Night vision camera lens replacement

[schonc]

2013 S7. My night vision took a rock hit. It's still working, but I'm thinking water will now be able to enter and eventually kill the camera.

I found these two part numbers for replacement lenses.
4H0998552
And
4G0998552

Does anyone know what the difference is? Which one do I need?

Also, has anyone done this repair successfully? I'm thinking I may just put some silicone or tape over it as I don't really use the night vision. Also those repair kits are $800-1200.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231023/2bf9ff0b8f44a4f8511a63f4d4bcfe4a.jpg

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[gk1]

Sadly the lens cover is made from Germanium and is just tremendous expensive.
I luckily never had to do it, but I am willing to bet service position and front bumper removal are involved.
Again the sum of the parts involved in the night vision are vastly more than the option from the factory.
Sorry. [:/]

[schonc]

Well... that sucks.
Wonder what the deal is with the german glass? Why not a laminated or tempered glass?
If I'm going to just cover it with tape or silicone, I may just try and get a custom piece of "regular" glass and see how well it works.

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[schonc]

Found my own answer
"Thermal camera lenses are made of Germanium because of the material’s unique properties with respect to the Infrared spectrum. Germanium is an element you can find in the periodic table and directly from nature. It has unique properties of transmission and Index of Refraction in the infrared spectrum which suits it for infrared optics. Even though our eyes cannot see through Germanium, infrared radiation (especially 8-14 um) is very transmissive through it."

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[ItsCAvalos]

I just bought a used one and replaced it myself. It’s pretty easy on A6 TDI. Gotta remover the slam cover and some bolts. However going with a used unit will require dealership programming and calibration.


‘14 A6 TDI

[schonc]

I just bought a used one and replaced it myself. It’s pretty easy on A6 TDI. Gotta remover the slam cover and some bolts. However going with a used unit will require dealership programming and calibration.


‘14 A6 TDII was able to get the camera loose on the S7 but couldn't get it out from between the grill and rad. Might have got it out the bottom but didn't need to as there was enough room to remove the cracked lens (window). Put in a 3d printed 'fake lens' until I figure out what I want to do.

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[schonc]

I did some digging and was able to get some quotes for a replacement IR window.

Problem is that it's a custom size, coatings on both sides, so there is a minimum order quantity to get a decent price.

How many people would be interested in a replacement lens?

The bigger the order, the better the price, but it's looking like in 300 usd range. Compare this to the audi replacement part at 700 to 1200 usd.

Post here or shoot me a message.

Not acutually selling anything yet. I just want to gauge interest.

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[sepheroth86]

I'd bet that if you made them, you could list them for sale on eBay and they would sell. As not all Audi owners are on here.

[suffeks]

what about putting 3m on it next time?

[Botbasher]

what about putting 3m on it next time?

You just need to test what ever you decide to place over it. Some things might pass IR fine, some things might not.

Just holding it up in front of it should tell you.

Cheers,

KS