Headlight restore
07-08-2009, 04:55 PM
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Hi all,
Well, I know there are several topics here already about restoring the headlight lenses, but I thought I would just comment on the 3M kit that they just came out with. I'm in Canada, so the cost here for it was $35. Took me a little over 4 hours, but I did take the lights out of the car, did both of the headlights and the fog lights and lots of chatting with the neighbor during so probably could have been done in 2 hours.
Anyway, I have to say that I'm REALLY impressed with this kit. No joke, these now look like brand new lights. I didn't take any "before" and "after" pictures of the headlights but I did for the fogs. I can't believe how they came out!
I'm REALLY picky about this car, and seriously they look like brand new lights now. The previous owner did 150,000kms all highway so they looked like a sandblaster got to them.
Well, here's the results... for anyone considering doing theirs... go for it! Oh, and the "before" pictures are after I already cleaned them... that's stone pits, not dirt!
BTW, I'm going to put the clear protector film on them now to keep them looking this way... anyone know if that clear film from 3M blocks UV rays?
Cheers....
Dom
Well, I know there are several topics here already about restoring the headlight lenses, but I thought I would just comment on the 3M kit that they just came out with. I'm in Canada, so the cost here for it was $35. Took me a little over 4 hours, but I did take the lights out of the car, did both of the headlights and the fog lights and lots of chatting with the neighbor during so probably could have been done in 2 hours.
Anyway, I have to say that I'm REALLY impressed with this kit. No joke, these now look like brand new lights. I didn't take any "before" and "after" pictures of the headlights but I did for the fogs. I can't believe how they came out!
I'm REALLY picky about this car, and seriously they look like brand new lights now. The previous owner did 150,000kms all highway so they looked like a sandblaster got to them.
Well, here's the results... for anyone considering doing theirs... go for it! Oh, and the "before" pictures are after I already cleaned them... that's stone pits, not dirt!
BTW, I'm going to put the clear protector film on them now to keep them looking this way... anyone know if that clear film from 3M blocks UV rays?
Cheers....
Dom
07-08-2009, 05:03 PM
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My Ride: BMW E60 530i , Silver with leather Air Con iDrive 17" Breyton Rims with Dunlop Sp Sport tyres (M-Tech Bodykit and rims WANTED)
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wow...thats really impressive!! 
Have you got the link of the 3M kit?
Have you got the link of the 3M kit?
07-08-2009, 05:09 PM
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Originally Posted by keith84_uk' post='936693' date='Jul 8 2009, 09:03 PM
wow...thats really impressive!!
Have you got the link of the 3M kit?
Have you got the link of the 3M kit?
I think (though I'm not sure I believe it) that doing this removes the inherent UV coating on the lens and therefore they may require refinishing again in 2-3 years. I'm hoping the protector film will prevent that, but even if not, $35 in 3 years time and a couple hours to look like new again is fine by me.
Cheers!
Dom
07-08-2009, 06:32 PM
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Originally Posted by dcaranci' post='936697' date='Jul 8 2009, 09:09 PM
Not sure about you guys in Europe, but here in North Americas call up any good auto parts shop and just ask for the 3M headlight restore kit, if they carry it they know what you're talking about. Alternatively go to the 3M web site and look it up. It's available on EBay too. Don't try that polish only stuff... apparently it works, but only lasts for a few weeks/months since it doesn't really do anything. The 3M kit has the sand papers and other bits to actually sand down the lens past the damaged surface and re polish to that nice finish.
I think (though I'm not sure I believe it) that doing this removes the inherent UV coating on the lens and therefore they may require refinishing again in 2-3 years. I'm hoping the protector film will prevent that, but even if not, $35 in 3 years time and a couple hours to look like new again is fine by me.
Cheers!
Dom
I think (though I'm not sure I believe it) that doing this removes the inherent UV coating on the lens and therefore they may require refinishing again in 2-3 years. I'm hoping the protector film will prevent that, but even if not, $35 in 3 years time and a couple hours to look like new again is fine by me.
Cheers!
Dom
07-08-2009, 07:38 PM
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That looks really good! Coincidentally I was wandering thru Wally-World tonight and noticed that kit on the rack with the other 3M body repair stuff. Thought about buying it to polish up the haze on one of my lights but decided it may have been over-rated.
I'll have to rethink that decision after seeing the results on your fogs. They look almost as good as new!
I'll have to rethink that decision after seeing the results on your fogs. They look almost as good as new!
07-08-2009, 10:18 PM
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My Ride: I have an 05 545i. It's a manual with a few options. This is my first BMW but I don't know how I'll ever be able to switch to something else.
3M headlight kit
It's basically wet-sanding the lens down to make it all smooth again. Works well, I did this on my own with 1000/1500 grit sandpaper and then used the Wolfgang headlight restore kit (cleaner, glaze & sealant). It worked pretty well on one of my headlights, but the other one has some serious issues. Looks like the plastic melted INSIDE the lens.
Good job, Dom
It's basically wet-sanding the lens down to make it all smooth again. Works well, I did this on my own with 1000/1500 grit sandpaper and then used the Wolfgang headlight restore kit (cleaner, glaze & sealant). It worked pretty well on one of my headlights, but the other one has some serious issues. Looks like the plastic melted INSIDE the lens.
Good job, Dom
07-09-2009, 11:47 AM
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My Ride: 2007 530i. Purchased 6/28/07. Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Dark Poplar Trim, Steptronic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Bluetooth, Adaptive Control Xenons. 10/30/07 Added OEM 124s with 245/40/18 & 275/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Installed red Cal Covers� from BavAuto. 11/21/07 Added OEM all-weather floor mats (for winter, carpet in summer) and coat rack. 6/26/08 installed M5-style rear spoiler. 6/30/08 put on red reflectors. 8/22/08 Euro turn signal stickers applied. 3/20/09 Installed Shadowline Trim. 3/27/09 Added Matte Black Kidney Grilles from Trinity. 4/03/09 Installed Bimmian Shadow Matte Black 530i Badges. 4/04/09 Installed LED license plate lights from Trinity. 5/01/09 Installed Brabus Interior LED Kit and White Angel Eyes. 5/02/09 Put in Brabus 6K Fogs. 5/14/09 Removed charcoal filter. 5/15/09 Installed light smoke LED side marker lamps from Trinity. 5/21/09 Sprint Booster. 6/12/09 Painted exhaust tips flat black. 6/13/09 Pulled red Cal Covers and painted calipers low gloss black. 6/27/09 RPI Ram Air Scoop from Trinity. 8/15/09 Installed Brabus's silver invisibulbs front and rear. 9/24/09 Installed R-Dash license plate LEDs from Brabaus (John).
Wow, what a difference. My fogs don't look that bad, but do have a few pits I noticed when I upgraded the bulbs. May have to get this kit. Nice info Dom. -Calvin