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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs > Best headlight restoration kit



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      09-27-2013, 06:55 AM   #1
brinkmann
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Best headlight restoration kit

Does anyone have any experience with the Glassylite headlight restoration kit? I've heard good things about the 3M kit, but I don't think the sanding/buffing pad they provide would fit into the corners of the headlights on my E90.

Glassylite kit:
http://www.chemicalguys.com/Chemical...on_p/50102.htm

Any other recommendations or suggestions?







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      09-27-2013, 07:18 AM   #2
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Chemical guys has another video using a sandpaper, polish then sealant technique basically the same process but no kit. Just make sure you use tape to mask off any nearby paint.
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      09-27-2013, 08:04 AM   #3
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Found it easier to take off the front bumper when I did mine. That way you don't have to worry about not getting the corners.
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      09-28-2013, 07:33 PM   #4
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Griots garage lens restore kit should do the trick its essentially two steps with them. Sand the shit out of the headlights then polish everything included in the kit.
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      10-17-2013, 08:18 AM   #5
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I have a friend that did the repair with toothpaste, don't quote me 100% on this one but i'm sure he didn't use anything else. plus it cost him like $2 lol!!

here is a vid

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      10-17-2013, 10:30 AM   #6
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The 3M headlight kit worked great for me, and it can be easily found at most auto parts stores. It comes with a drill attachment if you don't have a DA, including 500, 800, 1000, 3000 grit sandpapers, a heavy foam pad, and compound. It was around $20.
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      10-25-2013, 03:50 PM   #7
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I used the Sylvania kit on my wife's Civic. Worked great.
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      10-25-2013, 06:24 PM   #8
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I used the toothpaste method on my old car. Wet the lens, put on plenty of toothpaste and rub with a WET soft cloth. Keep spraying it with windex and rubbing until the toothpaste is gone. Don't rub it dry with grit still on it. It worked well.
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      10-25-2013, 08:38 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PTek Will View Post
The 3M headlight kit worked great for me, and it can be easily found at most auto parts stores. It comes with a drill attachment if you don't have a DA, including 500, 800, 1000, 3000 grit sandpapers, a heavy foam pad, and compound. It was around $20.
i agree i used this to restore my wife's Volvo headlights they looked new when it was complete. just need to take your time, and spend extra time on the last 3 steps it will take them back to new.
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      10-26-2013, 09:28 AM   #10
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Most of the stuff out there works,yes, even toothpaste, buffers being quicker. Just remember to seal those headlight lenses afterwards! Don't forget you just took the sealer off of the entire lens.
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      10-28-2013, 10:56 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joed1 View Post
Most of the stuff out there works,yes, even toothpaste, buffers being quicker. Just remember to seal those headlight lenses afterwards! Don't forget you just took the sealer off of the entire lens.
Did you look at the pictures? There's no sealant left! Haha
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      10-28-2013, 04:38 PM   #12
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Toothpaste has abrasives so yes it does work but judging by the pictures of your headlights, you will likely need some sanding.
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      10-30-2013, 12:44 PM   #13
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brinkmann, have you used the glassylite product yet? I have a feeling this product will work well.

I like this product because it is different than anything else offered off the shelf; it has a true clear coat sealant they call a nanocoat. The sealant they provide is not a wax sealant like all the other companies.
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      10-30-2013, 01:11 PM   #14
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I used the 3M headlight restoration kit last year and worked good, the kit includes everything but a drill. But after a year or so I am starting to see some yellowish fading again. I wonder If I am due for another headlight job.
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      11-11-2013, 05:38 AM   #15
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I've had good luck with Wolfgang Plastic Headlight Lens Cleaning System. Its a 3 step process, cleaner, glaze and sealant. Seems to work very well and last a good amount of time.
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      11-11-2013, 05:41 AM   #16
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You may want to check this out: http://www.detailingspot.com/?page_id=277
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      03-22-2019, 10:57 AM   #17
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I recently used Meguiar's Headlight Restoration Kit and must say that I am impressed with the results. It remains to be seen how long it lasts, but reviews on the internet are good. My ~11 year old 335i headlight lenses came out looking like new after I sprayed on the sealant. My lenses were getting pretty bad and I also used 1000, 1500, and 2500 grit wet-and-dry sandpaper by hand to remove the yellowing and get a smooth surface before using the kit. It only took a couple of minutes with each grit to get them cleaned of all yellowing and smooth. The Meguiar's spray on coating restored the finish to clear as glass.

As per the directions, you will need to tape off the body panels around the headlights and also apply paper or plastic several inches beyond the tape to prevent overspray from the headlight coating getting on your paint.

My before and after results are similar to the photos in the Amazon reviews below.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M75GUJB
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      03-22-2019, 11:12 AM   #18
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FFS thread revival from the dead on cleaning glass!!

...making me go search a new CG product...
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      03-28-2019, 02:36 PM   #19
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Two years ago, I spent $100 for a detailer to clean my headlights and fog lights. We all know that it doesn't take long for them to turn cloudy again so I ordered Meguiars PlastX from the link below. I spent about two minutes on each lens and am a believer. I drove six hours getting home yesterday so there's pollen and bugs on the front. I'll probably go at it again when I wash it, forgo the pro and do it myself in the future.

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Plas...XJVE01Y9E65KYQ
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      09-16-2019, 12:41 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tcphoto View Post
Two years ago, I spent $100 for a detailer to clean my headlights and fog lights. We all know that it doesn't take long for them to turn cloudy again so I ordered Meguiars PlastX from the link below. I spent about two minutes on each lens and am a believer. I drove six hours getting home yesterday so there's pollen and bugs on the front. I'll probably go at it again when I wash it, forgo the pro and do it myself in the future.

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Plas...XJVE01Y9E65KYQ
do you still need to use a sealant after using the Meguiars PlastX?
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      09-16-2019, 07:34 PM   #21
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I did try a sealant but it was a little cloudy and touched it up not long ago. I have no problem applying the product every six months.
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      10-06-2019, 12:39 PM   #22
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I recently tried out the Mothers version of the headlight kit, I did like it. Though I think the 3M kit came with more sanding discs (enough to do 2 cars) and the flat foam pad made more sense with the 3M kit, where the Mothers kit comes with a huge fat foam polisher which is awkward to use.

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