Restoring 14 Year Old Headlights to GLASS Finish

[@justinbuice]

Thanks for all of the support on this video! To everyone suggesting to "Simply buy new lights," these are around $750 PER SIDE bit.ly/30I5wwg I'll stick to the $20 polish for now! ;) To those suggesting to replace the lenses, unfortunately these are not designed to be taken apart (shame on BMW). Because of that, it would be a tremendous amount of work to disassemble them, and there are no official OEM or Genuine replacement lenses. For $20 and about an hour of my time, I'm satisfied with the results I got, even If I have to redo them in a year.

[@keny46]

I've done several people's cars headlights including my own and a few things I've learned are that they turn out way better if they're already bad aka the original coating on the lenses is worn off if it's not and the lights are only bad at the top its a pain in the ass to make them look like new. As long as you reapply the coating that protects the lenses you shouldn't have to worry about resanding them, just don't forget.

[@JasonHoningford]

Look for just the lenses, I think I paid $80 for each lens and they lasted about 4 years until I sold the car and got top dollar for the trade. bmw 3

[@danusmc3]

how long did it take per light????

[@CajunTaco]

Lucky you. Mine are 900 for my mazda.

[@adamcichon6957]

Also you could do it permanent, not only for a year... kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3atk36Cj5yFo68

[@edgy1rocks]

Thanks for staying true to the older platforms. Anybody can buy a new car. It takes a pro to keep an old one looking new!

[@justinbuice]

Very true! I can't afford a new car, so I might as well take care of what I have :)

[@edgy1rocks]

Even if you could afford a new car, the depreciation of the vehicle once you drive it off the dealer's lot would make that a poor decision. I didn't have a garage when I bought my first BMW - (a 1982 320i, purchased new) and now, nearly 30 years later, I prefer letting someone else take the first big hit of depreciation. Properly serviced and cared for, these are very desirable rides! It really helps to have a garage though! Nice progress on yours! I'm still thinking about the kerosene heater...

[@Thedeshawn]

Justin Buice same here I love my bmw and I put a screen in mine it’s huge

[@NeKoShinn666]

funny you say that because a TRUE older platform would come with glass lens. Newer cars have plastic lens that yellow in a few years. all 3 of my cars have glass headlight lens, never need to worry. 1996,85,85

[@TheHeretic435]

Older platform lol. I drive an E39

[@timreichmann8799]

ASMR Headlights. I think we found something that never has been on KZbin

[@justinbuice]

😅

[@thakoharris]

Was thinking the same! Love it! It’s all about the headlights.

[@bartsabitch6635]

Asmr is for perverted weirdos.

[@DeuceDevious]

entirely untrue. there are a great deal of ASMR detailing videos with this kind of stuff...

[@jankindl915]

sorry, but youtube is full of videos like this....

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

That is by far the Best kit you can get , I did 10 cars out of my 1 kit

[@N54-]

Stonks 📈

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

Na Vi you can get a year or 2 out of them depending on how much you park it in the sun

[@nokstabln]

@@navi6341 if you put transparent film after they are done it can last 2-3 years at least if you daily park outside. I do not know why he did not put foil on them, they will fade in a couple of months in the sun as the protective uv lacquer is gone...a colleague had them done for about 45usd with film (25usd without) for the pair and they look new after 4 years.

[@justinbuice]

@@navi6341 In my case, the headlight assemblies for my car are $1,400 brand new for a pair. For that price I'd much rather polish them once or twice a year.

[@JonOlaivar]

Hey look, my two favorite BMW content creators in one place!

[@TheJared1445]

As a detailer on certain cars where the hood comes up next to the headlights, I’ll just pop the hood and completely remove sanding it from the equation.

[@prasna837]

Not a good idea as the polish can splatter all over the engine bay. The hood is the easiest to tape off anyway.

[@karolisrum6573]

@@prasna837 I also open the hood, but put a cover on the engine bay

[@jake_spence]

Awesome! I did a video on the same topic and it blew up. Hoping yours does the same, I think you've outdone me in cinematics 😅

[@justinbuice]

Nice! As I'm reading your comment, I see your video in the suggested videos lol. I think your thumbnail is better than mine! How did the finish hold up?

[@jake_spence]

I actually like your thumbnail better, but the before/after seems to get people. It's been about 9 months and mine are still as clear as the day I restored them. I didn't even use a lens protectant or UV clear at the end. But I think everyone's results/longevity differs.

[@justinbuice]

@@jake_spence I think a lot of it has to do with the climate and whether or not you keep it in the garage when it's not being driven

[@VehicleVirals]

@@jake_spence I agree, before and after does get clicks. That said, Justin's thumbnail pic looks CLEAN!

[@jake_spence]

@@justinbuice 6 days and 100k view later... it blew up!

[@bovianna]

The whole process was absolutely beautiful, from start to finish! Motivates me to do mine when the weather gets better (I don’t have a garage)

[@hv9356]

I learned: When the lens's are really glazed you have to sand the hell out of them.!! Don't be shy. They will always buff right up but the more you sand the cleaner they'll look.

[@finz1374]

thx, mine are so bad looking, I'll try how it goes

[@jonyrock]

@@finz1374I made a video that offers a more permanent solution if you want to see. I've tried waxing tons of times and have tried some of these kits over the years, in 3-6 months you'll be sanding and waxing them again (Florida sun is rough). My process ran me about $30.

[@owenlee4585]

the production quality of this video is amazing. Shots are in focus, audio levels and quality are spot-on, explanation and video length was great as well. Subscribed, keep it up :)

[@justinbuice]

I appreciate that! I put a lot of effort into production. Im glad to see that it doesn’t go unnoticed.

[@pm7805]

The car is a beauty. They are making junk these days. Keep this longer and shiny for years to come. :)

[@privomck461]

Reminds me of a 318i m3

[@bsfatboy]

I would have lift my hood.

[@adamtorres7865]

bsfatboy that’s what I did makes it a lot easier

[@mrBDeye]

Yeah

[@belowaverageluke1369]

I'd like to see this process done with a neglected older vehicle

[@belowaverageluke1369]

@Dacia Sandero guys Ahaaa....

[@sweetvuvuzela4634]

It works well just more sanding

[@terminusbeatzframptonhood]

Bro when I had my e90 I learnt a lot from your videos. I have an 330e f30 now and I still watch your videos. Keep up the good work B👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽

[@DesertWolfFIN]

i did the sanding and clear coat only as well on my e46. The finish is pretty decent, still better than nothing. Might redo the restoration with proper products soon, as well as the trunk lights

[@SKOMPAS]

Using clear coat on lights is sketchy, really affects the quatily of your light beam

[@SnowGolem1TheL33t]

Not if applied correctly, key words but. Hardly anyone except tradesmen automotive painters or headlight mod/resto businesses do it right.

[@fasst27]

Nice! I'd probably put two layers of tape, juuust to make sure... 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@dix4fingers301]

why not put the hood up instead of taping off?

[@izmailovdavid]

Dix 4 Fingers so all that splatter doesn't end up in hard to reach spaces under the hood

[@BedazzledChanclas]

diztrin you sir, are a man with common sense 😌

[@Alectrizo]

@@izmailovdavid Or you could wash your engine bay?

[@frandanco6289]

@@izmailovdavid It just washes out with the same water.. I use a hose dripping really slowly , with my other hand to clean the work while I'm doing it and this speeds it up, keeps the sanding disk clean the whole time, and I get better results.. I would always raise the hood, so there is no chance to accidently hurt the paintwork.. And I always tape the rest farther past the lens so I don't accidently hit something close to it..

[@daevid21]

Fran Danco maybe for a couple hours but if you forget about it dried compound or polish splatter is near impossible to get off

[@n3rdyg1rl11]

this is why i miss the days of actual glass headlights. never have to do this.

[@frandanco6289]

Yeah, but with glass headlights, the lighting technology was so bad, it was really good, they were not plastic back then.. You get way better technology lighting today than anything on stock vehicles back then.. Yes, there were off road racing driving lights back then with glass lenses, but they could not be used on the street legally..

[@Gwiedert]

It really depends on the type of plastic used. My 16 year old cars headlights still look brand new. I guess it also depends on how much they are exposed to sunlight though.

[@karollepeto8924]

Not really. Glass headlights can breake if you catch a flying stone from the road. Polycarbonate headligth cover can withstand such impact without damage.

[@karollepeto8924]

@@mahkuntizitchy2083 It happened to me once. a rock chipped a hole in my headlight. I had to repair it with transparent silicone because i didnt want to spend extra € on a new headlight. My previous car Nissan Almera 2001

[@spicysnowman8886]

@@Gwiedert it's all about the exposure to sunlight and the elements, not so much to do with age.

[@JonOlaivar]

Holy shit. I was convinced there was no hope for my e90 330s headlight lenses but this video proved otherwise. Thanks my man, keep up the good content.

[@frandanco6289]

I have restored hundreds of headlights as a Detailer and all of them have come out beautifully.. It is always worth the work if you really want to do it..

[@jonyrock]

I made a video that offers a more permanent solution with 2k clearcoat if you want to see. I've tried waxing tons of times and have tried some of these kits over the years, in 3-6 months you'll be sanding and waxing them again (Florida sun is rough). My process ran me about $30.

[@frenchmontana423]

does this work with a 2011 e90 too? like the lci e90? is is the same headlight material? someone help thanks

[@knatt99]

It helps a lot! I do this for friends all the time. But i do have a lot of equipment so i just use regular coarse polish and finish with a fine polish. And coat it with a ceramic Coating.

[@andrewjames6516]

Thank you for this video! After I watched I ordered a kit myself. Just did them last night and it was just as easy as your tutorial. Perfect foolproof explanation so no one should worry about ruining their headlights. Meguiars should pay you for this advertising lol

[@bigDmtb622]

i love the music you use in the video, Where do I find it?

[@temio.463]

I just did this on my e90 with my buddy, my headlights are crystal clear! I plan on applying a 3M film to them, similar to the way described in Milan Mastracci’s video.

[@justinbuice]

Nice!

[@frenchmontana423]

did you use the coating after too? or just sand and seal?

[@bbcake001]

PLS. update this review and tell us how its holding up!

[@KiesMotorsports]

Looks brand new!

[@semajdouglas3231]

I always come here you are the one that makes me get a bmw E90

[@golfmother3141]

Great clip and no SHOUTING , you are a good presenter well done . Used the mid range product on my 2002 Audi TT and it worked a charm , be prepared to take your time , the result will be good , i ceramic coated when finished CMX and they still look great after 8 months .

[@BulliKid]

I have done a few headlight restorations. The best is sand 600 and then 2k clear coat. And then You can 1k sand and buff depending on how smooth the 2k clear layer down. If you use a good gun you won’t need to cut and buff. Will be doing videos come summer time on my channel. Cheers. Happy new year.

[@justinbuice]

Im going to try that method on my other car

[@SWAYLAB]

This kit is awesome. Used it on a car we sold last year. Literally like new. Thanks for documenting!

[@janetmatos1725]

I'm a 51 year old woman 👵 and I didn't everything you did. Thank you 😊 💓 ☺

[@hijazzains]

luxuru car..plastic headlights...humbug

[@shauncampbell969]

Justin, keeping it 💯 Shaun of NYC

[@PapaJohn1969]

I’m more interested in how long the lens stay looking new.

[@kuqie]

i bought kit like this, it took about six months and looked even worse before "restoring". i had to take my car for professional after that. he said that i wasn't the first to try this $20 method.

[@kuqie]

@Epalahame Sitauti you must try this method yourself and then think if I did this or not :D

[@miketheboss5290]

His headlight doesn’t even look bad lol

[@eugeneowens82]

What is the song you have playing in the background....gr8 vid

[@Brianjluna]

Eugene Owens NBHD Nick - Good Vibes Only but i’m looking for the Instrumental that he uses on the video but it’s no where to be found 😭

[@_baller]

Restoring is easy....but sealing is ridic

[@bajaadventurerider]

Great video, the only tip I would ad is to rinse the milky water ASAP so it doesn't dry om the paint.

[@frandanco6289]

Yes, just run the hose very slowly holding it with your other hand over the work as you sand, and it will really make this faster.. The disks will last longer, and the results will be really even all the way across..

[@_ZAYA]

His voice is so calm and soothing I could watch him for hours

[@efthimios]

hey justin! nice video, my 2011 335 has 55K miles and almost paid off, your vids and love for your car inspires me to keep my car after its paid for and maintaining it for hopefully another 3-5 years for no car payment.

[@sorcat]

Man, don't stop making E90 videos. I love them and the way you make them.

[@hreddick6001]

You seem like a real likeable dude. Man I think having a beer with you would be so much fun! Btw, I own a 2011 BMW 328xi Sedan.

[@melchesgarage3283]

Most underrated headlights out there. I love mine way more than the newer ones.

[@JonSantiagoRAW]

Im convinced 👌🏾👌🏾. Can’t wait to see what new content will be released this year!

[@NeoDJW]

I need this ASAP, ordering now :D Thank you! What's that song in the background at 3:25 ? Thx

[@AmericanConstellation]

I've tried this on a Mercedes SLK. It helped...but the dullness came back quickly... Honestly...if you want to save a lot of trouble...Just buy new headlights. I got some for the SLK for 350 bucks for the set...MINT! Then keep them well treated.

[@walterspaceman5592]

Excellent presentation. Your calm voice and vernacular, and poised demeanor are exemplary. Comforting, encouraging. The work that went into music and production values were especially great. Best wishes. Hang in, but if it ever becomes less than a labor of love , say adios. As to critics do not even read dribble from disturbed people, it just clinically proves there was cromagnon dating. You can't help them, as their not breaking out the party hats when these guys show. Best wishes. But you have demonstrated talent here, pursue it, and incorporate other high subscriber blog site ideas if comfortable, it is not theft, it is a compliment to them and an industry given. Good luck.

[@guytero8812]

Too much work to do manually. I used 600, then 1000, then 3000 grit on an electric sanding disk. DO NOT LET IT GO DRY, not even for a second or you will get millions of microscopic cracks which will mess up your headlights. It's best to use 2 people, one to spray, one to sand. Total time with a machine per side is under 10 minutes. By hand should be about 1 to 1,5 hours per side with very sore arms.

[@JohnBlakeJr]

Question for viewers: I used this same kit and the sanding discs fell apart. I used Meguiar’s website Chat and they told me they didn’t sell the sanding disc but 3M sells them called trizact, Part numbers are P1000 and P3000. They are like $50 a box. Heck no! Anyone have a cheaper solution other than buy another kit?

[@alfredocarpaneto5976]

Not trying to throw shade but I just bought a Rustoleum $8.99 restore kit and used it on some WORKED 2001 OEM Audi headlights and it worked awesome, they give you a little sanding block and a single final finish wipe. Took about 20 minutes for both lights and they were BAD tons of build up and completely dull. It was easy and all I used was some elbow grease.

[@ericbluealfa]

This kit did not work with my old E90 headlights. Too many deep chips/pits. I end up starting with 220. Then 320, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 and 3000. Little more costly and takes a lot longer. It is also harder as if you don't get out the deeper scratches from the previous step the will end up being there when you get to the end. But get better results if you do it right.

[@Nnexxxx]

Alright so I just did this and a heads up: * I spent about an hour or so on each headlight, by the end of the first headlight, the provided sandpaper was worn out and I couldn't get all of the fog out of the second headlight. * I recommend you buy an additional 1k and 3k sand paper so you can actually get it 100%. * For the frog tape, green doesn't have as much adhesive but doesn't leave any residue. Blue leaves the most. I recommend yellow frogtape if you can get it. * I had to buy an additional spray bottle, glass cleaner, microfibre towel, and a water jug. That was an additional $30 so the total was ~$55.

[@dafster999999]

Thats not dead plastic! Thats wornout UV coating. Destroyed by the suns uv rays. I’ve did hundreds of headlamps from different brand cars! You can also put normal 2K clearcoat on the plastics! Maquiars sucks!

[@rookietoprobuildz]

I got to do this for my Accord ! Seems better than the RainX version I used before.

[@hellinusholy]

I've actually used this product before. Works very well. I've only had to do it one more time after, and I just went and got sand paper using the same method and what I had left over from the box.

[@hellinusholy]

Also, my lights when I bought my car was like 4 times worse. Like thick yellow.

[@igormajer642]

I've wanted to buy 330i imported from United States to Slovenia for holidays. However I found a partial report from U.S., and the car was involved in a car accident, with salvaged title. Price was 5800eu. I canceled the deal, and decided not to buy it...

[@Cheeseypoofs85]

arent you supposed to go perpendicular to the previous strokes when you switch grits for best results? pretty sure the kits tell you to

[@jankindl915]

I restored my 20-year-old headlights that was in MUCH worse condition, to brand new look. Took me about an hour to do one light (By hand) and then painted them with 2K UV protection lacquer. Iam not a fan in those wax coating. cause they dont last long... Another solution is clear bra.

[@TigBitties24]

sweet vid man! keep the Bimmer content comin!!!

[@sailingdev]

I need to figure out how to clean them on the inside

[@slumygoat]

Jose Vera they’d have to be super heated than taken apart to clear any internal oxidation or yellowing.

[@jonyrock]

If you mean actual dirt then what I used to do was alcohol through the bulb holes, swish them, then leave them in the sun or run a hair dryer in them for a while. They shouldn't fade on the inside, I have seen tons of headlights get light cracking on the inside from heat buildup, can't fix that sadly. I once tried a heatgun on the plastic of one i didn't care about in an attempt to fix the cracking, didn't work

[@sailingdev]

jonyrock mine got condensation and now doesn’t look as clean as the other. Will try the alcohol. Thanks

[@clemmahabir]

I heard 2k clear is not made for plastic headlights. Someone recommend Meguiars headlight restore instead of 2k clear.

[@benturaolivamhurdxxyhcasa5693]

I just ordered the same kit. Great video. 📷 💯 Looking forward to restoring my headlights. Just followed you on IG

[@letscheckitout1985]

Hey brotha miss you having the E90 but I love the 340i !!!! What year and how many miles did your E90 have when sold? Thanks for all the awesome content

[@davidkolman1288]

Thanks for the great video! Used on my 03 MDX. Lasted about 5 months. Gonna use it on my 08 e92 next

[@stevensims3342]

For anyone wondering, the reason the car has angel eyes on pre-LCI E90 lamps is because they are the Hella xenon, adaptive assemblies.

[@justinyeoh2710]

Hey Justin. Justin here too =))) Dont let those keyboard warriors bring you down.. i enjoy watching your videos even it is 2021 now.. Keep it up!

[@Xzizia92]

Hey Justin! Do you know if there are any white LED replacements for the angel eyes for E90 cars that have the LCI headlights with bi xenon? :)

[@makosasimakis118]

One year ago , I gave my 2004 e46 coupe to BMW dealership to restore my headlights . Pretty good job 👍🏼

[@james10739]

Pretty much i have not tried any of the after coating but if they are any good you need to or you will be doing them like once a year depending on where you park I use the plastx and it works well with a cheap drill attachment i bought online and i use a set of sandpaper that had 1000,1500,2000,2500 and just work thru them with the paper wrapped around a spoung

[@steve00alt70]

Everyone and their grandmother is doing car cleaning videos now

[@zionluke5407]

Is youtube your full time job now? Also what did you do for a living before youtube? Im trying to save up to buy my first BMW hopefully i can own one in the next 3 yrs

[@willa.7541]

Brother how is it going. Wonder what do you have for the music. Like have you updated your deck? Any suggestions. Just wonder thank you

[@Icesouldy]

Nice video. I find that the coating isn’t the easiest to work with. Apply too much, you may get streaks after it dries... I learned it the hard way. You almost have to get it right the first time. Try to touch up? streak again.

[@keen2b]

First the BMW headlights lens didn't need restoring? Second why didn't you use cordless drill from the start???

[@HoustonToDinosaur]

Something to note with this kit: the lights will be back to being just as bad if not worse in a few months if you do not apply clear coat over the lights after you've finished the polishing step. The 'sealant' included in the kit is worthless.

[@lonespanker2823]

Just did this on my 06 e60 m5. Looks great and it costed almost nothing when compared to replacements of $1700 each headlight.

[@mcyeti86]

The 3M kits are purely drill based and work well. All the ones I've found last anywhere from 8-16 months before getting cloudy again - Next time I'll probably get a clear film to go over my lights and see how that lasts.

[@frandanco6289]

I have had clear film for going on 11 years on my car lenses and the film has not even started to fade, yellow, or anything..

[@Pika_Gabe]

Thinking about doing it to my mk6. But they are already pretty clear. I really just want a mirror finish on them.

[@acemac1844]

Polishing compounds for auto paint works best.you do not need to use that stuff they sell just sand than polishing compound! Not rubbing compound

[@Risty47]

My moms her 2005 Suzuki Alto has no headlight fog at all long live Japanse cars!

[@Adam1llion]

Your videos are amazing! I love watching the b roll on them.

[@justinbuice]

Thank you!

[@thefragrancecritic9136]

Those headlights do not look 14yrs old my 10yr old headlights look worse. But I guess there are many variables that come into play. I always look forward to the restoration vids for real cars used on the daily

[@truethingsforme5273]

I have a Ford Escape and I heard apparently mother's brand was the best way to get rid of yellow and fog and it got rid of all the fog, but not all of the yellow

[@eddiekalicki5897]

Yo dude do yourself a favor and go buy a gas can a blue one for heating fuel. It’s way cheaper then buying 10 dollars of fuel

[@joethomas6795]

I'd kill for my '11 X3's headlights to look as good as the BEFORE photos here

[@TheKaneAngel]

И через год еще хуже чем было. Новое стекло купил, забронировал и забыл на года 3. Ну, а через 6 лет отражатель или линза один фиг сгорит или рассыпится и придется либо новую фару либо линзы новые.

[@russellbrooker2122]

Such a basic tutorial, their us so much more to this, plus all the options for protection. But a great basic introduction to those who have never done this.

[@ethanblake6439]

Please keep on doing the bmw videos! I’m so close to buying mine and i love watching what you do with yours and learning!

[@probablygraham]

A well done video, but why does every video now have to have some annoying background music?

[@constructor_777]

Nice, now they just look hideous because headlights need markers up front in the us lul

[@Infamousjas]

What happens if you get a little bit of the finishing polish on your car? Will it wash off

[@jorge8915]

loved the video and the music what program did you use for your editing

[@AchillesWrath1]

Looks good. How much time did you spend sanding each headlight do you think in total?

[@Realpreshaanb]

Nothing more satisfying than near perfect headlights 😁 great work bro🙏🏼

[@justinbuice]

Probably the best $20 I spent on this car lol. Thanks!

[@firebladeflow]

10:46 i hope you've got a carbon monoxide detector in that room!!! honestly, that shit is dangerous af

[@bsm_e9217]

I did this with mine and it got rid of the yellowing but its still foggy. My guess is i didn't make enough passes.

[@railman3479]

Use a ultra smooth brand of toothpaste and a lot of 'elbow grease', just as good, and a hell of a lot cheaper.

[@snoopyfix2]

Starting with 1000 grit??? I'm starting with 500 and I think I need a more coarse grit.

[@saltsea9499]

How about a 3 year update? How are the headlights looking now?

[@BC-ev4hl]

Makes me want to go buy a car just so I can do this. And listen to him again. He's like the Bob Ross of headlight polishing

[@justinbuice]

😂 thank you!

[@Reddylion]

Stay away from bmw now coming to cleaning the headlights 👍