Headlight Lens Refinishing 101
 

went out to the X today and started wet sanding the 9 year old headlight lenses. Buying a new pair of oem headlights is way too much at this point. I went with the simple 600,1000,2000grit and meguiars Plastix. For 30.00 Im on my way to better lights.Here is a before pic:
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z...8/DSCF0405.jpg

I just sprayed water constantly on the headlight and ran through each grit using a single diagonal stroke throughout. each grit I changed the angle in which I sanded. Im only halfway on this next pic. Maybe some 3000 to finish it and then more plastix polisher.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z...8/DSCF0402.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z...8/DSCF0409.jpg

Nice results!

Make sure you use a UV-protecting sealcoat on them now that the OEM coating is gone.

Opti-Seal is a good one

Man that thing turn out GOOD.:thumbup:
I have no luck with 3M kit.:(

Thanks! Im going to put on the headlight film by 3m. something real thin should do the trick, probably cost 59.99 for the pair but well worth the protection. Altogether this was under 100.00 with all the material and the 3mfilm. Tom I looked for the 3m kit to see what was in it. Just decided to buy pieces of paper different grit and work my elbows.

I would give this a 2 out of 10 on a difficulty scale.

WOW! Justin! Very impressive...Tom and I have discussed this topic a few times and how in the process, individuals shit the bed and ruin their lenses. Man you nailed it!! Big time!!!

The lady in white is going to be in tip top for June!!! Cant wait man!

Rich:thumbup:

Tip Topless that is

Nicely done.

:thumbup:

I had one of my headlights replaced after a minor fender bender. I used the 3m kit this summer on the other headlight and had similar results. The 7 year old headlight nearly matched the clarity of the new one. The difference is only slightly clearer when you turn the lights on and see some blurring when you look at the projector, other than that I was very happy with the results. Took about and hour of sanding with the drill though, so you will need some patience.

Amazon.com: 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System: Automotive

:wow: That looks great!

Nice work....Theres quite a few threads on this already,including this :)
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-related-...eadlights.html

Good job..I've used it before..I thought it worked ok, but way too much elbow grease for my taste..Next time just use a buffer and some wax and it will take the haze right off the headlight..I used this method after i got tired of sanding with that kit..

This is a slightly off topic question but did you add halos to the headlights? It appears that your lights have halos where as my 01 4.4 does not.

Thanks for the restoration tips too...I have been contemplating getting some Depo headlights but my bank account seems to like this idea better :D

Looks good!

I used the Crystal View kit ($20 at Advance Auto Parts) and got the same results. This kit also came with a sealer. My pics aren't as good as yours, but you can see the results.

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

yes, they are aftermarket halos i bought of ebay for 59.99. They have been good for 4 years, but i did change one ballast for 25.00

Great job. I need to do mine on the 02 X5. A good job for this weekend. :thumbup:

I had my body shop do mine, rhey sand them 600.....12000 then clear coat them with a hardener...$80 for he whole thing...look like new..

I need to do this... I should probably do it while the headlights are off the vehicle.

yes. i highly recommend going to xpel.com and getting a set of headlight clear covers to keep your newly polished headlights always looking new and free of dirt. one of the best investments i purchased.