Spider cracks on headlights?

3Putts4Par · 06-06-2019, 10:37 AM

I used a bug and tar degreaser to remove some wonderful construction souvenirs from the roads in Chicago. I've been using this product for years on all my vehicles and it claims to be safe on auto use as well. Yesterday I noticed this acid like spider crack damage after use. Attached is a picture- anyone else have this issue? Is it restorable or is it time for a replacement? It's a 2013 F30 .. appreciate any help

MmmmmM2 · 06-06-2019, 10:45 AM

That doesn't look like cracks to me. It looks more like scratching.

3Putts4Par · 06-06-2019, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F30ZHP

That doesn't look like cracks to me. It looks more like scratching.

Looks like the product had a chemical reaction to the plastic and it burned in there like that

MmmmmM2 · 06-06-2019, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3Putts4Par

Looks like the product had a chemical reaction to the plastic and it burned in there like that

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking.

Billfitz · 06-06-2019, 11:06 AM

You can't replace the lens, only the entire lamp. Try polishing it with one of those kits sold to restore scratched and yellowed headlight lenses.

deviantspeed · 06-06-2019, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3Putts4Par

Looks like the product had a chemical reaction to the plastic and it burned in there like that

The seller or the manufacturer probably has insurance or a slush fund for stuff like this. My friend used a plastic polish on his Jeep plastic windows and the store bought him a whole new top. Of course YMMV, might just be cheaper to throw that stuff away and buy a new light.

3Putts4Par · 06-06-2019, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deviantspeed

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3Putts4Par

Looks like the product had a chemical reaction to the plastic and it burned in there like that

The seller or the manufacturer probably has insurance or a slush fund for stuff like this. My friend used a plastic polish on his Jeep plastic windows and the store bought him a whole new top. Of course YMMV, might just be cheaper to throw that stuff away and buy a new light.

I sent out an email to the manufacturer... not expecting a response, but worth a shot. Thanks!

upsidedownfunnel · 06-06-2019, 11:41 AM

It's probably a good idea not to do anything for a little bit until you do get a response. They might need to inspect the damage. Even if they don't agree to pay for a replacement, you might be able to get them to pay for partial replacement or repair costs.

Worst case, I bet it's worth trying to restore the damage. A good detailer might be able to polish that out or at least make it look good enough to not have to replace. I have headlight protection film on my car and they still look really good.

exE36M3 · 06-09-2019, 10:15 AM

So next time... consider a plastic razor/detailing clay and either Meguiar's quick detailer for organic stuff or a plastic razor and a dab of WD40 for tar or adhesive-like stuff.

Moupe · 06-09-2019, 10:49 AM

Those ain't finna polish out bruh. Those are definitely micro cracks you feel me?

AndDown · 06-09-2019, 08:17 PM

I had fine stress-line cranks in the left headlight lens of my 2013 328i which was replaced by the dealership under warranty. The right side lens was fine, so the suspicion was force stress on the left lens during installment. I’ll post some pictures if I can find them since this happened 6 years ago.

Update: See this link...
https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh...headlight+lens

Polo08816 · 06-09-2019, 08:21 PM

I had the same issues on both my headlights. It's on the inside and it's definitely not from an impact. However when I did hit a deer, I did point out the cracks to the inspector and they replaced it.

Those cracks are not covered by the BMW extended warranty.

Enabled · 06-10-2019, 06:39 PM

The lens are replaceable, but finding good replacements is often the difficult part.

06-06-2019, 10:37 AM	#1
3Putts4Par Registered 4 Rep 4 Posts Drives: F30 320 Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: IL iTrader: (0)	I used a bug and tar degreaser to remove some wonderful construction souvenirs from the roads in Chicago. I've been using this product for years on all my vehicles and it claims to be safe on auto use as well. Yesterday I noticed this acid like spider crack damage after use. Attached is a picture- anyone else have this issue? Is it restorable or is it time for a replacement? It's a 2013 F30 .. appreciate any help Attached Images
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06-06-2019, 10:45 AM	#2
MmmmmM2 Colonel 2591 Rep 2,433 Posts Drives: 2021 M2C Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Claremont, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 Mazda CX-5 [0.00] 2021 BMW M2C [0.00]	That doesn't look like cracks to me. It looks more like scratching.
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06-06-2019, 11:06 AM	#5
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8264 Rep 16,111 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	You can't replace the lens, only the entire lamp. Try polishing it with one of those kits sold to restore scratched and yellowed headlight lenses.
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06-06-2019, 11:41 AM	#8
upsidedownfunnel Colonel 2000 Rep 2,499 Posts Drives: 2014 335i Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: SoCal iTrader: (4) Garage List 2014 BMW 335i [0.00]	It's probably a good idea not to do anything for a little bit until you do get a response. They might need to inspect the damage. Even if they don't agree to pay for a replacement, you might be able to get them to pay for partial replacement or repair costs. Worst case, I bet it's worth trying to restore the damage. A good detailer might be able to polish that out or at least make it look good enough to not have to replace. I have headlight protection film on my car and they still look really good.
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06-09-2019, 10:15 AM	#9
exE36M3 BMW CCA Member 488 Rep 808 Posts Drives: 2015 435i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: NorCal iTrader: (4)	So next time... consider a plastic razor/detailing clay and either Meguiar's quick detailer for organic stuff or a plastic razor and a dab of WD40 for tar or adhesive-like stuff.
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06-09-2019, 10:49 AM	#10
Moupe Monobloc 332 Rep 447 Posts Drives: '02 M Coupe - '19 F31 330ix Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bay Area, Killa Kali iTrader: (1) Garage List 2019 BMW F31 M Spor ... [0.00]	Those ain't finna polish out bruh. Those are definitely micro cracks you feel me? __________________ -2023 Honda Odyssey Elite - Sonic Gray Pearl / Black -2019 F31 330ix Individual - Champagne Quartz / Coral Red (M-sport, Exec, Premium, Track) -2004 Honda CRV AWD - Silver / Black -2002 S54 M Coupé - Steel Gray / Dark Gray/Black
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06-09-2019, 08:17 PM	#11
AndDown Just Copacetic! 178 Rep 616 Posts Drives: 2019 F22 230i MSport Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Redlands, CA iTrader: (0)	I had fine stress-line cranks in the left headlight lens of my 2013 328i which was replaced by the dealership under warranty. The right side lens was fine, so the suspicion was force stress on the left lens during installment. I’ll post some pictures if I can find them since this happened 6 years ago. Update: See this link... https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh...headlight+lens __________________ '01 X5 3.0 AlpWhite '16 428i GC AlpWhite '19 230i MSptPkg AlpWhite Last edited by AndDown; 06-09-2019 at 08:32 PM..
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06-09-2019, 08:21 PM	#12
Polo08816 Brigadier General 1613 Rep 3,952 Posts Drives: 2014 335i M Sport Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	I had the same issues on both my headlights. It's on the inside and it's definitely not from an impact. However when I did hit a deer, I did point out the cracks to the inspector and they replaced it. Those cracks are not covered by the BMW extended warranty.
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06-10-2019, 06:39 PM	#13
Enabled Lieutenant Colonel 1410 Rep 1,807 Posts Drives: 328xd Wagon, M2 Competition Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	The lens are replaceable, but finding good replacements is often the difficult part. __________________ -2014 328d Wagon, 8HP. Self-tuned, 270hp/430ft-lbs. -2019 M2 Competition MT, Alpine White. Self-tuned 560hp -2016 Mini Cooper S, MT. Many plans. Others: -E36 328is. 2000 Z3 Roady. 2003 VW Jetta TDI Manual. Estoril Z3M Coupe.
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