First DIY on X5 - Almost a second...

[AquilaBMW]

Today, I decided to tackle the first "repair / DIY" the New to me X5. The headlights were in a sad, sad state. I decided to restore them through the process of sanding, polishing and waxing.

Here is what I had to work with at the start:

Passenger Side Light Assembly



Driver's Side Light Assembly (After I removed it)

When I do this, I prefer to remove the headlights assemblies from the car so I can work on them more diligently.

I remove lights to do a more diligent job on the restoration:



These DS2 Covers are a lil bit of a PITA to remove. Easier to install.

I started by washing the headlights with soap and water to get as much grime off as possible.

I then proceeded to wet sanding. I started out with 400 grit Paper for a short spell and then went to work on the light covers with 500 grit. I sanded for about 20 minutes plus with the 500 grit to get them nicely hazy and get all the crap off the lights.

I then switched to 800 Grit paper. I then went back to 500 grit with an electric drill and rotary paper attachment to ensure I did not miss any spots. I then wet sanded again by hand with 500 and 800 to remove any swirls marks that might be caused by the drill attachments.

I then proceeded to 1200 Grit Fine Glaze paper to create a smooth surface and fine haze on the covers. This was then following by P3000 head from the 3M kit to start the polishing process. I spend approximately 10 - 15 minutes per grit.

After the sanding and polishing, I then apply the 3M finishing polish with the foam applicator. I do a damp polish and then come back a little later and do a dry polish with the wax.

1/2 Way through the project, I do quick comparison between restored Passenger Light Assembly and untouched driver's side.

Here are the final results:

Both Light Assemblies re-installed in the car.

Sorry for the crappy picture quality, I only had my ole iPhone with me at the time.


Here are the lights in before and after comparisons:

PASSENGER SIDE:

Before

After

DRIVER'S SIDE:

Before

After

After all this was done, I tried to replace the steering with an M5 ///M Wheel. Oh boy, oh Boy! I got stumped trying to find the car's battery. I finally and gave up on that project. Are you kidding ?!?!? LOL! I couldn't believe what it takes to get to the battery - even just to disconnect it.

Well.... more to come in the future

[tmv]

Good job on those headlights.
Just swap the steering wheel without disconnecting the battery and reset airbag light with INPA

[AquilaBMW]

Originally Posted by tmv

Good job on those headlights.
Just swap the steering wheel without disconnecting the battery and reset airbag light with INPA

Thanks Man! How do I reset with INPA? I am nervous about doing that.

[Roadkill]

Holy crap Aquila, you should see an increase in light output at night after that restoration. Nice work!

[AquilaBMW]

Originally Posted by Roadkill

Holy crap Aquila, you should see an increase in light output at night after that restoration. Nice work!

Thanks man! I haven't had a chance to drive it at night after the restoration, but I agree it should be much better.

[pezho405]

Great job! and the p3000 3m is awesome! you can get just the sheet of it from the auto stores if you dont want to get the entire 3m kit

[Tymatk]

To really increase light output on those old projector, pull them apart and have the projector bowl re-chrome again.

[AquilaBMW]

Originally Posted by pezho405

Great job! and the p3000 3m is awesome! you can get just the sheet of it from the auto stores if you dont want to get the entire 3m kit

Thanks! I actually keep supplies handy just in case I need to do stuff like this.

The 3M kit is pretty too, so I usually keep one or two in the garage.

[AquilaBMW]

Originally Posted by Tymatk

To really increase light output on those old projector, pull them apart and have the projector bowl re-chrome again.

Not sure what you mean

[Tymatk]

Originally Posted by AquilaBMW

Not sure what you mean

Beside from cleaning the plastic surface of the headlight, to really increase the Light output, you will need to dis-assembly the headlight itself, have the projector's bowl re-chrome again because over the time, small spots of rust developed.

Anyway, just a thought.