Cloudy headlamp lenses

[khanie]

The lenses on my W210 E230 are a bit cloudy - any suggestions as to how to get them clearer? One idea is to put them through the dishwasher - anyone tried it? How easy is it to remove them?

Also the smaller 2 lights (probably have a more technical name) - are they sealed units or can I remove them too? The book says if a bulb blows in one I should take it to an MB garage as they are sealed.

Cheers
Mark.

 

[mioba]

The lenses on my W210 E230 are a bit cloudy - any suggestions as to how to get them clearer? One idea is to put them through the dishwasher - anyone tried it? How easy is it to remove them?

Also the smaller 2 lights (probably have a more technical name) - are they sealed units or can I remove them too? The book says if a bulb blows in one I should take it to an MB garage as they are sealed.

Cheers
Mark.

is this cloudy as in dirt, or cloudy as in condesing water vapour - if its this then you have a failed seal.

if normal coudiness from dirt ingress, then i am at amiss as how this dirt entered the lense
something is not right

anyway, to your post, i would clean it in the sink with regular dishwashing soap, i wouldnt use the dishwasher, i doubt these lenses are made to stand such high temperatures, and they may crack if subjected to such environments,
i would just wash it in regular dish detergent


ps how did you get on with your g/box issues and worn wheels

 

[khanie]

Hi mioba - what I mean is the plastic seems to have become cloudy, like it has deteriorated. Its probably best to stump up a few quid and replace them. I just wondered if anyone else had this and fixed it cheap.

I've been poorly this week - there's a bug going round you know - so I haven't been able to go back to gearbox bloke yet. His next theory was to replace all electrics and solenoids in gearbox.

 

[Parrot of Doom]

It could just be dried condensation on the insides of the lenses and the reflectors. A tiny bit of grime in that condensation, the water dries out, the grime stays.

Mine are the same and I'm debating whether to crack them open and clean them myself.

You can open the backs and check the seals if you like, its only a couple of metal clips. Be warned though, one side (can't remember which) is a pain to get back on!