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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Cosmetic and Lighting Modifications (exterior/interior) > Restored my lights.



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      04-08-2017, 07:58 AM   #1
F80_M3llow
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Restored my lights.

Hello everyone. So I got tired of looking at my hazy pitted headlights and decided to restore them. I used the 3m headlight kit. Then finished with plastic x and got a great result with applying the whipe new after the polishing. The lights look brand new and I'm very happy with the results. Sorry for the big pics.
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      04-08-2017, 10:32 AM   #2
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Wipe New is straight up magic after sanding the lenses down. Good work!
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      04-08-2017, 10:51 AM   #3
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Originally Posted by 6ixSpd View Post
Wipe New is straight up magic after sanding the lenses down. Good work!
Stuff is truly amazing. Would you recommend putting a layer of wax on top after cured. I'll be installing the 3m headlight covers to protect the lights fully.
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      04-08-2017, 10:52 AM   #4
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Quote:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 6ixSpd View Post
Wipe New is straight up magic after sanding the lenses down. Good work!
Stuff is truly amazing. Would you recommend putting a layer of wax on top after cured. I'll be installing the 3m headlight covers to protect the lights fully.
I waited 48 hours and then applied headlight film, yes.

Another member here just left it alone after using the wipe-new and even 6 months later they looked perfect.
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      04-08-2017, 12:50 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 6ixSpd View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by F80_M3llow View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by 6ixSpd View Post
Wipe New is straight up magic after sanding the lenses down. Good work!
Stuff is truly amazing. Would you recommend putting a layer of wax on top after cured. I'll be installing the 3m headlight covers to protect the lights fully.
I waited 48 hours and then applied headlight film, yes.

Another member here just left it alone after using the wipe-new and even 6 months later they looked perfect.
I did exactly this a few years back, my headlights still look brand new.
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      04-09-2017, 04:16 PM   #6
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So after doing them. I'm still not 100 percent happy with them. I still see some deep scratches on the inner side. Way can I do to rid them.
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      04-09-2017, 05:12 PM   #7
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I did the 3M kit then New Wipes and in an OCD moment, I messed up the clear coat. I ended up having a detailer restore them and now they're nearly perfect. I learned that I'm not a painter and you should pay a professional or you'll be doing it twice.
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      04-11-2017, 01:55 AM   #8
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Quote:
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So after doing them. I'm still not 100 percent happy with them. I still see some deep scratches on the inner side. Way can I do to rid them.
You didn't do enough of the high grit sanding stages. You basically have to re-do it from scratch if you want to remove those fine scratches.
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      04-11-2017, 10:12 PM   #9
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Quote:
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Quote:
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So after doing them. I'm still not 100 percent happy with them. I still see some deep scratches on the inner side. Way can I do to rid them.
You didn't do enough of the high grit sanding stages. You basically have to re-do it from scratch if you want to remove those fine scratches.
Going to re touch them up and post the results. I think I'll just hit them with some cutting compound and followed by some rubbing compound and polish.
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      04-11-2017, 10:14 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 6ixSpd View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by F80_M3llow View Post
So after doing them. I'm still not 100 percent happy with them. I still see some deep scratches on the inner side. Way can I do to rid them.
You didn't do enough of the high grit sanding stages. You basically have to re-do it from scratch if you want to remove those fine scratches.
Going to re touch them up and post the results. I think I'll just hit them with some cutting compound and followed by some rubbing compound and polish.
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      04-11-2017, 11:31 PM   #11
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You'll have to also re-apply the Wipe-New as that will be removed upon compounding.
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      04-12-2017, 09:06 PM   #12
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I think our lenses are a bit different than other makes. I've noticed this chassis' headlights don't yellow nearly as bad, if at all. The UV inhibitors maybe in the polycarbonate itself versus having a layer/coating on top.

Either way, I typically do a ceramic coating, like opti-coat. They make one specifically with more UV inhibitors in to for headlights. If you do use a "wax" use a sealant. Waxes only last about 1 maybe 2 months before they wear away. Sealants can last 6 months to 1 year. Longer if you layer wax on top of the sealant. Personally, I layer opti-coat with sealant, then wax lol
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      06-18-2017, 09:44 PM   #13
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Wow! Those really do look new. Good job and thanks for sharing
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      06-18-2017, 09:56 PM   #14
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So just to be clear: did you use three different products? 3m headlight kit, wipe new, and plastic x? I've never seen't results this good before.
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      06-19-2017, 11:30 PM   #15
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Quote:
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So just to be clear: did you use three different products? 3m headlight kit, wipe new, and plastic x? I've never seen't results this good before.
I'd like to know as well. Thx
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      06-19-2017, 11:33 PM   #16
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      06-23-2017, 08:00 AM   #17
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Good job on the lenses
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      06-23-2017, 08:57 AM   #18
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Has anyone tired Wipe New Tires?
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      06-28-2017, 07:18 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by whyzee125 View Post
So just to be clear: did you use three different products? 3m headlight kit, wipe new, and plastic x? I've never seen't results this good before.
That is correct my friend.
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      07-02-2017, 10:50 AM   #20
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Check this out.

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      07-02-2017, 02:54 PM   #21
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Quote:
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Check this out.

I think any polishing compound will achieve this look, however it will be temporary as the pits, scratches and imperfections are not being removed but rather hidden.
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      08-25-2017, 04:13 PM   #22
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Any updates from the folks who used WipeNew on their headlights? Any yellowing or hazing from the UV so far? I have just refinished my headlights and they're looking great but I haven't decided what to apply for UV protection. Would love to hear from you folks who had experience with WipeNew. Thanks.
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