How to ? remove film from inside euro headlights

[funfunfer]

After sitting for 22 years in the Houston heat, the headlights on my '80 528i have developed a heavy film on the inside surfaces of the headlights. Has anyone found a good way to clean them?

[JodyStevens]

No idea. Perhaps a light acid such as Vinegar. Swirl around for a bit.

Or go to dealer and order new ones since they are still available and not really that expensive!

[Mike W.]

If they're sealed beams, nothing. If they're H1/H4, take them out and use rubbing alcohol. Swirl it around, you might need a paper towel on a stick or something in there too. Whatever you do, do NOT use something strong like Lacquer thinner or acetone. It'll take the silvering right off. Ask me how I know.

[maybeillbuyit]

Just curious, What did you pay for those lights? And what exactly are they, I see Hella. They look awesome

[JodyStevens]

Just curious, What did you pay for those lights? And what exactly are they, I see Hella. They look awesome

OE Euro e12 headlights from the dealer. High beams are the "frenched" version from the dealer as well. They are Hella lenses. I think paid something like 300 Canadian pesos for all 4?

[PatinaBeforePolish]

So dealers in Canada are able to order Euro parts? I'm asking as there's a stop order on that here in the US.

[GripGreg]

Hello brother funfunfer!
This is what I was talking about.
It's from 'DWCAINS' in Florida, on pg 7 of the 'search'.
I got stubborn 'cause I know it's there!

What's odd is even though I was specifically asking for head light cleaning,
all sorts of topics came up!!
Maybe a moderator can help with that??

He says to 'fill the kitchen sink w/hot water & a medium squirt of dish washing liquid, I'm guessing two squirts of the good stuff and three squirts of the .99 store stuff? not dishwasher liquid. Soak lights 5-8 mins. & agitate. I'm guessing he meant to say empty lights & repeat agitation about 3-4 times.
Empty sink & rinse lights with hot running water enough to clear all the soap.
Then, fill the sink w/75% distilled water & 25% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol and rinse 3-4 times.
He doesn't say to rinse here but, I'm guessing to rinse. Just my guess.
Shake out mixture & air dry overnight.
He says you'll see a huge difference in the morning. I have yet to try it.
PM him to ask any questions?
Good luck,,,,Greg

[JodyStevens]

So dealers in Canada are able to order Euro parts? I'm asking as there's a stop order on that here in the US.

Correct, you can walk into a Canadian a dealer and order Euro parts no questions asked.

I originally tried to order them through a US retailer and was not able to without providing a title. I provided a title, however that did not work either because it was a Canadian title. I asked the dealer here if it was going to be an issue here an he told me he had never heard of that(providing a title to order parts other than keys/locks).

[Mike W.]

So dealers in Canada are able to order Euro parts? I'm asking as there's a stop order on that here in the US.

Correct, you can walk into a Canadian a dealer and order Euro parts no questions asked.

I originally tried to order them through a US retailer and was not able to without providing a title. I provided a title, however that did not work either because it was a Canadian title. I asked the dealer here if it was going to be an issue here an he told me he had never heard of that(providing a title to order parts other than keys/locks).

That's because it's BMWs reaction to DOT requirements, and DOT is a US agency. BMW may or may not be overreacting to a possible DOT letter, but that's where it's coming from.

[PatinaBeforePolish]

Thanks Jody, good to know.