[13 NF]

Hi
I managed to get a stone chip on my head light, contacted dealer expecting a bill for around £500 for replacement, I have laser lights.
The chip is near the edge, I I am wondering if it's a weak point.
So dealer quoted £1800 to replace it.
Has anyone had experienced this and has anyone had it repaired[IMG][/IMG]

[jad03060]

As long as it did not break all the way through, other than cosmetic, you could leave it if your insurance won't cover it. There may be a way to fill the crack similar to how they do it on a windshield, or maybe an acrylic tub repair place.

[Paladin1]

Could use something like this:

At least would seal the damage and not be too noticeable.

[13 NF]

Originally Posted by Paladin1

Could use something like this:

At least would seal the damage and not be too noticeable.

Originally Posted by Paladin1

Could use something like this:

At least would seal the damage and not be too noticeable.

Thanks will have a go at BMW, seems the unit can't take a stone chip?

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by 13 NF

Thanks will have a go at BMW, seems the unit can't take a stone chip?

Same can be said for windshields. Chalk this up to bad luck.

[jad03060]

The speed, shape, location, and weight will all make a difference on how much, if any damage, a stone will make just like driving into a tree...do it at 1mph, you may not damage anything but as you do it faster, there's a lot more energy involved. Hit it more in the center, and the enclosure might bend a little to distribute the force but on an edge with a crease, that's much more rigid, and the force would be concentrated at the impact point.

SOmetimes, you can drive over a nail, and not have anything happen to your tire(s)...sometimes, you get a flat...if not on the one that hit it first, but as that causes the nail to tumble and stick up to then embed in the tire behind it. It's the luck of the draw...you can't protect against everything. The high strength plastic is MUCH less susceptible to breakage than the older, glass enclosures were.

[Paladin1]

Originally Posted by Auricom

Same can be said for windshields. Chalk this up to bad luck.

This. That looks to be a pretty good whack at high speed - impact on the windshield might have done significant damage as well (likely cheaper though - the laser light units cost upwards of $5k each I believe)....

[13 NF]

Originally Posted by Paladin1

This. That looks to be a pretty good whack at high speed - impact on the windshield might have done significant damage as well (likely cheaper though - the laser light units cost upwards of $5k each I believe)....

Thanks, have to chalk this up to experience I think, but still suspect an issue, but it's no ones fault, if I had the the same odds doing the lottery it would be ok !
I won't get it repaired as I'm convinced it could happen again
Thanks everyone for your input

[Dwillbimmer]

Unfortunately, that’s one of the problems of good quality LED headlight units. They are completely built units that only replaced, not repaired. Gone are the days of replaceable covers, bulbs, etc.

[BRB-Prsch928S]

I suggest applying Xpel or similar clear film on the headlights. Not sure if that would have helped in the OP's case - it won't protect from a heavy hit, but will prevent minor chips and sandblasting over time. If the film begins to look bad after a few years from hits and sandblasting, simply remove it and replace with new film, and you are back to a new look.

[nZtiZia]

Originally Posted by BRB-Prsch928S

I suggest applying Xpel or similar clear film on the headlights.

agree with this. protecting the headlights wasn't a given at my installer when I asked for the full vehicle, so be sure to check. maybe it's a way for them to make more money by calling it an "extra" area...

[iconoclast]

Install Lamin-X if you are concerned with these potential problems.

[dream54ing]

If it continues to crack, your comprehensive insurance should cover it. i was told its considered a safety hazard if the headlight is at risk further damage. check with your insurance first to make sure.

[dream54ing]

Originally Posted by jad03060

As long as it did not break all the way through, other than cosmetic, you could leave it if your insurance won't cover it. There may be a way to fill the crack similar to how they do it on a windshield, or maybe an acrylic tub repair place.

agree, but i have a hammer that disagrees with just filling in the crack

[puckybadger]

Any PPF installer worth anything will automatically include all the front end lamps