BMW E30 Headlight Restoration | BMW E30 325i Sport Restoration E6 S1

Thanks to Buycarparts.co.uk for sponsoring today's restoration. Get 21% off your order! - www.buycarparts.co.uk/brake-d...
In episode 6 of the BMW E30 325i restoration project, I restore the headlights.
Again, these are something I have already restored before starting YT. So I bought some from eBay for the channel thinking they were pre-facelift metal frames, not facelift plastic frames. But none the less, it was still a fun restoration.
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If you would like to send me something to restore, tools to use or anything to support Restore It, please email:
[e-mail]
Tools & equpitment used:
Headlight restoration kit - bit.ly/2Bx0s1D
Variable Speed Bench Grinder - bit.ly/2GxluD2
Quartz Lacquer - goo.gl/8PTVKM
Base Coat Paint - goo.gl/mWhufG
Rust Remover - goo.gl/13gopW
Moldex Full Face Mask - goo.gl/NNYGrv
FGL 5 Spray gun - goo.gl/Acg5rd
A.N.I. R150-T Mini Spray gun - goo.gl/cHTJS2
Colad Washable Overalls - goo.gl/3Css9E
Colad Mixing Cups - goo.gl/8DYmE8
Colad TurboMix Sticks - goo.gl/cYZfks
Colad Synthetic Paint Strainers - goo.gl/H79ZgL
Steel wire bits - geni.us/keyaD
Rotary Tool - geni.us/HGed
Concentrate Degreaser - geni.us/yUn9
Mannesmann Socket Set - geni.us/HCDZ
PROCESS:
Firstly I dismantled the lights completely. As most of the mounts and adjusters hadn't been moved in years, it was quite tricking getting everything apart compared to putting it back together. Once apart, I got straight to blasting the surrounding rings to remove all the rust and old paint. I then buffed them on the buffing wheel and hammered them straight as some were bent. I then etched, primed, filled, primed, painted and lacquered the rings.
The main headlight housings only need a clean and a small amount of rust removal. When I was preparing for this project, I forgot about that fact I might need to touch up the backs of the lights. I'm going to get some paint and do that in the near future.
Once everything was clean and rust free, I set about restoring the lenses. I had some trouble to begin with as the kit I got was for plastic headlights. The sandpaper did nothing to the glass. I then swapped the paper supplied for some aluminum oxide paper and that cut straight through the top layer.
After going over with 320, 600, 1000 grit sandpaper I then used some water with a 3000 grit 3M pad before moving to the orange sponge pad with cutting compound. I was happy with the ends results but I would have to do a lot more work to get rid of the chips. I could have also lacquered the lenses and may still do this.
It was then a matter of reassembling the headlights and giving them a test as I hadn't done so before then. All of the lights worked and are nice and bright. Restoration complete.
- Disclaimer: I am no professional. Especially when it comes to electrics. It is certainly an area I am looking to improve in. I am completely self-taught and have no previous trade experience. I would appreciate any feedback, advice or constructive criticism.
I don't add music to these videos so that you can choose to listen to what you like if you would like to.
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[@jamesmclean2500]

We need a entire almost car tour after its completed.

[@RestoreIt]

You'll see everything, don't worry.

[@jamesmclean2500]

Best youtuber replies ro every comment

[@rohitgodse1076]

James Mclean bmw e30

[@GeorgeEI7KO]

Savage job lad. Can't wait to see this car finished. Should be better than factory.

[@RestoreIt]

Cheers George. Me either mate. When i get to spain its game on.

[@RestoreIt]

Cheers George. Me either mate. When i get to spain its game on.

[@MCSDorneles]

The best part of all of this, is that you are fully restoring your car. Thats what i call love. Looking foward to the next video.

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you, Matheus!

[@straight2dapointD]

I cant wait to see this car fully restored

[@RestoreIt]

Me either!

[@amrgamal4031]

@@RestoreIt same

[@mohdzuhair90]

Yeah me too

[@Inimbrium]

@@RestoreIt You and 339k subs :) No pressure lol

[@itstallionman]

Here's a suggestion for the next time you need to remove dents and dings from light guage metal objects. Use a drill press with a punch or panhead bolt chucked up. It allows exact pressure to push the dents out without stretching the metal even more like a hammer does. Works really well on stainless and aluminum. Nice editing!

[@964tractorboy]

Thanks for the copious notes in the description regarding tools, materials and processes. Invaluable shortcuts!

[@Doc__Vegapunk]

Man the quality of your work is always top notch. Love the BMW series, I'll see you at 1 million subscribers!

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Alex! If I get to 1m subs i'll send you something i've restored. See you there!

[@timothypaulson6779]

I really enjoy your vids, its nice to see someone that has an eye for detail and is a perfectionist like myself, i look forward to seeing more in the future and the eventual completion of your BMW. Its going to be a beautiful car i bet.

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you, Timothy, I do hope so!

[@avec-zam7301]

@@RestoreIt same here, all the people in this post could start a company and sell the most loved restauration parts ever. I'm a gunsmith and car mecanic in my lost time on old timer cars and bike's, the way you work satisfacts my mind. Respect and here is my Follow.

[@dennisl1171]

So basically this will most likely be the cleanest and nicest running E30 in the UK. Great video

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Dennis! I do hope so, although i'm taking it to Spain so it should't rust again as easily :)

[@Inimbrium]

@@RestoreIt Moving to Spain? Awesome. You won't ever have to worry about your paint not drying properly because of the cold :)

[@JorgeInTheTube]

This detail of workmanship for restoration is exactly how I like to perform my projects. Amazing results. Thanks for the tips!

[@bscubed]

Man I get so excited every time I see a new E30 video out. One step closer to a finished beauty!

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks, Brendan! So, so much more to come before it's done but we'll get there!

[@kasi1003]

e30s headlights are really cool looking

[@jdmturbo4947]

Yes

[@RestoreIt]

They make the car what it is :)

[@jdmturbo4947]

Thanks restore it!!

[@dan725]

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[@nicole_toast]

I’m not too privy when it comes to cars, much less older model cars and their parts but I love watching all of your videos for your BMW restoration!! I’m so excited to see the final product, but I’m also even more excited to watch all your future videos and follow your work closely through all the progress and hard work you put in! It’s so much more fun watching how something came to be, than seeing the final product. It makes the process that much more gratifying :)

[@HelpingHandAutoRepair]

Man us here in the states would love a set of smileys. 😊 lucky you they are everywhere.

[@RestoreIt]

I'm sure someone would send some over :)

[@ianchi]

Once again you have surpassed yourself! Love your videos! Helps me to unwind after a hard days work...

[@lepeejon2955]

Excellent video. When I restored my headlights I used the wet sanding technique before moving on to the polishing phase. It's a bit messier but it seems to do a faster job plus you can rinse the piece clean for a better inspection.

[@DronZizzle]

can't believe you purchase new headlights just to show us how you did it the first time

[@RestoreIt]

Its the least i can do for my audience Dron. You guys are the best.

[@mobydoux]

Me too, I feel special.

[@DieselKoks]

It's simple business He bought it restored it in front of camera for us of course and gonna sell it :)

[@Firewalker30091985]

Perfect 😅 Greeting from Germany I am sure that Car was really betterthan new ifyou finish your Work like this! The Differntial was new NEVER been painted only Waxing.. And Clear Coat maybe... Great work niceto se an Proffesional at Work :)

[@Inimbrium]

He can keep them as spares. You never know when you'll get a stone chip. Or sell them as restored for quite a bit I'd imagine.

[@labellesworkshop]

I love the detail that you provide in your video descriptions. Also, great work on all of the restorations so far, I can't wait to see how the car turns out 👍🏻👍🏻

[@RestoreIt]

Big thanks LaBelle's! Me either!

[@michaelroloff2804]

Wow, every time i saw a new part of your restorations for this E30 i‘ll be more and more amazed about your patience!

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Michael. I hope to never run out patience :)

[@rubenolaussen6227]

Restore It I hope our support will help you with that 😄

[@xtina818]

I love that older things can be restored. The new stuff is completely sealed and if a led goes out the whole thing needs to be replaced

[@RestoreIt]

Too true Xt.

[@anonymousmafia6973]

This channel is soo calming and therapeutic for me great job and so excited for the next vid

[@thetruejay20]

Glad to see a sponsor, you definitely deserve it!

[@fordfan3179]

I can't wait to see the whole car.

[@RestoreIt]

Me either Ford Fan, thanks!

[@fordfan3179]

What year car are you working on? Both sides look great.

[@DominickNicolai]

How often do you refer back to your disassembly footage to remember how something goes back together?

[@olskool3967]

I have been wondering the same thing,,,,,,,,,

[@HeIsTheHighlander]

I'm 3rd in this list )

[@Tenkaichibudokai22]

4th in the list

[@anangnosikusmuntono5634]

Thats my question too

[@kongyumok7512]

I'm sixth

[@umairmehmood1749]

Been following your channel for a long time....love your work....awesome job......cant wait to see the whole car....

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Umiar, much appreciated. I can't either.

[@stevendewinter9506]

only found this now. Very impressive !! a true magician !!

[@durranishaheer-hy6do]

excellent work

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Durrani.

[@AliIShaki]

That before\after polish made me smile, so thanks.

[@grahamefreestone5309]

Nice job again Steve. It might be worth a try on an old spare headlight, but I've polished 4 wristwatch crystals using solvol autosol and it's worked very very well. 👍 🇬🇧

[@RestoreIt]

Cheers as always Ben! Using that didn't actually cross my mind, I will give that a go actually. Thank you!

[@irishwristwatch2487]

Did anyone else have a giggle at 4:07 or am I just a child? Can't believe you bought another set just to show us too! The project must be coming along nicely now!

[@jimleon7894]

Beautiful work!

[@cg6522]

Awesome painting work as usual. Best of YT.

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you, Christophe! But check out 'The GunMan' for some real professional paint jobs! Tell him I sent you!

[@boomshorts1332]

Now thats what i call a beauty restoration

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Mannyy!!

[@salimtaher442]

strongly that this BMW is restored 100%, a real treat your videos, it is not feel the time spent. thank you for your professionalism.

[@markbrown1609]

good job from over here cross the pond, i'm doing mine this week. I pick up some tips thanks for sharing.

[@M1LAD81]

Great video! In future, when you come to cut the glass with compound, use any old spray bottle with plain regular tap water to keep the pad and surface moist. You'll find you'll use a heck of a lot less compound to get the same finish. Also it's worth using a D.A. at the point of cutting compound and polish. I've done it many times. Keep up the good work!

[@RestoreIt]

M1LAD thanks for the info man. Solid advice and I will remember that. thanks again.

[@callmegeorge]

I can’t wait to see the engine restoration. That should be incredible. Probably a multi-part series on that alone.

[@rrpeguero]

Keep the good job. I'm about to get a 318i in a few days. Can't wait to see you working on the engine. Greetings from Dominican Republic

[@nicksalvatore5717]

So cool. Instead of buying new parts you just restore the ones you have. I love this channel so much.

[@RestoreIt]

Exactly nick! Well, as much as I can. Thanks!

[@user-jz2cz4qk7v]

Красавчик . Всё делает отлично,аккуратно и приятно👍

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you very much АБДУЛЬ!

[@ChillingFoil]

cant wait to see the car all restored up

[@fly-high-me]

What a shiny beauty!

[@RestoreIt]

Cheers Fly-High

[@shvakystan6172]

God, this BMW is going to be something!

[@williamfindspeople4341]

I enjoyed your video. I used to restore old rolls-royces for a retired lieutenant colonel is south Florida. You may want to start to use ground Walnut shells for your sandblaster, you may find you'll have a better texture with paint removal. Also you can use synthetic beads additive you only put about 80 ml in with your sand mixture but you have to change it regularly. So many guys continue to use their sand Reservoir not realizing that it is filled was rust in all kinds of junk.

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you William, and thank you for the advice, I will follow it.

[@franceleeparis37]

A thing of beauty is a joy to behold... if only I had the time, the money, the tools and the brilliant skills to copy you...

[@David-zo2np]

Thanks for all your videos! Love your channel and your work

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you, David, I will keep going!

[@josiptadic8301]

Your lenses are still blurry, they may look ok, but they are not. Bmw e30's and e34's are known to have weak headlight from factory, that's why people put xenon or led lights inside. To restore them properly you need to polish the lens inside, and redo the nickel coating inside. I have seen people do this, the difference is huge. Keep up the good work, I enjoy your videos as e30 owner and fan.

[@sv_cheats1970]

Znači ima nas ;)

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks, Josip. I am going to be doing a part two on these in the future. I'm going to add some touch-up paint, heat gun the lens off and polish the insides and out using a variety of products, and I didn't know it was a nickel coating inside. I have a how-to Nickel plate video coming up soon as I have a kit. Thanks again!

[@boriss187]

E34 owner here, and i do confirm that headlights really are pathetic.

[@savedbygrace897]

There are two different Headlight Manufactures BMW used on the E30 - Hella and Bosch. Hella used plastic Reflectors on their Products, which are rubbish and weak. Bosch on the other hand are from Metal and their chrome on the Reflector will last for ever. The Headlights in this Video are from Bosch, so there is no need to redo any coating. Just a little wipe and there are clean and shiny. On the Hellas this is not possible.

[@tygrysisko]

@@RestoreIt I wanted to state the very same thing but Josip was faster. But I would add something about polishing glass: you should use the cerium oxide. It is sold as powder and does much better job than any polishing compound mainly designed for paint.

[@njalulf3523]

Nice video

[@frostbite1991]

I cant wait to see the car when it's done. I miss my E30 dearly

[@RestoreIt]

Me either Zac. Get one quick!

[@sonyhk3824]

Amazing nice restoration it's a dentist work. Cheers

[@qalandaryar]

Can't wait to see the whole car.

[@RestoreIt]

Me either Matt!

[@EvgeniyShtuchyy]

Good work !!!

[@copertino2]

Nice work! I restored the same way my mk3 mr2 front light 6 months ago, like you just by sanding then polishing. The result was nice but with time they turned back yellow... In fact you should put uv resistant clearcoat on your glass to ensure time resistance... As I'm writing this I'm restoring my headlight twice x) Your videos rock and are really helpful. Thank you for sharing your work with us :)

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you for this Nicolas. I will be doing a part two adding a protective coating and adding some touch-up paint. I may also polish inside the lenses as well. Thanks again as always.

[@dreadmireironbound8418]

Can't wait to see the final product of this series

[@Alex-ry2ds]

Great job, as always!!!

[@tkracing5945]

Great video as usual ! This is so great to follow this series because i know how much time it takes, been there too ! Anyway great job ! Keep restoring and uploading !!

[@RestoreIt]

Big thanks Tk! Much appreciated, I will definitely not stop :)

[@MyTubeSVp]

A bench grinder, finally ! 👍 Congratulisations ! 😉

[@nathanf2690]

Great Job! They look awesome. The white stuff in yhe headlight is an old style uv protectant. Which you also forgot to put on. Just giving you a heads up they're going to yellow very fast

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks Nathan. Part two coming soon and I'm keeping them in a pitch black box for now haha.

[@maximeemond2009]

glass doesn't yellow

[@nathanf2690]

@@maximeemond2009 I thought he said they were plastic

[@alessandropezzella9274]

Bmw una auto magnifica vedo che stai sistemando spettacolo

[@BluVergilWolf]

Super job, well done. I like it

[@gutsy.trails.adventure]

Well done mate. That's truly a remarkable result. I'm contemplating doing this on my E30, but I have been put off as I've heard the glass polish was a nightmare. But you showed that it can be done. I know that it probably took you at least a good hour or so per glass but the effort really payed out. Thanks for sharing. It will come in very handy!

[@RestoreIt]

Big thank you, Don! I did spend an awful lot of time trying to get them as good as possible, but I think I need to do more! Go for it Don and good luck!

[@gutsy.trails.adventure]

@@RestoreIt Thx mate, I will at some point. Rear suspension first :-) Thanks again for sharing!

[@ns1055]

beautiful work as usual

[@MusicHunterzzz]

That's Just awesome dude. Keep up the beautifull work.

[@Squidsauce46]

Nice restoration

[@Matsugms25]

Great job mate!! Ficou lindo

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Gabriel!

[@Mrcaffinebean]

I have a 96 Range Rover with glass headlight that look pretty dang good but I didn't realize that those 3M kits will work on glass. I might give them a shot. Great video!

[@juju22808]

I really enjoy your videos....and it inspired me. Thanks Restore It...keep up the good work. Keren banget...from Indonesia.

[@julek43]

Are u going to restorate a whole car? This gonna be awesome!

[@colinwest9000]

Great restoration!

[@RestoreIt]

Cheers Colin!

[@jonathanwilliams6922]

Awesome job as always sir

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Jonathan!

[@Pauloipadopalous]

Top work again

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Tiger man, appreciate it as always.

[@zauche81]

@Restore It: The white cloudy staff on the glasses comes from the reflectors gassing out because of the heat. B.t.w.: Really nice job !! ... Enjoy your E30 videos. (since I have two - 83' VVFL 323i Coupe, 90' VFL 325i Cabrio)

[@TheManyetizma]

Nice work 👏👏👏

[@cristian6766]

God domn! If those aren't things of beauty ...i don't know what is! All the best! And good luck with the moving to Spain plans!

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Cristian! The Spain move is very much happening now its just a matter of moving over without missing to many uploads! Big thank you mate.

[@cristian6766]

@@RestoreIt My parents and sister moved to Barcelona for nearly the same reason as you did! They own a restaurant there. If you pass thru, you and your wife/girlrfriend will be having a very very delicious dinner there. On me!!! All the best!

[@wajahatkhan4828]

Will in this case you deserve all stars . Excellent work. nicely done

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks WAJAHAT.

[@paulirumbin1541]

Looks nice! Great Job!

[@mohammedalmamari7494]

Your vids are piece of art... 👌👌

[@BronzeHandPhotograph]

Car Detailers use *Cerium Oxide* for removing scratches on car windows. That's why you can try using cerium oxide to get rid of scratches on the glass headlight next time.

[@RestoreIt]

Got some on the way for the part two thanks Bronze!

[@forwox]

@@RestoreIt Please let us be informed afterwards, how it was with Cerium Oxide! Exact job in the list to do for my e30 318is, what you have done here. Very well done! Cheers.

[@MedSou]

Good job 👍👍👍👍👍

[@hiadm1477]

THE JOB DONE VERY WELL

[@boxxx414]

ChrisFix and Restore it are my favourite YT channels :)

[@_nester_318]

I live in Moscow, I love BMW cars, thank you so much for your videos, it's just amazing !!!!🇷🇺😸

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

Nice bench grinder!

[@Innochamp]

Beautiful finish

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Innochamp!

[@rvnmaniak]

Beautiful job........you convinced me to buy new ones and sell the old to someone who has all this equipment and loads of time!

[@ArslanAhmad1]

I remember ...i am also restore same headlights of my E32 back in 2009 😍!!

[@jrand2631]

Great job as usual.

[@Maxi.236]

Greatest respect!!! 👍 Greetings from Germany ! I wish you all a merry Christmas🌲

[@yernargabdullin7544]

Nice new grinder 💪👌👌

[@electronic7979]

Excellent

[@gorduu7542]

ola sou brasileira e vejo essa serie desde o começo.. ja aguardo o resultado final

[@Unknown_user23459]

Nice job! 👍

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks Alexey!

[@rikigeorgievski]

Good Job !

[@MegaTroIl]

I really appreciate how you put captions that tell what you are doing, it makes it much more clear and easy to follow. Also, great job on getting the paid sponsorship! I'll gladly watch and click through so you can make some money on these awesome restorations :)

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Jkreider, i really appreciate you telling me that. Means a lot.

[@dolyharianto]

At this juncture I think you're better off buying the laser rust remover, it'd speed things up and you'd get better results. It's super expensive but it'd be worth it I guess.

[@RestoreIt]

Haha, I would love one. But they are serious money...

[@JR1859S]

Just around 300.000 - 800.000 €....seems easy haha

[@user-dx6pt9oo6h]

Good job 👍

[@seeman7390]

Clean job!

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you!

[@nutz748]

I thought they were glass...looks like I was wrong lol... You are one of the reason I wanna buy an E30(And Im getting one soon)

[@CarlosLopez-gl6tw]

Te veo desde México y la verdad es que tus vídeos son geniales. Saludos.

[@ph7ss564]

Nice video 😍😍 As always👍

[@RestoreIt]

Big thank you, Pharnando!