Dull headlights...polish?
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Joined: May 2010
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From: Seneca, SC
2006 C55
Dull headlights...polish?
My c55 has the same issues that a lot of "newer" cars get with the clear headlights...they have dulled a little. Now my car does have 80k miles so it might be expected, but now I'm looking for a fix. I tried a polish kit from NAPA that did remove the texture from them, but didn't take away all of the dullness. Any ideas other than replacing the whole assemblies? Also, can I just by the lenses as opposed to the whole set-up?
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Joined: Jun 2008
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2010 C63
I believe it's the SUN that kills those lights. Luckily, I park in the garage at night and a parking garage at work during the day so mine still look like new (109,000 miles)
They may need to be sanded down and polished out but I'm not an expert!
Mike
They may need to be sanded down and polished out but I'm not an expert!
Mike
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: California
06 C55, 09 E350
Nope they come with a complete assembly. If you already tried the sandpaper kit that is about all I know. Also since you probably sanded of the polycarbonate on the lights it will most likely get milky a lot quicker next time.
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From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
you basically need to sand it...like in the sanding kits you tried. Then there is also a polish made my meguiars that helps get rid of the cloudyness. I think its called meguiars plastic x or something. You can find them in autozone and kragens.
You usually use the polish after you finish sanding. It should get rid of some of the cloudness that the sanding missed.
The cloudyness comes from oxidation of the plastic from the sun. You can protect your head light cover just by waxing the head light. The wax has a coating to protect the car from UV light.
You usually use the polish after you finish sanding. It should get rid of some of the cloudness that the sanding missed.
The cloudyness comes from oxidation of the plastic from the sun. You can protect your head light cover just by waxing the head light. The wax has a coating to protect the car from UV light.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
I called Superglass and had them do it. For $50, they drove out to my house and did all four. He wanted to wash the car when he was done, but it was a little too hot. When he was done they were very close to new. Ask your local MB dealer who does theirs. The same company will probably do yours.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Atlanta
03 C32 AMG
I used the Wolfgang kit from Autogeek. This kit or the Diamondite are the best kits. They come with two polishing pads, backing plate, adapter for a drill, and compounds.
$60 gets you enough to do 6-8 cars.
http://www.autogeek.net/plastik-lens-cleaning.html
My before and Afters
before:
after:
Took about 30 mins, kit also contains a sealant to keep them from re-fogging with further exposure to UV rays. If you have clear headlights (bixenons, etc) you will get even better results. Wife's lexus below.
Last edited by King320; Jun 16, 2010 at 05:35 PM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Atlanta
03 C32 AMG
Never do that. Pretty much a good rule of thumb is if you can find it at a Walmart, NAPA, Advance Auto, etc. it DOESNT belong on your car.
Check out these sites if you want some good detailing stuff that wont mess up your car.
http://www.autopia.org/
http://www.autogeek.net/
http://www.zainostore.com/
Check out these sites if you want some good detailing stuff that wont mess up your car.
http://www.autopia.org/
http://www.autogeek.net/
http://www.zainostore.com/
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 855
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2010 C63
wait, I buy all my oil there! lol
Never do that. Pretty much a good rule of thumb is if you can find it at a Walmart, NAPA, Advance Auto, etc. it DOESNT belong on your car.
Check out these sites if you want some good detailing stuff that wont mess up your car.
http://www.autopia.org/
http://www.autogeek.net/
http://www.zainostore.com/
Check out these sites if you want some good detailing stuff that wont mess up your car.
http://www.autopia.org/
http://www.autogeek.net/
http://www.zainostore.com/
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,359
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From: California
06 C55, 09 E350
I heard this as well from a guy that owns a company doing this. He told me he works 3 days a week and makes over 100k a year. Pretty good living for being self-employed. I believe he charges $100 per job though. $50 to me is worth not hassling with it IMO and I didn't realize they put a sealant on them and If I did I might have done it at the time.
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,375
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From: Seattle, WA
C55
Check the detailing forum. Some guy cleaned up his e-class i believe from a dull finish to almost brand new via wet sanding and some polishing compounds.
After you get your lenses refinished, go to a local tint shop and have them put 3m guard on the headlights to prevent more pitting and damage. I have a 2 or 3mm thick guard on my headlights and basically my whole front end.
After you get your lenses refinished, go to a local tint shop and have them put 3m guard on the headlights to prevent more pitting and damage. I have a 2 or 3mm thick guard on my headlights and basically my whole front end.
