VLTA assesses whether the existing headlight and available parts support a defined repair.
A cloudy lens, a broken mounting point and a failed DRL are different problems. First establish whether the outer cover is damaged, whether the housing can be retained, and which lighting or control functions have failed. A photograph of the front alone cannot settle all three questions.
Include the registration or VIN, model and year, affected side, full-headlight photographs, close-ups and any fault codes. Previous opening, impact or sealant repairs matter because damage may only become visible once the assembly is removed or opened.
Surface restoration is a comparison option when deterioration is confined to a serviceable outer surface. It does not replace cracked material, a failed housing or internal lighting components. Lens replacement removes a damaged outer cover while retaining a suitable original housing and internals.
Complete headlight refurbishment — from $1,350 per headlight, including GST. Includes a new outer lens and rear housing, transfer of serviceable internal components, resealing and pressure testing. Subject to assessment and parts availability. Suitability depends on assessment, parts availability, assembly complexity and the condition of the original internals. Failed electronics, damaged optics and other additional repairs are quoted separately and require approval before work proceeds.
A correctly specified complete replacement may be the sensible option where the remaining components are not serviceable, suitable parts cannot be obtained or the agreed repair is not practical. Repair is not automatically preferable merely because it is possible to open the light.
The BMW M4 G82 record documents an outer-lens repair pathway. The Mercedes A35 AMG record shows usable internal lighting components transferred into a replacement housing and lens. These are different scopes, not interchangeable promises for every damaged headlight.
The 2016 Audi A3 Quattro pair record addresses failed DRL boards and light tubes. Its published account includes in-vehicle operation and pressure-test results. That evidence belongs to that repair; it does not establish a test result for another vehicle.
Current lens-repair pricing is $585 for one headlight or $1,080 for a pair, including GST. Removal and refitting is separate at $275 single or $500 pair. Collection and return freight is quoted separately. Complete headlight refurbishment — from $1,350 per headlight, including GST. Includes a new outer lens and rear housing, transfer of serviceable internal components, resealing and pressure testing. Subject to assessment and parts availability. Removal and reinstallation, collection and return freight are quoted separately from the refurbishment price. Pair pricing is assessed individually. All prices include GST.
Compare the identified assembly and agreed work, including parts, workshop labour, removal/refitting, freight and any separate vehicle coding, aiming or calibration. Parts lead time, workshop time and courier time are separate parts of the schedule.
If removal or opening reveals housing damage, an old repair or internal damage that the original photos did not show, VLTA photographs the finding and explains the options. Revised scope and price are confirmed before extra repairs proceed. Prior payments are credited and the additional balance is shown without overlapping labour charged twice.
The warranty follows VLTA-supplied parts and workmanship within the agreed scope. Retained components outside that scope do not receive a new whole-headlight warranty. Ask which functional checks can actually be performed, particularly when the vehicle is not at the workshop.