progress49 Posted July 14, 2008 Posted July 14, 2008 I brought my '07 ST into the dealer for the EWS, brake line recalls and a software update. The plastic lens melted a bit as they had to do the update with the high beam on. The dealer is replacing it, however I was told it can only be replaced as a unit and that costs about $650. Does anyone know of a supplier for a headlight protector for this bike? I called Cee Bailey, but they don't make one. Thanks, Peter
GordonB Posted July 15, 2008 Posted July 15, 2008 Are you looking for a protector for AFTER the dealer replaces your $650 unit? Or are you implying the dlr is charging you $650 to replace it and you're looking for a less costly alternative?
progress49 Posted July 15, 2008 Author Posted July 15, 2008 My fault for posting ambiguous recounting. The dealer is replacing the lens assembly at their cost. I'm looking for a protector to guard against rocks or debris kicked from the road. I didn't realize the replacement on the STs was so expensive.
MChick Posted July 15, 2008 Posted July 15, 2008 3-M makes film for headlights, it was reviewed in WebBike World. See the link here
stubblejumper Posted July 15, 2008 Posted July 15, 2008 I am less worried about stone damage than the lens melting.How could BMW not realize this is a problem and correct it?
stubblejumper Posted July 15, 2008 Posted July 15, 2008 Now you have me curious,it it normal for the lens to melt if you use high beam?
progress49 Posted July 15, 2008 Author Posted July 15, 2008 The tech doing the work on the bike was surprised that the plastic had melted. He said he hadn't seen that happen before. He told me that the high beam had to be on to do that particular software update. Thanks for the lead on the 3M film, that looks like it might be the good solution - providing the high beam doesn't melt it that is.
Boffin Posted July 15, 2008 Posted July 15, 2008 I am less worried about stone damage than the lens melting.How could BMW not realize this is a problem and correct it? Under normal riding condidtions with a standard bulb there would be no issue as the airflow would provide more than adequate cooling. It would not be normal to be stopped on high-beam for any length of time, in fact in most of Europe it would be illegal if in traffic. Andy
Hall Vince Posted July 15, 2008 Posted July 15, 2008 I wonder if the same could happen on dip if you were stationary for long enough?
Don_Eilenberger Posted July 15, 2008 Posted July 15, 2008 Peter, Is the highbeam bulb a stock one? It would seem very odd to have a design where the lens melts down. If this is the case - a headlight protector might be counterproductive by blocking airflow around the lens.
stubblejumper Posted July 15, 2008 Posted July 15, 2008 If this is the case - a headlight protector might be counterproductive by blocking airflow around the lens. My feelings exactly.Adding any type of material over the lens will only reduce the ability of the lens to shed heat.
Slumgullion Posted July 15, 2008 Posted July 15, 2008 I had more than one headlight lens melt on my ST. I wouldn't cover it with a protector for a second. It will melt if it doesn't get good airflow. I melted one by throwing my jacket over it before it cooled down. BTW BMW was real good about replacing them under warranty!
progress49 Posted July 15, 2008 Author Posted July 15, 2008 Don, The headlight was stock. Damn, there always seems to be a fly in the ointment.
stubblejumper Posted July 15, 2008 Posted July 15, 2008 With all of this talk about headlights melting and final drives failing,I am almost tempted to purchase extended warranty.However seeing as how it isn't offered in Canada,that isn't an option.
IanW Posted July 16, 2008 Posted July 16, 2008 Peter I have one from this company on my RT, it is very good quality and fit, they make one for the ST. http://www.amhp.com.au/ Ian
progress49 Posted July 17, 2008 Author Posted July 17, 2008 Ian, Thanks for the heads up, that's exactly what I was looking for, but now the question has been raised about a headlight protector interfering with the heat dispertion ability of the lens. There doesn't seem to be definitive answer on that issue. I wonder if BMW NA would respond to the question? Peter
GordonB Posted July 17, 2008 Posted July 17, 2008 This particular protector has a small gap between it and the OEM lens so there will be some ventilation. Something to consider; we all drive cars many of which have head lamp assemblies that'll cost $400 or so to replace. Do you have a protector on them?
stubblejumper Posted July 17, 2008 Posted July 17, 2008 Even with a gap,the cover will still prevent the airflow from passing directly over the lens.The cooling effect will still be greatly reduced.The only type of cover that wouldn't reduce the cooling would be a mesh or grate that the air could pass through.
Boffin Posted July 17, 2008 Posted July 17, 2008 One point that occurs to me is do you actually need a headlight protector on a plastic lens? Their purpose is to stop the glass being chipped or broken by flying rocks - this would not be a problem for plastic - the reason headlight protectors are made of plastic in the first place. Andy
j4bberw0ck Posted July 17, 2008 Posted July 17, 2008 I've used a Nippy Norman headlight protector on my '07RT from new - in part for protection and in part because George pointed out that while touring in Europe, if the local Plod take an interest in the low beam pattern because you're on the other side of the road to what it was designed for, you can just put gaffer tape on quickly without running a risk of it melting to the headlight lens (if lens is actually the right description). I'm glad I did; I don't have a pic handy of the stone chip I picked up in Europe last year but it's a small hole and 3 cracks running 1" through the plastic protector (which - and I'm guessing here - but at 3mm thick is probably stronger than the headlight lens. It's certainly a hell of a lot cheaper!)
IanW Posted July 17, 2008 Posted July 17, 2008 One point that occurs to me is do you actually need a headlight protector on a plastic lens? Their purpose is to stop the glass being chipped or broken by flying rocks - this would not be a problem for plastic - the reason headlight protectors are made of plastic in the first place. Andy Andy I take your point, but they sell a hell of a lot of them and I have a stone mark in the original lens I got before I fitted the protector. Ian
xoomerite Posted July 19, 2008 Posted July 19, 2008 Considering the number of rock chips I had in the Cee Bailey protector for the headlight on my RT and the rate at which they were occurring to my ST, I installed the 3M film. It has been on the headlight for over 36,000 miles free from trouble. No rock chips on the portion protected by the film. Because of the shape of the headlight, the film won't cover the entire surface.
rglassma Posted July 19, 2008 Posted July 19, 2008 I think this issue is being over analyzed. I had a headlight protector on My LT for almost 4 years and now have one on the RT and it has never been a problem on either bike. The question is, "Is there anyone out there that has ever had a problem with a headlight on an RT or St"? Please respond. This is just protection in the case some big rock comes up and smashes the headlamp lens. I can tell you, I have had a Cee Bailey shield smashed by a large rock at highway speeds . It is plastic as well, right?
stubblejumper Posted July 19, 2008 Posted July 19, 2008 The question is, "Is there anyone out there that has ever had a problem with a headlight on an RT or St"? Please respond. I have heard about ST lights melting before,but I haven't heard about RT lights melting.Could this be a problem specific to the design of the ST light?
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