Polishing your Headlights
 

Thought I share this with everyone.If your plastic headlights are scratched or pitted you can SAFELY do the following to make them look brand new again.
Ensure that you dont apply any polishes in direct sunlight !!

1.Use 1200 or 1500 wet sand paper with lots of water to eliminate the scratches or other surface marks.(Your headlight will look dull after you do this,like the left headlight on one of my pics....but no problem!!!!Read on...).
2.Wash and dry your headlight.
3.With a soft cloth apply a compound "T-cutting" polish in a circular motion over your headlight(better to use an Orbital polisher).Use this polish until you satisfied you have eliminate all scratches and marks.
4.Remove all polish residues
5.Apply a high gloss finishing polish(again,better to use an Orbital polisher)in a circular motion,pressing hard onto your h/light and allow to dry.
6.After you remove all polish residues your headlights will look as good as new.(see my picture)

You can do this on most plastic surface of the X5,including the wood trim.

To boost your confidence that you can do the above work,first try the procedures on any small clear plastic and see the results

The pictures...Sorry!

Powers: Pretty good process, there...

If one wants to try a less abrasive/rigorous approach on less abraded covers,
I rec'd "303": I've used it for years on m'cycle windshields and helmet shields.

Will not cure deep scratches, but for an initial "clearing", it is remarkable stuff,
imo. It does require some hunting to find it, outside the bigger metro areas.
GL,md

http://www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=home

You can also install headlamp film, similar to but thicker than paint protection film, on the lamps when they are new. This will prevent the problem completely. Paint protection film from 3M is 8 mil, while the headlamp film is 14 mil.

I installed the headlight protection film within a month of getting my new X5, and am very glad I did it. It would be different if the headlights were just plain convex glass, like the "old days". However, with the leading surface being plastic, I like having it protected from sand, rocks, etc.

motordavid,

Just wondering what 303 product you use ?

Also does it do any damage to the paint finish ?