Headlights reflectors question (e-code style)

[Dannydyn]

To those who modded their headlights to get the e-code look: Is it possible to purchase just that reflector as a stand-alone part? Paying $1,200 just to delete the amber reflector (is there anything else I’m missing?), is a complete waste of money IMO, especially when you can at the very least, DIY it in some form of shape.

I have seen people wrap them in vinyl, spray them in smoke/dark color, wrap the out headlights from the outside, etc….

I’ve tried searching but came up empty handed: Out of all the performance vendors and forum sponsors out there, there is not a single one that sells these reflectors separately for a quick swap? – Even as an aftermarket item???



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[blackfunk]

Light output is supposed to be better as well.

[jmeenach]

To those who modded their headlights to get the e-code look: Is it possible to purchase just that reflector as a stand-alone part? Paying $1,200 just to delete the amber reflector (is there anything else I’m missing?), is a complete waste of money IMO, especially when you can at the very least, DIY it in some form of shape.

I have seen people wrap them in vinyl, spray them in smoke/dark color, wrap the out headlights from the outside, etc….

I’ve tried searching but came up empty handed: Out of all the performance vendors and forum sponsors out there, there is not a single one that sells these reflectors separately for a quick swap? – Even as an aftermarket item???



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I think there are vendors on ebay that sell replacement reflectors But as mentioned by blackfunk, there is more to the e-code light than just the reflector. The lens itself is smooth, whereas the US spec has little bumps, which blurs the cutoff.

[SteveYem]

I think there are vendors on ebay that sell replacement reflectors But as mentioned by blackfunk, there is more to the e-code light than just the reflector. The lens itself is smooth, whereas the US spec has little bumps, which blurs the cutoff.

FWIW, take it from me, the cutoff provided by the Euro-spec headlights isn't so great either. Probably better than the US-spec version (although I never did a side by side comparison), but not crisp by my standards.

[theswoleguy]

FWIW, take it from me, the cutoff provided by the Euro-spec headlights isn't so great either. Probably better than the US-spec version (although I never did a side by side comparison), but not crisp by my standards.

is it the projector or the clear lens that gives it that sharp cutoff with color flicker or a combo of both? Got a pic Steve?

[jmeenach]

is it the projector or the clear lens that gives it that sharp cutoff with color flicker or a combo of both? Got a pic Steve?

I was referring to the projector lens when I said lens. My bad.

[csaudis4]

If you're handy and willing enough to open up the headlight I don't see why not wrap or spray the reflector yourself. I, too, was searching for "readied" reflector but then ended up wrapping mine for a reversible solution. My experience was that opening the assembly was more technical than wrapping.

As to seller, someone was selling transparent reflector on the forum for a brief moment but the volume didn't justify the cost so he quit shortly after. That's when I decided to do it myself. I also remember finding a commercial website selling these reflectors at a robbery price. Just can't find it after 2 years. You don't want to get charged that much anyway...

N6p and Tapatalk

[silverf0x]

I got this answer to pretty much the same question here:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...1#post11536362

[Shaun Perry]

I took my car to a local member, and he did the J-code mod for me.

From my readings yes the e-code lamps have better projectors whether that induces more output, or a cleaner cut off, and the Amber reflector is then a clear reflector.

I requested to wrap my ambers in this carbon vinyl, he also cleaned the inside portion of the headlamp very thoroughly as there was this unsightly residue/dirt/grease inside. And then a few days later I used VCDS to turn off the Amber light inside of that reflector(although once it was wrapped the Amber light was virtually unseeable but I did the deactivation anyway)

$1,200+ compared to $80 a headlight was a trade off I'm completely happy with. My main thing was to clean the inside of that residue but the Amber being wrapped was a great plus so I said what the hell.

If any of you live here in nor-cal I'm happy to share the contact info of the member that did this for me.

[silverf0x]

I'm in a similar situation I would love to have clear reflectors and black housing, I don't really care about the "better" lighting that the ecodes provides since I don't really use my car at night.
I don't want to wrap/pain the reflector as Policemen are really strict about the reflector being present and orange over here so I want to play on the fact that I will still have reflection and with the amber led behind I can still show the right color when the car is ON.
I hope I find a way to do this without having to buy eCodes since 2000$ CAD seems like a lot for two reflectors..

I don't know if I could simply put the reflectors in some solvent or other solution to remove the orange part??

[Dannydyn]

I’m going to give this PlastiDip special color a shot. Sounds like it does exactly what we’re looking for (i.e. keep the reflector’s texture, while smoking it out).
https://www.dipyourcar.com/products/smoke

PLASTI DIP® SMOKE IS A SEMI-TRANSLUCENT GREY PRODUCT. CAN BE USED FOR TINTING OR APPLICATIONS WHERE A DARKER, BUT SEE THROUGH FINISH IS DESIRED. CREATES A MATTE FINISH - NOT GLOSS.


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[silverf0x]

I’m going to give this PlastiDip special color a shot. Sounds like it does exactly what we’re looking for (i.e. keep the reflector’s texture, while smoking it out).
https://www.dipyourcar.com/products/smoke

PLASTI DIP® SMOKE IS A SEMI-TRANSLUCENT GREY PRODUCT. CAN BE USED FOR TINTING OR APPLICATIONS WHERE A DARKER, BUT SEE THROUGH FINISH IS DESIRED. CREATES A MATTE FINISH - NOT GLOSS.


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Just has an FYI: Having seen this on taillights and even headlights on rice cars over here, the result is pretty matte. You can easily see the difference:

[Dannydyn]

Just has an FYI: Having seen this on taillights and even headlights on rice cars over here, the result is pretty matte. You can easily see the difference:

I'll apply 50 coats then...

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[silverf0x]

Well you'll still end up with a matte finish. And after 50 coats it will not be translucent anymore. You're better off saving yourself some time and go with 4-5 coats of blacks..

[DannyDeez]

I love my ecodes. Worth every penny.

[silverf0x]

I so wish we could get in contact with the reflectors manufacturer (if third-party)..

To people who bought eCodes:
If it weren't for the added lighting quality (let's say you would keep them off all the time). Would you still have bought them?

[Dannydyn]

Just has an FYI: Having seen this on taillights and even headlights on rice cars over here, the result is pretty matte. You can easily see the difference:

Btw, DipYourCar sells a gloss, clear coat spray as well. You can spray that on top of the smoke. Also, don't forget that the reflector is behind a glass cover, which provides further 'gloss' effect. I'm going to give this a shot.

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[dyl0n]

That cutoff

[$nooze]

if your going to mod the headlight yourself and want a better cut off on the headlight beam(your doing that much work may as well go all the way) look into the sti lenses. theres a guy that is local to the b7 forums, he was doing headlight work and chose to upgrade the lenses to the "sti" lense and light output was phenomenal. as well as for the side marker (amber) delete you can look into european forums and see if there are any damaged headlights that still have that portion intact and make an offer for the piece/connecting hardware.

[SteveYem]

is it the projector or the clear lens that gives it that sharp cutoff with color flicker or a combo of both? Got a pic Steve?

I'm actually not sure what it is that provides that crisp cutoff. I don't have any photos, but I can say that the projector lens on the ecodes has less "dimples" on it than the us spec projector lens.

[DannyDeez]

I so wish we could get in contact with the reflectors manufacturer (if third-party)..

To people who bought eCodes:
If it weren't for the added lighting quality (let's say you would keep them off all the time). Would you still have bought them?

For me personally, I couldn't care less about the lighting quality.
I've bought ecodes on all my Audis strictly to rid myself of that horrible orange reflector. It's a sickness I know. It's definitely not normal to hate a piece of orange plastic.

[theswoleguy]

That cutoff

Are these e codes or lens upgrade via retrofit

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[4RingRook]

To people who bought eCodes:
If it weren't for the added lighting quality (let's say you would keep them off all the time). Would you still have bought them?

No question.

[b8audis4]

No question.

Yes, still would have bought them. It is worth it, and you will get money back on resale.

[dyl0n]

Ecodes from tag

[Brother Owl]

Love my ecodes, got them instead of oem during an insurance claim. Worth every penney

[infinkc]

I was sourcing the clear reflectors from Europe for awhile and selling them. Haven't been able to get any for a few months now, have a huge waiting list. Guess no one is wrecking their cars as much.

[jmeenach]

Anyone in SoCal that could help me do the jcode mod? I can't justify $1200 for clear reflectors (I'm used to my cutoff) but would be happy to pay someone to help me wrap my reflectors


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[dyl0n]

Anyone in SoCal that could help me do the jcode mod? I can't justify $1200 for clear reflectors (I'm used to my cutoff) but would be happy to pay someone to help me wrap my reflectors


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Just do the right thing and get ecodes.

[Dannydyn]

Just do the right thing and get ecodes.

I have to say that this is one of those things where the 'right' thing is a major financial decision too.... ☺

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[jmeenach]

I have to say that this is one of those things where the 'right' thing is a major financial decision too.... ☺

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It's a big chunk of change to achieve what I want. I could send these lights out and have the interiors custom painted for less than ecodes.

[Dannydyn]

It's a big chunk of change to achieve what I want. I could send these lights out and have the interiors custom painted for less than ecodes.

Couldn't agree more

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[jmeenach]

Couldn't agree more

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Maybe I'll win the lottery and I won't care about the cost

[theswoleguy]

It's a big chunk of change to achieve what I want. I could send these lights out and have the interiors custom painted for less than ecodes.

This is what I'm doing. Black out housing, carbon fiber amber delete, lenses upgraded.

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[yjypm]

Anyone in SoCal that could help me do the jcode mod? I can't justify $1200 for clear reflectors (I'm used to my cutoff) but would be happy to pay someone to help me wrap my reflectors


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Evil Headlights in LA quoted me $300 thru Yelp for blackout the reflectors. I haven't had time to check it out.

[Dannydyn]

My lens replacement (e-code style) and Plastidip arrived.... Looks like I have a weekend project lined up!

[Batman0424]

This is what I'm doing. Black out housing, carbon fiber amber delete, lenses upgraded.

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Do you have a place lined up to do this work? I would like to upgrade my headlights, but if the ecodes aren't going to provide a crisper cut-off, then a custom job might be the answer.

[Dannydyn]

Do you have a place lined up to do this work? I would like to upgrade my headlights, but if the ecodes aren't going to provide a crisper cut-off, then a custom job might be the answer.

ONEightynyc.com


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[SteveYem]

My lens replacement (e-code style) and Plastidip arrived.... Looks like I have a weekend project lined up!

So when you say 'lens', are you referring to the clear plastic housing (front of the headlight housing assembly) or the lens for the projector itself?

[Dannydyn]

So when you say 'lens', are you referring to the clear plastic housing (front of the headlight housing assembly) or the lens for the projector itself?

Lens for the projector. This is essentially an E-code style lens (no bubbles), only better, at a fraction of the cost of e-codes. Plus, while I'm there, I'll be blacking out the housing and getting rid of the amber reflector.

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