De-yellowing my e39 headlights

[jcerecke 2]

This is one of those things I've been meaning to 'get around to' for ages. After the recent Auckland meet up I felt ashamed enough to actually make something happen. No how to's here, there's lots of them out there. Just before and after's (not quite complete though - rain came in after I finished the first). They're not even close to perfect - still lots of murkyness on the insides and some on the outside that I obviously didn't have enough elbow grease to get rid of but overall I'm really happy with the half hour of work and $60 worth of supplies.

Before:

After:

Comparison Group Shot:

Old and Dull:

Shiney and New!

[jeffbebe 1560]

Good work. It's a PITA to get them perfect again... Mine are only surface good. Really need to crack the cases and do the inside of the lenses too. Might get the opportunity now I've discovered the adjusters are broken in one of my lights.

[jcerecke 2]

Good work. It's a PITA to get them perfect again... Mine are only surface good. Really need to crack the cases and do the inside of the lenses too. Might get the opportunity now I've discovered the adjusters are broken in one of my lights.

Yeah I should've done this when I did my adjusters a couple years back. Was such a hassle getting that glue soft I really can't be arsed going through it again.

[Lucan 196]

I've polished mine a couple times recently and they get all foggy again in a couple weeks, this happening to anyone else? Can you clearcoat them in something to keep them decent?

[Allanw 1072]

There is a company in AUckland that refinishes them, and them coats them. Was about 180 a pair if you drop them in (from memory). Can't recall the name though

[Michael. 2313]

Good work mate, looks MUCH better!!

[Tristan 338]

I've polished mine a couple times recently and they get all foggy again in a couple weeks, this happening to anyone else? Can you clearcoat them in something to keep them decent?

Mine are a bit foggy too. Not sure if it's getting worse. Did you end up using PlastX?

[Lucan 196]

Yea I used plastx among other specialist plastic polishes

[bellicose 9]

I think you'll find alot of the remaining "murkyness" is still on the outside surface. I don't have much faith in alot of the plastic "restoration" kits.

The BEST way is this (i understand alot of you won't have the resourses at hand tho')

Sand the plastic with 800 wet n dry, then do the same with 1500 wet n dry.

Buff (machine buff if possible as you'll be there for days doing it by hand) the lenses with cutting compound, then apply a swirl remover (machine buff again)

Clean lenses really really well with clean warm water.

Apply 2 - 3 coats of 2 pack clear (High solid clear is best for UV protection)

Unmask and walk away. Will last for years.

Did my partners car about a year ago and still looks good.

If any one wants to send their lights down i can sort them out at a very reasonable price.

[Lucan 196]

I remember you posting this somewhere else and couldn't find it last time I searched, was looking for a yay/nay on the clearcoat.

I've sanded, buffed polished my lens so it looks good for now, but the painting I was unsure of...and as E39 headlights are redic priced I wasn't going to wreck a set...but now I'll give that a shot to make sure they last. Thanks

[danutt 4]

what clear coat do you recommend?? most cleaer applications ive heard go yellowish or murky?tips? cheers

[danutt 4]

so i got round to doing mine with absolutely impressive results!!came out like new..i used the 3M headlight restoration kit and drill...worked a charm il try post pics soon..used 500 grit 5 paads at approx 1500-2000 rpm then 800grit 2 pads at the same speed then 3000 water paper pad 4 to 5 times over light with 2000rpm approx and then polished 4 times took about 2 hours all up and came out an absolute beauty so if you want to do yours then use the 3M kit from car colours it is the absolute sh~t!!

[Lucan 196]

any protective clear coat over the top?

[liyi_92 37]

JIF and elbow grease does it for me. Then I polish it with WD40. Here is my result on my old DC2 a few years back showing one side finished compared wit the other side Lasts me quite a while before I have to redo them.

Edited October 20, 2013 by andy_e39

[twisted 45]

Did my E39 lights yesterday. Simply rubbed down with 1500 wet, then used variable speed buffer + Mothers paint cleaner, and then buffer and 3m polish (just what i had in the shed). Haven't waxed or sealed them yet, but results are impressive - they look new.

They needed sanding due to the high level of pitting.

Edited October 20, 2013 by -Alias-

[aja540i 1906]

so i got round to doing mine with absolutely impressive results!!came out like new..i used the 3M headlight restoration kit and drill...worked a charm il try post pics soon..used 500 grit 5 paads at approx 1500-2000 rpm then 800grit 2 pads at the same speed then 3000 water paper pad 4 to 5 times over light with 2000rpm approx and then polished 4 times took about 2 hours all up and came out an absolute beauty so if you want to do yours then use the 3M kit from car colours it is the absolute sh~t!!

+1 the 3m kit is awesome and only about $30!!

I got some paint protector film from a signwriter to put over mine. Seems to be working so far....

[sam726 29]

Has anyone seen this write up?

Thinking about trying this to mine, it's quite involved and I'm not normally good with patience requiring tasks like this but could be worth a go...

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302677