Headlight Outer Lens

[davidanthony]

The outer lens on my BMW E39 5 Series headlights has become cloudy. Any ideas how to get rid of this dulling which is affecting the efficiency of the lights. ?

[Zacs-Master]

Replace it?

[mastercraft]

Is it condensation?

[ukbod2015]

maybe this one or an adjacent one will help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ2ZugVT93Q

[derekpara]

If they're not too bad you could try buffing them with a damp cloth and plenty of toothpaste.

It worked on my old Polo.

[TheChair]

I polished mine with Brasso.

[1ozzy]

An old toothbrush, toothpaste watered down to a fine slurry and scrubbed around. Then finish off with a fine cloth. Wont last for ever but will give you a bit more life from your poly-carbonate headlight lenses.

[ToraToraTora]

You need to remove the abraded outer surface. Use cutting compound that is normally used with a MOP (machine operated polisher) but do by hand using a cloth, start with a rough compound, say G3 and then go over again with G10. Search ebay for "MOP cutting compound". This will remove the top surface and hopefully vastly improve what you have. I've done this and results vary but they should be vastly improved at a fraction of the cost of new lights.

[derekpara]

David.. Let us all know how you get on.

[MantaRay]

Turtle Wax do a Headlight Lens Restoration kit for under £20, other makes might be available. I've found it works reasonably well but have had to repeat the polishing procedure periodically. Worth the effort considering the cost of new headlamp units.

[tonyav]

This has pretty good reviews.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/3M-Headlight-Restoration-Discoloured-Headlights/dp/B0078IHJ1K

[davidanthony]

Mastercraft it is not condensation just discolouring of the outside of the lens. I will certainly try some of the suggestions, thanks everyone, starting with toothpaste slurry and working up to an angle grinder !

[sddsddean]

I use this on my trucks plastic headlights
http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotive/products/g12310-plastx-clear-plastic-cleaner-polish/
Its available in most car diy places and Halfords, or you can pick it up direct from the factory if you live near Daventry. A bottle will last years!

[stocksman]

I recently saw a video(American) where it was claimed that the best, and cheapest , solution was to use peanut butter which is greasy and does not scratch the plastic.