Foggy/dusty/scratched headlights

[BradlarH]

Hey guys, sorry if I'm posting in the wrong place it seemed the best fit.

My lights (vw scirroco 2012) have always seemed dim and i finally got round to having a look, took the whole unit off and can't get to the inside to clean (tried magnet method). I have some osrams coming but am not hopefull they will make much difference.

Somebody suggested it has a bad seal and its moisture related? The issue is with both left and right side and it looks more like dust or scratches to me, is there any way to remove the plastic and clean/buy replacements?

Appreciate any input , thanks

Edit: to clarify, I mean clean/replace the plastic (glass?) rather than having to buy the entire unit which I can see come in at ~£150 each. Thanks

[Oldandslow]

Wow. That looks like there's been a fire inside the unit.

[Chris32345]

Something really isn't right there
Is it projector type lens?
If you it may work to remove to while unit and add some isopropanol alcohol Inside shake it up a bit then pour out and leave to dry

Wouldn't do it with reflector's as it may remove the coating from the reflector's

[BradlarH]

Thanks for your thoughts

Reflector unfortunately. Is it common for there to be a clear coat on the inside of the lens? I assumed this would be on the outside only

[FiF]

Could that be a lens affected by non UV protected lamps?

[BradlarH]

Possibly, not something I have ever been aware of until now!

Do you mean there was potentially never any UV protection on the outside of the lens?

[p4cks]

Just over £160 a pair of brand new ones:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Scirocco-2008-2015-B...

[BradlarH]

p4cks said:

Just over £160 a pair of brand new ones:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Scirocco-2008-2015-B...

Brilliant help! Going to try and sand/buff them but if it is on the inside and doesn't work I'll buy the pair. Thanks for linking those

[p4cks]

You're welcome. I had a similar issue with smoe mk5 Golf headlights and ended up getting some brand new ones as opposed to polishing them.

Since then I have however successfully polished some Clio and some Evora headlights (both have a reputation for issues) back to 'fresh' looking however in both cases I'm not sure they were anywhere near as bad as yours look.

Anyway good luck in getting them sorted either way

[FiF]

BradlarH said:

Possibly, not something I have ever been aware of until now!

Do you mean there was potentially never any UV protection on the outside of the lens?

Maybe both. I've only looked at the manuals for two of our cars but both say only fit UV filtered bulbs.