The Audi A4 B7 is a timeless vehicle, but one area where it can show its age is in the front headlights, specifically the amber corner reflectors. Performing a clear corner modification on your Audi A4 B7 Front Lights is a popular and relatively straightforward DIY project that significantly enhances the vehicle’s appearance, giving it a cleaner, more modern look. Having personally completed this modification multiple times on Audi B7 models, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to walk you through the process. While not inherently complex, it does involve removing the front bumper, so patience and careful attention to detail are key to a successful outcome.
Essentially, the clear corner mod involves removing the headlights, gently heating the adhesive to separate the lens from the housing, removing the amber reflector, and optionally replacing it with a clear one. Finally, you reseal the headlights, reinstall them, and remount the bumper. Since you’ll already have the bumper and headlights removed, this is an opportune time to consider other upgrades such as replacing the front grille, upgrading headlight bulbs, swapping out DRLs or city lights to LEDs, or even changing the side marker reflectors. All of these components become easily accessible with the front end disassembled.
Step 1 – Front Bumper Removal for Audi A4 B7
For Audi B7 owners, front bumper removal is a familiar task, often necessary for various modifications and maintenance. The trick lies in accessing the two bolts located inside the wheel well, at the rear of the bumper. A detailed guide on Audi A4 B7 bumper removal can be found in numerous online forums, such as this helpful thread on Audizine.
To make this process easier, investing in the right tools is highly recommended. A flex extension, like this example, paired with a 10mm deep socket (similar to this), will significantly simplify reaching those hidden bolts. Alternatively, a wobble extension (like this one) with a 10mm deep socket can also work. The key is to have some flexibility in your extension, as a straight extension will struggle to reach the bolts due to obstructions.
Step 2 – Detaching the Audi A4 B7 Headlights
Removing the Audi A4 B7 headlights is a straightforward process involving just three bolts per headlight. All three bolts are T30 Torx bits, but the most challenging one can also be managed with a flathead screwdriver in a pinch. The middle bolt is the easiest to access and should be removed completely. The bolt closest to the grille only needs to be loosened, not fully removed.
The third bolt, situated nearest to the fender, is the trickiest. For ease of access, I highly recommend using an 8-inch long T30 screwdriver (example here). This tool makes the job significantly easier. If you don’t have one readily available, a long flathead screwdriver (at least 6 inches in length) can work. You might need to slightly grind down the head of the flathead screwdriver to properly fit the T30 bit, but test the fit on one of the more accessible screws first. Investing in the recommended T30 screwdriver is a worthwhile investment for future Audi maintenance and modifications.
Once the third bolt is loosened, the headlight assembly can be carefully pulled forward and detached. Remember to disconnect the wiring harness before moving the headlight to your workbench or table for further work.
Step 3 – Separating the Headlight Housing and Lens
Begin by removing the five metal clips that secure the lens to the headlight housing. Two clips are positioned on top, as indicated in the image, and three more are located at the back of the headlight. These clips are easily pried off using a flathead screwdriver. Keep these clips safe, as they will be needed for reassembly.
Next, you’ll need to soften the headlight sealant. Use a hairdryer or heat gun to gently heat the glue around the lens perimeter. It’s crucial not to overheat and risk melting any plastic components. Apply consistent heat around the entire seal. Once the sealant is sufficiently warm, begin carefully separating the lens from the housing, starting from one corner. It might take 20-30 seconds of gentle pulling before the seal breaks. The glue will stretch, so try to keep it away from the internal housing components. Audi uses a generous amount of sealant, so you shouldn’t need to add any extra when resealing. Reheating the existing sealant will be sufficient for a proper reseal.
Important Note: Some DIYers opt to bake their headlights in an oven to soften the sealant. This method is generally discouraged as it can lead to overheating and potential damage to the entire headlight assembly, not just the sealant. Using a hairdryer or heat gun allows for targeted heat application directly to the sealant, minimizing the risk of damaging other headlight components.
Step 4 – Amber Reflector Removal from Audi A4 B7 Front Lights
Several methods exist for removing the amber reflector from the Audi A4 B7 headlights. The most forceful (and potentially risky) method involves using brute force to knock the amber cap out with a screwdriver. This video demonstrates this aggressive approach. However, this method is strongly discouraged due to the high risk of damaging the headlight housing.
A more cautious but time-consuming approach, known as Phil’s method (fly300kts), requires removing several Torx screws to loosen the internal housing sufficiently to slide the amber reflectors out. While meticulous and safe, it demands significant patience and time.
A middle-ground approach, and the one I recommend, involves using a Dremel tool to carefully break the amber housing. This allows the reflector to simply fall out without risking damage to the main headlight housing. The downside is that the amber reflectors cannot be reused if you choose this method. After removing the amber, use compressed air or an air gun to thoroughly blow out any plastic shavings from the headlight housing. This method is relatively easy and strikes a good balance between risk and efficiency.
Step 5 – Installing Clear Reflectors and Upgraded Bulbs (Optional but Recommended)
To further enhance the look of your Audi A4 B7 front lights after the clear corner mod, consider installing clear reflectors in place of the amber ones. This completes the OEM+ aesthetic and provides a seamless look. Additionally, I highly recommend replacing the standard amber turn signal bulbs with “chrome” bulbs. These bulbs still illuminate orange for turn signals but appear chrome or silver when not in use, eliminating the unsightly orange reflection within the clear headlight housing. Standard replacement bulbs will appear as a noticeable orange color even when not illuminated.
Chrome turn signal bulbs can be readily purchased from various automotive retailers online.
Clear corner lenses specifically designed for the Audi B7 can be harder to find commercially. However, contacting Phil (tbm850 at gmail.com) might provide a source for these clear lenses. Using clear corner lenses provides a truly OEM finish and elevates the overall appearance. When installing clear reflectors, adding a small dab of silicone or super glue can ensure they remain securely in place within the headlight housing.
Step 6 – Reassembly and Enjoying Your Modified Audi A4 B7 Front Lights
Before fully reassembling everything, reconnect the headlight wiring harness and test all headlight functions (low beams, high beams, turn signals) to ensure the bulbs are correctly installed and functioning.
Begin reinstallation by mounting the headlights back onto the car. Pay close attention to the headlight alignment relative to the fenders. Proper headlight alignment is crucial for correct bumper alignment later. If the headlights are misaligned, the bumper fitment will also be compromised. You might need to slightly loosen the headlight bolts for minor adjustments even after the bumper is partially installed.
When reinstalling the bumper, first position the middle section, ensuring the bumper height adjusters on the crash bar are correctly seated and haven’t shifted. Then, press the bumper into place and initially tighten the three screws along the top edge of the bumper. Check the overall fitment and make any necessary adjustments before tightening the two 10mm nuts inside each fender well. If you encounter difficulties aligning the bumper, hood, or headlights and notice uneven gaps, refer to this DIY guide on Audizine for bumper and hood gap adjustment. Finally, secure all remaining screws and bolts to complete the reassembly.
Step back and appreciate the cleaner, more modern aesthetic of your Audi A4 B7 with its newly modified front lights! This clear corner modification is a subtle yet impactful upgrade that enhances the overall appearance of your vehicle.
