2003 turbo beetle headlight lens/cover fell off...

[Mybeetle]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and in need of some help regarding my beetle. While driving the passenger side headlight lens/cover (clear cover) fell off exposing the bulb, etc. I never
Heard or saw it fall off but when I parked, I noticed it was gone.

Now it looks like there is sticky residue on the assembly and it looks like one or two of the "clips" are broken. I bought the car used from a dealer and my guess is it was jury rigged at some point?

Anyways my question is.. If these clips are broken, would I need to buy an entire new headlight assembly? Or, I read on another post someone mentioned they sell a front part of the headlight w/ clips? Not sure if this is what I'm talking about.

I'd like to not go thru the dealer as they want 715 for a new one is this something I can install myself?

But if anyone knows if the clips are broken what I can do to save that piece and just buy a new lens?
Thank you!

[IndyTom]

I would just get a new or used headlight. It will be tough to just find the lens part. Whoever changed bulbs the last time probably janked on the lens section to get it out and broke the seal.

I would look around on E-Bay or with someone parting out their Beetle to see if they would sell you a headlight. There are several being parted out right now. Definitely cheaper than the Stealer.

Replacing the headlight is very easy so don't let the stealer do it.

Amazon has them for about 111 bucks
http://www.amazon.com/Volkswagan-Wit.../dp/B002TXBQQ8

Ebay a bit more expensive:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/98-05-New-Be...-/180720359018

[Mybeetle]

Thanks So much!
Do you know anything about a front part with clips. Like a front part of the assembly. I don't know where I'd find that though. Looks like I'd need a new gasket though too (is that a seal?)

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by Mybeetle

Thanks So much!
Do you know anything about a front part with clips. Like a front part of the assembly. I don't know where I'd find that though. Looks like I'd need a new gasket though too (is that a seal?)

Not sure what you mean by clips or gasket? The headlight unit is one piece and once released by the plastic release lever slides out the front. Sometimes the headlight gets stuck because the area it's in gets dirty and then you need to wiggle it and push it from the rear to help it along. There is no gasket or clips in front that hold it in. Just a plastic collar that locks it in place.

[IndyTom]

[Mybeetle]

I was referring to clips that are visible to me from the outside of the car. Looks like they are what snap into the lens and they are broken. I was wondering if those could be replaced somehow or if it's attached to the whole unit?

[D2Beetle]

The headlight can be dissembled, so yes you can, if you could find the individual parts.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by Mybeetle

I was referring to clips that are visible to me from the outside of the car. Looks like they are what snap into the lens and they are broken. I was wondering if those could be replaced somehow or if it's attached to the whole unit?

The headlight is one unit and even thou you could take it apart it really isn't designed to do that. I still say it would be a lot easier just to replace the entire headlight rather than trying to find a lens. You probably have to get a whole headlight anyway in order to remove the lens part and that would just be pointless.

[Opelmania]

The lenses can be bought at the dealer for not too bad of a price. Don't know how much, but you can get them. I'm actually going to buy some. If most of the clips that is shown on the left of my pic are broken, then just get a whole new headlight. To remove and install the lens, use a heat gun to soften up the adhesive that holds the lens to the housing. I've pulled mine apart a couple times to paint the housing and wet sand and polish the lens.

[D2Beetle]

Originally Posted by IndyTom

The headlight is one unit and even thou you could take it apart it really isn't designed to do that. I still say it would be a lot easier just to replace the entire headlight rather than trying to find a lens. You probably have to get a whole headlight anyway in order to remove the lens part and that would just be pointless.

Actually if the 2003 headlight is the same as a 1998 thru 2000 then it is easy to take apart ... and just as easy to break the plastic clips taking it apart.