2001 x5 Headlight Lenses Re-Do

[epdarks]

WOW!

[z168]

are you sure you didnt use a buffing machine? I had the meguiars kit and used the drill attachment with no luck. Had to use a buffing machine

[jc1surf]

wow great job Plyon. It looks brand new.

im thinking of tackling my headlights as well. but looks like most of the gunk is inside of the lens

[BMWSTRESS]

I thought mine was on the inside also.. But I got the 3M kit and was bown away on how good of a job it did restoring the headlghts. They look brand new again. After I was done i mixed a 1/2 cup of Urithane an Mineral spirts and coated the lenes to protect them from UV.. They look amazing.

[X5SND]

Originally Posted by jc1surf

wow great job Plyon. It looks brand new.

im thinking of tackling my headlights as well. but looks like most of the gunk is inside of the lens

You can get get junk/dust on the inside if any of the vents on the back of the headlight housings are missing (or missing the foam filter inside of them). It's likely that 95% (if not more) is all on the outside though.

[jc1surf]

thanks for the tips. yes for reason seems like its on the inside. but as you guys mentions, i'm going to try the 3M. its the fading or hazing patch right above the housing lens. the lens looks somewhat clear on the pic, but at an angle you can see it needs some restor. is this the outside film everyone's referring to? and what other options for clear coat protector after the restor process did you guys find worked well?

[Ricky Bobby]

50/50 urethane and mineral spirits seems to be the popular way to seal the lenses after doing the 3M restoration kit!

[tmv]

I have a pair of 3M protector bought from a member here. Put them on and time will tell.

[jc1surf]

here the results with the 3M hand kit. I was wondering, in the photo you can see and haze in the lens at an angle but looking straight at it, it looks clear as new. Any suggestions as to why there might be that particular haze? could it be that i did not sand hard/long enough? or that's just how it is suppose to turn out.
the before pics is from few posts back and apologies for my massive photos.

also, would using a buffer machine with more polish take the haze away and clear up the lens? i only used about 3/4 of the rubbing compound that came with the kit one pack for both lens. the second pack i did not even use.
thanks. i still need to get some uv protection on there asap.

[jc1surf]

and also to add, thanks to all the previous posts, on this kit and how to diy.