What's happening to my headlights?

shaggysimms · 09-17-2015, 07:29 PM

I'm not sure what could be causing this. I thought the eye-lits (the shades in the headlights housing) if that's what you call them were supposed to protect them from this. As far as I know it isn't affecting how effective they are at night.

Tim603 · 09-18-2015, 08:28 AM

E90 headlights seem to be prone to condensation, I know mine currently have it so I have to reseal the lense

shaggysimms · 09-18-2015, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim603

E90 headlights seem to be prone to condensation, I know mine currently have it so I have to reseal the lense

How do I go about sealing the lenses again?

LuxAngelEyes · 09-18-2015, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaggysimms

I'm not sure what could be causing this. I thought the eye-lits (the shades in the headlights housing) if that's what you call them were supposed to protect them from this. As far as I know it isn't affecting how effective they are at night.

its hard to see from the picture, but it just appears that the headlights are getting pitted and you are seeing the light reflect from those small pits. Can you post a picture straight on .

shaggysimms · 09-18-2015, 09:44 AM

Yes I can. Does it need to be another night picture or will a day photo work?

Camman · 09-18-2015, 09:50 AM

Yeah just looks like normal wear and tear. My head lights did that too. Can't see it during the daylight. Only able to see it when the headlights are on correct?

Headlight restoration kit should fix that.

shaggysimms · 09-18-2015, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camman

Yeah just looks like normal wear and tear. My head lights did that too. Can't see it during the daylight. Only able to see it when the headlights are on correct?

Headlight restoration kit should fix that.

Yes correct. Only when the headlights are on.

shaggysimms · 09-18-2015, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuxAngelEyes

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaggysimms

I'm not sure what could be causing this. I thought the eye-lits (the shades in the headlights housing) if that's what you call them were supposed to protect them from this. As far as I know it isn't affecting how effective they are at night.

its hard to see from the picture, but it just appears that the headlights are getting pitted and you are seeing the light reflect from those small pits. Can you post a picture straight on .

Outside at a few different angles.

shaggysimms · 09-18-2015, 09:56 AM

The forum reduced the quality of the photo a bit.

Jaronbwall · 09-18-2015, 12:02 PM

I'm about to fix my headlights and do the restoration (wet sand, compound, polish, seal). They look like the OPs lenses

shaggysimms · 09-18-2015, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jarronbwall

I'm about to all out on my headlights and do the restoration (wet sand, compound, polish, seal). They look like the OPs lenses

Post a picture of how your headlights look currently.

Jaronbwall · 09-18-2015, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaggysimms

Post a picture of how your headlights look currently.

I'll post a picture tonight. It's very similar to his lenses. Very pitted from previous owner. I had condensation in a light before and it didn't look like that in my opinion.

shaggysimms · 09-19-2015, 02:06 PM

What's the best way to get rid of pitting headlights?

Jaronbwall · 09-22-2015, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaggysimms

What's the best way to get rid of pitting headlights?

Sorry I forgot to post a picture.

1. Mask off the front bumper, hood, fender, etc to protect the paint.
2. Get an assortment of sand papers (800, 1500, 2500, 3000).
3. Wet sand (soapy water) in crisscrossing motions, starting 800 grit working to 3000.
4. Compound, polish using a car detailing buffer.
5. Apply a few thin layers of sealant to lenses.
6. Remove masking tape.
7. OPEN BEER and enjoy

Jaronbwall · 09-22-2015, 08:06 AM

The wet sanding is the most important step because you're actually removing material. The deeper the pitting the longer this step will take. Don't forget to sand the corners and edges of the lenses.
With a power buffer I knocked out both lenses in 2 hrs.

johnbradshow · 10-19-2015, 06:46 PM

Will sanding the lenses remove the UV coating of the headlights and make them easier to turn yellow??

09-17-2015, 07:29 PM	#1
shaggysimms Private 12 Rep 95 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 328i LCI Join Date: May 2015 Location: Warner Robins Georgia iTrader: (0)	What's happening to my headlights? I'm not sure what could be causing this. I thought the eye-lits (the shades in the headlights housing) if that's what you call them were supposed to protect them from this. As far as I know it isn't affecting how effective they are at night. Attached Images __________________ Current: 2009 BMW 328i 2003 Toyota Sequoia Past: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 6MT, 1992 Nissan 240sx SE 5MT -Expansion always, in all ways.
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09-18-2015, 08:28 AM	#2
Tim603 Colonel 483 Rep 2,283 Posts Drives: 2007 335i E90 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: North Canton, OH iTrader: (8) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	E90 headlights seem to be prone to condensation, I know mine currently have it so I have to reseal the lense __________________ Build Thread
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09-18-2015, 09:44 AM	#5
shaggysimms Private 12 Rep 95 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 328i LCI Join Date: May 2015 Location: Warner Robins Georgia iTrader: (0)	Yes I can. Does it need to be another night picture or will a day photo work? __________________ Current: 2009 BMW 328i 2003 Toyota Sequoia Past: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 6MT, 1992 Nissan 240sx SE 5MT -Expansion always, in all ways.
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09-18-2015, 09:50 AM	#6
Camman What am I doing here? 190 Rep 463 Posts Drives: 07 328i 6MT Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	Yeah just looks like normal wear and tear. My head lights did that too. Can't see it during the daylight. Only able to see it when the headlights are on correct? Headlight restoration kit should fix that. __________________ N52 : 6MT : ZSP : ZPP : BC Racing Coilovers : BMW PE
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09-18-2015, 09:56 AM	#9
shaggysimms Private 12 Rep 95 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 328i LCI Join Date: May 2015 Location: Warner Robins Georgia iTrader: (0)	The forum reduced the quality of the photo a bit. __________________ Current: 2009 BMW 328i 2003 Toyota Sequoia Past: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 6MT, 1992 Nissan 240sx SE 5MT -Expansion always, in all ways.
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09-18-2015, 12:02 PM	#10
Jaronbwall Driving cars and riding bikes really fast 285 Rep 1,002 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (0)	I'm about to fix my headlights and do the restoration (wet sand, compound, polish, seal). They look like the OPs lenses __________________ 335i, sport pkg, 3 pedals, Blacked out, LED markers, OZ Ultraleggera wheels, Firestone Indy 500s, x-pipe, vibrant 1792, PE mod MHD stage 2+, BMS DPs, ARM charge pipe, Tial BOV, ARM FMIC, dual cone, CSF radiator, M3 control arms, sways, HAWK pads. https://www.strava.com/athletes/8309149 Follow me on Strava Last edited by Jaronbwall; 09-22-2015 at 07:45 AM..
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09-19-2015, 02:06 PM	#13
shaggysimms Private 12 Rep 95 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 328i LCI Join Date: May 2015 Location: Warner Robins Georgia iTrader: (0)	What's the best way to get rid of pitting headlights? __________________ Current: 2009 BMW 328i 2003 Toyota Sequoia Past: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 6MT, 1992 Nissan 240sx SE 5MT -Expansion always, in all ways.
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09-22-2015, 08:06 AM	#15
Jaronbwall Driving cars and riding bikes really fast 285 Rep 1,002 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (0)	The wet sanding is the most important step because you're actually removing material. The deeper the pitting the longer this step will take. Don't forget to sand the corners and edges of the lenses. With a power buffer I knocked out both lenses in 2 hrs. __________________ 335i, sport pkg, 3 pedals, Blacked out, LED markers, OZ Ultraleggera wheels, Firestone Indy 500s, x-pipe, vibrant 1792, PE mod MHD stage 2+, BMS DPs, ARM charge pipe, Tial BOV, ARM FMIC, dual cone, CSF radiator, M3 control arms, sways, HAWK pads. https://www.strava.com/athletes/8309149 Follow me on Strava Last edited by Jaronbwall; 09-22-2015 at 01:07 PM..
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10-19-2015, 06:46 PM	#16
johnbradshow Enlisted Member 5 Rep 45 Posts Drives: I have brand new Audi R8 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Will sanding the lenses remove the UV coating of the headlights and make them easier to turn yellow??
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