Headlight Restoration Process *PIC*

noremaC · 07-13-2017, 03:42 PM

I am always looking to do easy & cheap DIY projects for M, even if they make subtle differences.

I've noticed that my 08 headlights are looking pretty rough (pitted) and lack clarity. I want to change that. I've watch countless headlight restoration videos but wanted to come here for additional guidance before tackling this.

It seems 2/3 step wet sanding (500, 1000 then 3000 grit), 2 step polish (compound polish then finishing polish) and finally applying a sealant. I've seen that opti-coat is great but at $40-$50 per small tube, I'm staying away from that.

I have no specific tools for this project (other than an electrical drill), so will need to buy everything.

Question is...should I by sanding and polish pads (and polishes) separately? Through a kit?

Does anyone have experiences DIY'ing?

THANKS!

Update..did both headlights today. Took about 1.5 hours.

For $17, it's a great kit. Does it get rid of all the deep pitting? No. It certainly clears up the scratches and haziness.

doogee · 07-13-2017, 03:44 PM

This:

https://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Head.../dp/B001AIZ5HY

noremaC · 07-13-2017, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doogee

This:

https://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Head.../dp/B001AIZ5HY

Thanks! That was one of the options I've vetted.

Doesn't look like it has a sealant or UV-protectant.

Anything you'd recommend to finish the restoration?

///M Power-Belgium · 07-13-2017, 03:49 PM

Look for a good detailer , let him fix that in 30 min. for 25 or 30 bucks .

doogee · 07-13-2017, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noremaC

Thanks! That was one of the options I've vetted.

Doesn't look like it has a sealant or UV-protectant.

Anything you'd recommend to finish the restoration?

My choice would be a paint coating. Only other option is any paint sealant. Make sure to apply it frequently though.

R3dliner · 07-13-2017, 03:55 PM

I would look into this kit over the 3M
https://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-HRK-...estoration+kit

noremaC · 07-13-2017, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

Look for a good detailer , let him fix that in 30 min. for 25 or 30 bucks .

Unfortunately, nothing that cheap around here. I have the time. And for $20, I'll tackle. lol

noremaC · 07-13-2017, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R3dliner

I would look into this kit over the 3M
https://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-HRK-...estoration+kit

Do you have experience with this? I like the 3M kit because it has drill attachments. I'd rather use a machine to perform the restoration as my lights are quite pitted.

It does have the UV sealant, though. Which is nice.

R3dliner · 07-13-2017, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noremaC

Do you have experience with this? I like the 3M kit because it has drill attachments. I'd rather use a machine to perform the restoration as my lights are quite pitted.

It does have the UV sealant, though. Which is nice.

I've used it on my previous cars. I also have a new one sitting here.

Doesn't require much elbow grease but if your lights are pitted badly, the 3M might be better. You'll just have to buy the UV sealant.
I will attempt to put on a ceramic coating layer over the lights this time when I try it on the M.

noremaC · 07-13-2017, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R3dliner

Quote:

Originally Posted by noremaC

Do you have experience with this? I like the 3M kit because it has drill attachments. I'd rather use a machine to perform the restoration as my lights are quite pitted.

It does have the UV sealant, though. Which is nice.

I've used it on my previous cars. I also have a new one sitting here.

Doesn't require much elbow grease but if your lights are pitted badly, the 3M might be better. You'll just have to buy the UV sealant.
I will attempt to put on a ceramic coating layer over the lights this time when I try it on the M.

Sylvania does sell the UV protectant separately, too.

Curious about the ceramic coating - what do you use? And best place to purchase? Beginning to look.

noremaC · 07-13-2017, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R3dliner

Quote:

Originally Posted by noremaC

Do you have experience with this? I like the 3M kit because it has drill attachments. I'd rather use a machine to perform the restoration as my lights are quite pitted.

It does have the UV sealant, though. Which is nice.

I've used it on my previous cars. I also have a new one sitting here.

Doesn't require much elbow grease but if your lights are pitted badly, the 3M might be better. You'll just have to buy the UV sealant.
I will attempt to put on a ceramic coating layer over the lights this time when I try it on the M.

Sylvania does sell the UV protectant separately, too.

Curious about the ceramic coating - what do you use? And best place to purchase? Beginning to look.

R3dliner · 07-13-2017, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noremaC

Sylvania does sell the UV protectant separately, too.

Curious about the ceramic coating - what do you use? And best place to purchase? Beginning to look.

I bought this for my body but it couldn't hurt to try it out on the headlights.
The crystal serum alone should do it. The EXO is just overkill lol
http://usa.gtechniq.com/products/aut...al-serum-light

noremaC · 07-14-2017, 07:37 AM

Purchased the Sylvania kit. For $17, we'll see how it works.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I will post pictures of the process and results.

Cbozz · 07-14-2017, 08:35 AM

for $150 you can buy new covers and replace those old ones! that's what I did and lights look brand new!

TigerTater · 07-14-2017, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cbozz

for $150 you can buy new covers and replace those old ones! that's what I did and lights look brand new!

Please link what you used because I'm pretty sure the m3 headlights cannot be easily separated and just the lense replaced like on most e46 cars.

noremaC · 07-14-2017, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TigerTater

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cbozz

for $150 you can buy new covers and replace those old ones! that's what I did and lights look brand new!

Please link what you used because I'm pretty sure the m3 headlights cannot be easily separated and just the lense replaced like on most e46 cars.

Just what I was thinking. It'd be great if that was the case.

R3dliner · 07-14-2017, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noremaC

Just what I was thinking. It'd be great if that was the case.

You need to bake them to separate the glue from the headlights.
Not to mention bumper and lights will need to be removed.
Unless you are very meticulous and know what your doing, I wouldn't trust myself with it.

Cbozz · 07-14-2017, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TigerTater

Please link what you used because I'm pretty sure the m3 headlights cannot be easily separated and just the lense replaced like on most e46 cars.

with a heat gun they come apart like hookers legs!
you can find them on eBay just type it in..

Cbozz · 07-14-2017, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noremaC

Just what I was thinking. It'd be great if that was the case.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Original...JYGH7P&vxp=mtr

they come from EU and i'm pretty sure that's where they make them...
I blacked out my headlights on two e92's and then replaced the lenses and never baked them... just used some heat gun and they always come apart super easy..
when putting them together use a headlight seal that comes in a form of putty string - that works the best and it will not leak when sealed.. also that's what they use on those headlights from factory anyway.. as such

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OCI-BUTYL-RU...FXp7Ol&vxp=mtr

///M Power-Belgium · 07-14-2017, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cbozz

with a heat gun they come apart like hookers legs!
you can find them on eBay just type it in..

.

noremaC · 07-19-2017, 01:22 PM

Updated progress in original post.

R3dliner · 07-19-2017, 03:23 PM

came out nice. Told ya

07-13-2017, 03:42 PM	#1
noremaC . 242 Rep 714 Posts Drives: e90M Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (3)	Headlight Restoration Process PIC I am always looking to do easy & cheap DIY projects for M, even if they make subtle differences. I've noticed that my 08 headlights are looking pretty rough (pitted) and lack clarity. I want to change that. I've watch countless headlight restoration videos but wanted to come here for additional guidance before tackling this. It seems 2/3 step wet sanding (500, 1000 then 3000 grit), 2 step polish (compound polish then finishing polish) and finally applying a sealant. I've seen that opti-coat is great but at $40-$50 per small tube, I'm staying away from that. I have no specific tools for this project (other than an electrical drill), so will need to buy everything. Question is...should I by sanding and polish pads (and polishes) separately? Through a kit? Does anyone have experiences DIY'ing? THANKS! Update..did both headlights today. Took about 1.5 hours. For $17, it's a great kit. Does it get rid of all the deep pitting? No. It certainly clears up the scratches and haziness. __________________ Current: 2009 Alpine White/Black e90 m3 Past: 2008 Interlagos/Black e92 m3 Last edited by noremaC; 07-19-2017 at 02:14 PM..
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07-13-2017, 03:44 PM	#2
doogee Major 748 Rep 1,256 Posts Drives: '08 M3, '09 328xi Sport Wagon Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Ancaster, ON, Canada iTrader: (0)	This: https://www.amazon.com/3M-39008-Head.../dp/B001AIZ5HY __________________
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07-13-2017, 03:49 PM	#4
///M Power-Belgium General 63808 Rep 24,787 Posts Drives: ///M3-E92-DCT Silverstone II Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	Look for a good detailer , let him fix that in 30 min. for 25 or 30 bucks . __________________ "MAX VERSTAPPEN" IS THE 2021+2022+2023 F1 WORLD CHAMPION - #UnLeashTheLion BPM DEV-Tune & DCT Software-Tune & Servotronic & coding ///Alpine HID Angeleyes ///Oem.exhaust mod.
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07-13-2017, 03:55 PM	#6
R3dliner Lieutenant Colonel 935 Rep 1,930 Posts Drives: 18 M3 6MT Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: NYC iTrader: (5)	I would look into this kit over the 3M https://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-HRK-...estoration+kit
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07-14-2017, 07:37 AM	#13
noremaC . 242 Rep 714 Posts Drives: e90M Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (3)	Purchased the Sylvania kit. For $17, we'll see how it works. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I will post pictures of the process and results. __________________ Current: 2009 Alpine White/Black e90 m3 Past: 2008 Interlagos/Black e92 m3
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07-14-2017, 08:35 AM	#14
Cbozz Colonel 689 Rep 2,717 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: South Florida/ St. Louis iTrader: (27) Garage List 2016 BMW X5M [0.00] 08 BMW M3 [0.00] 14 BMW X5 50i - sold [0.00] 09 BMW 335i - Sold [0.00] 09 BMW 328i - Sold [0.00] 07 BMW 328i - Sold [0.00]	for $150 you can buy new covers and replace those old ones! that's what I did and lights look brand new! __________________ Evolve, Eisenmann, Strasse, StopTech, Active Autowerke
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07-19-2017, 01:22 PM	#21
noremaC . 242 Rep 714 Posts Drives: e90M Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (3)	Updated progress in original post. __________________ Current: 2009 Alpine White/Black e90 m3 Past: 2008 Interlagos/Black e92 m3
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07-19-2017, 03:23 PM	#22
R3dliner Lieutenant Colonel 935 Rep 1,930 Posts Drives: 18 M3 6MT Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: NYC iTrader: (5)	came out nice. Told ya
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