Headlamp replacement

[flanagaj]

So the Berlingo headlamp units are so UV damaged, that it's like driving with candles for lights.  I want to replace the units, but want to know whether it's a bumper off job, and if so, is it a really tricky job.

[Multispacer]

So the Berlingo headlamp units are so UV damaged, that it's like driving with candles for lights.  I want to replace the units, but want to know whether it's a bumper off job, and if so, is it a really tricky job.

I'm assuming you are talking about a B9 Berlingo as in the description underneath your post, even though you have posted in the M49 Berlingo section?

Do you really need to replace the units, new ones are not cheap and old units are likely to have been exposed to the same amount of UV?

Have you tried the various headlamp polishing kits? Normally takes all day to clean up, get a good finish and apply the sealant but after that they are as good as a new unit. I didn't do this on my Berlingo but I did it on my son's VW Polo that got an MOT advisory as they were bad but after cleaning they were fine and he never got another advisory after that.

A good clean and replace the headlamps with something like Osram Nightbreakers [+150%] would I think solve your problem at a fraction of the cost and time, as on the B9, I think it is front valance section off to get to the lower bolts on the lamp units.

[flanagaj]

Thanks.  No idea, how I managed to post in the wrong section.  I paid a company to polish the units, and then it failed the MOT 3 months later as a result of their work.   That is why I am not confident that they can be restored.

[evdama]

You tube vids are a good start.
One does his with progressively finer grades of abrasives and plastic polish compounds instead of a kit and appears to make a really good job -time consuming though.
New lamps are over 100quid each so you just have to put a price on your spare time and make the decision.

[Multispacer]

Thanks.  No idea, how I managed to post in the wrong section.  I paid a company to polish the units, and then it failed the MOT 3 months later as a result of their work.   That is why I am not confident that they can be restored.

I'm afraid most companies will do just that, polish the units, they look good initially but then degrade quickly. Most, if not all, of the DIY kits include UV resistant clear lacquer that goes over the lamp units after the polishing. it needs a good couple of coats of the UV resistant stuff to go over the lamps after all the polishing. I seem to remember when I did my son's vehicle the instructions stated that about 4-5 hours drying time between coats of lacquer, so I suspect your vehicle only got one coat [if any]

[Jed Clampit]

One other thing to do is wax the headlights on a regular basis , the wax will stop the UV from damaging lens , i do mine never had a problem .

[Jed Clampit]

Thinking about it i should of used it on my face , but it's to late know , can't win them all 

[evdama]

Thinking about it i should of used it on my face , but it's to late know , can't win them all 

Get a polishing kit
Before you get an advisory?

[Multispacer]

If you do go down the polishing route again, just noticed when picking up some items in my local LIDL supermarket, they are currently selling a DIY headlamp polishing kit for £7.99, so it may be worth trying with one of those as at least you won't have spent out much if you don't like the results.