Recommendation for headlight restoration products

[X5Dawg]

After almost 10 years and 200K+ miles of driving, my headlights are in desperate need of lens restoration. Not only do the look bad, but the light output has decreased drastically.

Would like to get some recommendations on products that have been used and given good results.

[AZX54.4]

I have used CV restorationL Headlight Restoration | Headlight Cleaner
I am actually getting ready to do my headlights any day as it just arrived yesterday. I have used this product on two other cars and was pleased with the results. I bought it off of ebay. It seems like some of the other board members have used the 3m resto kit and are happy with the results.

[motordavid]

Dawg,
Search Tab turns up a page of Threads on topic...give some a read.
GL, mD

Xoutpost.com - Search Results

[duboy]

Originally Posted by X5Dawg

After almost 10 years and 200K+ miles of driving, my headlights are in desperate need of lens restoration. Not only do the look bad, but the light output has decreased drastically.

Would like to get some recommendations on products that have been used and given good results.

Check out the thread I started a few days ago. the 3M kit needs more elbow grease, but I was happy with the results and from the looks of it, it's a pretty lasting fix.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...aning-kit.html

[jst2878]

Try searching this forum under- headlight restoration 101. I wrote a little something. Once finished buffing I installed the 3m clear vinyl protector

[rooroo]

Originally Posted by duboy

Check out the thread I started a few days ago. the 3M kit needs more elbow grease, but I was happy with the results and from the looks of it, it's a pretty lasting fix.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...aning-kit.html

3M all the way!
Duboy's pics in his thread show results just like mine...

Whatever kit you end up choosing, patience and thoroughness are your friends

Good luck and post pics of results!

[jst2878]

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ing-101-a.html

[chefwong]

X5D -

One recommendation post refinishing. Buy a clear film to cover you lenses.
Usually, the procedure is to wetsand and then buff. By doing so, the UV inhibitors generally get dimished/removed in the process. Once you reach the clarity you seek....apply the film to diminish the headlight oxidation.

Good luck.

[FSETH]

Dawg, I used the same kit as AZX54.4 and was very pleased with the results. $20 at any Advance Auto store, no power tools required and comes with a sealer. Also, the instructions were very clear and the whole process was about 20-30 minutes per light from what I remember. I applied it over a year and a half ago and they still look pretty good. Not bad for $20, imo

This thread has a before and after shot of the X as well as the driver side light of my e36.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ight-lens.html

[X5Dawg]

After being a member for 5.5 years, you would think I would know how to use the Search tab!!!

Anyway, thanks for everyone's input. I will definitely post some before/ after pics. I am still running the original HID bulbs, so I think once I have these things restored I am going to replace the bulbs too.