Lamin-x gunsmoke or paint the bi-xenons?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2012
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C350
Lamin-x gunsmoke or paint the bi-xenons?
Hello everyone,
I'm looking to get that smoked headlight look, and I'm confused whether just to get the gunsmoke lamin x headlight precut films, or take it to a shop to paint the bi-xenons black.
I heard I may lose light output with the lamin x so I'm not sure, and I'm not sure if painting has any cons (paranoid perfectionist...)
Anyone recommend either? pics would be helpful to compare.
I'm looking to get that smoked headlight look, and I'm confused whether just to get the gunsmoke lamin x headlight precut films, or take it to a shop to paint the bi-xenons black.
I heard I may lose light output with the lamin x so I'm not sure, and I'm not sure if painting has any cons (paranoid perfectionist...)
Anyone recommend either? pics would be helpful to compare.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 757
Likes: 1
From: LI, NY, U.S.A.
2013 GLK 350 4M (Iridium Silver), 2010 E350 Coupe (Iridium Silver)
Hello everyone,
I'm looking to get that smoked headlight look, and I'm confused whether just to get the gunsmoke lamin x headlight precut films, or take it to a shop to paint the bi-xenons black.
I heard I may lose light output with the lamin x so I'm not sure, and I'm not sure if painting has any cons (paranoid perfectionist...)
Anyone recommend either? pics would be helpful to compare.
I'm looking to get that smoked headlight look, and I'm confused whether just to get the gunsmoke lamin x headlight precut films, or take it to a shop to paint the bi-xenons black.
I heard I may lose light output with the lamin x so I'm not sure, and I'm not sure if painting has any cons (paranoid perfectionist...)
Anyone recommend either? pics would be helpful to compare.
Do it the right way. Leave the headlight "lens" alone and paint the inner parts of the headlamp unit for that "blacked out" look.
Also, there are a NAUSEATING number of threads on blacked out headlights. Please use the search function before starting threads. Even a simple google search for "C300 blacked out headlights" will return 5 threads from this site, about this exact topic, at the very top of your search results...
Thanks.
Last edited by dcjwlee; Nov 15, 2012 at 09:15 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
^+1.........and same for tail lamps. Light output is a critical safety factor for you and everyone around you, and very carefully designed and engineered as is! Doesn't matter if its film or spray....darker is the wrong way to go.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,113
Likes: 57
From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
...and equally compelling cases they are, indeed!! Years of testing, human factors research, regulatory rulemaking based on cost/benefit analyses, engineering testing and design.....vs. a few forum members and/or their spouses who prize their own fashion sense over the safety of themselves, their passengers, or those around them on the road. Hard to decide which is more persuasive!
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 591
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From: San Francisco
'08 Mercedes C300
There will be a loss of output. A 95 percent tint means 5 percent less light is allowed to pass through the window/lens. Whether that loss of light output concerns you or not is up to you. I think that opening your headlights and painting the insides is the best choice to get the look you want without any consequences. Since you have bi-xenons, you don't have to worry about blacking out your high beams reflectors (making them useless), which is the biggest con of painting the inside of your headlights.
For clarification:
The personal anecdote about their wife is an opinion that sounds like they're saying there is no loss of output, resulting in a rebuttal. There is a loss of output.
For clarification:
The personal anecdote about their wife is an opinion that sounds like they're saying there is no loss of output, resulting in a rebuttal. There is a loss of output.
Last edited by Domm; Nov 15, 2012 at 10:26 PM.
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Member
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: huntington beach CA
2009 c350
i got my headlights done with lamin-x (gunsmoke) and they work fine for me at night with just stock bulbs. and i have passed tons of cops and they dont say anything. And if i were to get a fix it ticket the shop i went to said they would remove and reinstall for free. 
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2012
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C350
So when painting them, 2 things come to mind,
What is the best paint to use? For no cracking or melting over the years (would be nice if it can be bought online internationally)
And I believe the eyebrows should NOT be painted too for that C63 headlight look, just the bi xenons am I correct?
Thanks
What is the best paint to use? For no cracking or melting over the years (would be nice if it can be bought online internationally)
And I believe the eyebrows should NOT be painted too for that C63 headlight look, just the bi xenons am I correct?
Thanks
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 209
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From: Virginia
2016 C63s AMG
i got my headlights done with lamin-x (gunsmoke) and they work fine for me at night with just stock bulbs. and i have passed tons of cops and they dont say anything. And if i were to get a fix it ticket the shop i went to said they would remove and reinstall for free.
