austin, TX

    Quote Originally Posted by Roadtrippn View Post
    Dang more things i should have done while i had mine cracked open a few weeks ago!
    Yeah, ideally all these things could be knocked out at once for the best possible light output:

    - New clear plastic housing lenses: $150
    - New clear glass ZKW-R projector lenses: $40
    - New bulbs (Philips XtremeVision or Osram CBI): $140

    Those 3 upgrades alone will at least double the light output, with most of credit going to the clear glass ZKW-R projector lenses. To take it a step further, for a marginally better improvement, these could also be done:

    - Modify stock projector cutoff shield (to make slight more crisp of a light cutoff)
    - Upgrade the factory 35w ballasts to aftermarket 45w or 55w ballasts (slight decrease in bulb life in exchange for extra brightness)
    Daily Driver: B8 A4 quattro 6MT, Aruba Blue on Black, Premium Plus, Sport Package, Bang & Olufsen
    Current Projects: 2006 Cayman S 6MT • 2006 VW GTI 2.0T 6MT • 1997 VW Golf • 1982 VW Rabbit Diesel • 1972 VW Bay Window Bus

Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast


Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  


    © 2001-2025 Audizine, Audizine.com, and Driverzines.com
    Audizine is an independently owned and operated automotive enthusiast community and news website.
    Audi and the Audi logo(s) are copyright/trademark Audi AG. Audizine is not endorsed by or affiliated with Audi AG.