Cleaning Dull Headlights

[tresean1]

Hey guys...ok I have an '03 e39 with factory xenon, and while the headlight lenses arent disgustingly dulling/yellowing, I can see that they are headed there. Thing is, I have seen other [more than likely older model] e39's with clean/clear (almost crystal clear) headlight lenses.

Is there a way to clean my lenses back to factory (or almost crystal clear) looks?

I look at other e39's factory xenon light output and it looks so much more bright/wide/far/powerful compared to mine---I suspect that the dulling of the lens plays a big part.

What have you guys used/done?

Any advice is greatly appreciated....thanks.

[witeshark]

Plastic headlight lenses may be restored to clear in the same way sun damaged paint can; a rubbing compound can be used to remove the damaged layers. Obviously, badly oxidized lenses may be another matter. Once good (or from new), plastic lenses can be protected the same way car paint is: the use of car wax. This is obviously a good idea for all the other plastic lights.

[tresean1]

thanks, any good recommendations?

[witeshark]

The best way may be to have an auto store person or someone that knows paint to look and then help pick out a compound. After that, any good car wax will do fine.

[cipher]

good advise witeshark. Try a good quality plastic polish, something with madium grade abbrasiveness, the rule is that you should start with the least powerfull polish and work your way up until you get desired results. I've experimented with many different brands. I use Aurora 3000 which can be found only in paint supply stores. You should use an orbital buffer to work the product in (trust me you can't get the same results by hand). When you're done the lenses will look brand new, then apply wax to protect the surface. I've done this countless times on the worst lenses you can immagine and they always end up looking perfect.