[ferocity02]

The fog lights on my 07 335i are looking ragged from years of rock chips. I bought a spare set from a member here which are equally as bad, but I would like to restore them. I bought a 3M headlight restoration kit to get them looking like new again.

Once they are restored, I need a coating or something to put on them to protect them from UV light and oxidation. I know there are special coatings out there, different from waxes/sealants, that are useful. But even those need to be redone every now and again. Is there a good affordable permanent coating solution out there?

I also intend to put Xpel protection film over the lights to protect them from road debris. I am not confident that the Xpel film will protect well from UV light, hence the desire for a coating.

If the fog lights turn out well then I also intend to do the headlights which are also starting to look grimy.

[David1]

Once they get to that point they are done. you will always need to use the plastic polish on them. You need to start with new and place the protective film on those.

[NickBlaine]

http://www.detailersdomain.com/Optim...ing_p_911.html

[NickBlaine]

Originally Posted by NickBlaine

http://www.detailersdomain.com/Optim...ing_p_911.html

Optimum Opti-Lens might be what you are looking for

[ferocity02]

Originally Posted by NickBlaine

Optimum Opti-Lens might be what you are looking for

That's what I was eyeing, but it seems awfully expensive for how little you get.

I called a few body shops and none of them know anything about headlight coatings. I guess they never have to deal with that.

[marketmaster]

Originally Posted by ferocity02

That's what I was eyeing, but it seems awfully expensive for how little you get.

I called a few body shops and none of them know anything about headlight coatings. I guess they never have to deal with that.

The only way is opti lens or have a body shop spray them with clear coat. They will both cost about the same.

[ferocity02]

Originally Posted by marketmaster

The only way is opti lens or have a body shop spray them with clear coat. They will both cost about the same.

Will an automotive clear coat used on body paint work on headlights? The one shop that said they could were concerned that it wouldn't adhere as well.

Duplicolor makes an aerosol clear coat paint for headlights. Seems too easy to be a legit coating though. Same with the opti-lens.

[David1]

None of it lasts. Body shops don't do it since there is no profit in doing it. If they did do it the cost would not make much economic sense.

[samvora]

I just got clear bra put on it after giving it a good clear and polish! Works like a charm at $50 a pop for the headlights.

[ferocity02]

Originally Posted by samvora

I just got clear bra put on it after giving it a good clear and polish! Works like a charm at $50 a pop for the headlights.

Can you describe your process in more detail?

How long ago did you do this? If it was recently then only time will tell how they hold up.

[samvora]

Originally Posted by ferocity02

Can you describe your process in more detail?

How long ago did you do this? If it was recently then only time will tell how they hold up.

Got it put on just like you put on a clear bra film on your bumper, etc. Invisible and I got it done about 6 months ago and no yellowing so far. Again, like I said, if they do start yellowing then I can always peel it off and replace it.