X5 Headlight Restoration

[AV8R4AA]

What if the inside of the lens has dust or in my case water marks.
I have the "no bake" variety.

[Plattus1000]

Don't use wax as the last step, use a clear coat or something like Opticoat, Opticlear, Onyx by Verax or better yet, Ceramic Pro. If applied correctly, scratch resistance and clarity last for years. (ceramic pro has a lifetime warranty) The best polymer or nanotechnology-based polish available to you at the store will only give you about a year.

[four.8is]

I'll have a detail shop do mine. They work on all kinds of exotics and done a bunch of headlights, for 100$ they'll wet sand and buff mine and put a clear film on them. Seems pretty reasonable...

[2001 X5]

I clear coated mine.. Looks like new

[four.8is]

Originally Posted by 2001 X5

I clear coated mine.. Looks like new

Not sure that's a good idea.
Might look new now but not stay looking new...a film is superior because all the rock chips will damage the film and can be replaced but clear coat has to be sanded down, plus clears are brittle, meaning hot and cold will crack the finish, some will yellow, etc
To each their own though.

[Dking078]

Originally Posted by four.8is

Not sure that's a good idea.
Might look new now but not stay looking new...a film is superior because all the rock chips will damage the film and can be replaced but clear coat has to be sanded down, plus clears are brittle, meaning hot and cold will crack the finish, some will yellow, etc
To each their own though.

+1 On film. almost 1.5yrs / 15k miles of being outside and still look fresh.

[2001 X5]

Did my daughters Beetle 2 yrs ago and still look just like the day I did them. I did it in my paint booth with the same clear as I did the car with. 3rd one I've done this way.

[four.8is]

That must be a urethane clear.
That's a different story I thought you just sprayed some nitrocellulose lacquer from a spray can.

[2001 X5]

Originally Posted by four.8is

That must be a urethane clear.
That's a different story I thought you just sprayed some nitrocellulose lacquer from a spray can.

Yes sir only the best.

[sunny5280]

I've been using the procedure detailed here:

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthrea...de-201687.html

Headlights look brand new years later. The urethane blocks UV which is what tends to cloud over the covers. Only issue is the cost to acquire all of the material ran me about $100. Now that I have it I offer to do my neighbors, friends, and families headlights.