Happy 18th Birthday to my “Tank”!

[dkl]

Originally Posted by workingonit

If I might interject here...I presume you're asking about clearing the headlight lenses? I used a 3M kit to do mine 3 years ago, and they're still looking as good now as then (never garaged, exposed 24/7/365) https://xoutpost.com/1231925-post10.html
Attachment 84165 sidelights are different (I never noticed)

In the post I listed above, I expressed a desire to using pre-cut Paint Protection Film instead of using rub-on/liuid/spray-on UV protection, next time I choose to refreash the headlights. I found a pre-cut film from WeatherTech, 40-mils!, that is listed for the 2001 X5 4.4i, but there's no listing for the 3.0i model.https://www.weathertech.com/bmw/2001/x5-4-4i/lampgard/

Aren't they the same size and configuration? I can't find any reference among my X5 repair data that says they might be different. ????

Agreed - The 3M kit gave me the best results thus far. I've tried Meguiar's PlastX kit and that only last a few months. I'm about needing another resto and may give Cerakote a try this go 'round.

Be careful of using PPF on the headlight after removing the UV coating on the lenses with these restoration kits. I've previously put LaminX precut film on the X5 after a restoration with PlastX and it had developed mini and micro cracks at the edges of both headlights. I've used and still uses the same LaminX on my Z4MC and Audi S3 without issue. The only difference is that the Z4MC and S3 both still have the original UV coating on their headlights vs the X5 has had the UV coating removed during the restoration process