I can't stand the wear on my headlights..
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 12
From: MA
E63S
I can't stand the wear on my headlights..
What are my options here?
They're just getting old. Highway driving - rocks, salt and time add up.. They work perfect, factory bi-xenon and all. I'm going to be bringing my car up-to par for the summer, a few more mods, paint touch-ups, new wheels etc.
I cannot ship them out for a new lens or anything like that as I'm not ready to deal with any downtime with the car with no headlights. Oh, I'm also sick of the bad light output. My hid fogs do all the work!
1. Headlight restoration kit (No way it would make them look new).
2. Ebay headlights (I have no idea how I'd go around the bixenon and adaptive option).
3. Very light tint on headlights to hide the crap. But thats a tad ghetto.
4. Live with it.
5. ??
Is there something about these headlights I do not know? The whole car will look new except these darn things. As well as they work, its the small stuff that's gonna bother and be a blister to my eye everyday. The car just deserves new headlights IMO.
They're just getting old. Highway driving - rocks, salt and time add up.. They work perfect, factory bi-xenon and all. I'm going to be bringing my car up-to par for the summer, a few more mods, paint touch-ups, new wheels etc.
I cannot ship them out for a new lens or anything like that as I'm not ready to deal with any downtime with the car with no headlights. Oh, I'm also sick of the bad light output. My hid fogs do all the work!
1. Headlight restoration kit (No way it would make them look new).
2. Ebay headlights (I have no idea how I'd go around the bixenon and adaptive option).
3. Very light tint on headlights to hide the crap. But thats a tad ghetto.
4. Live with it.
5. ??
Is there something about these headlights I do not know? The whole car will look new except these darn things. As well as they work, its the small stuff that's gonna bother and be a blister to my eye everyday. The car just deserves new headlights IMO.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,318
Likes: 171
From: Silicon Valley, CA
C63 AMG, P30
I'm guessing your headlights are oxidizing. Do they look foggy? Or hazy? If so, you can repair them and they will look better than new. Granted you can't take out rock chips/ cracks or anything. But oxidation and hazy-ness, yes!
I've personally done some work on my friends headlights and made them look flawless.
Post a pic of them so I can see what the deal is with them and I'll help you from there.
I've personally done some work on my friends headlights and made them look flawless.
Post a pic of them so I can see what the deal is with them and I'll help you from there.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 12
From: MA
E63S
No fogginess/oxidation at all. Just lens has had its highway driving.
It doesnt look real bad. It just starting to bug me compared to the new lens I see on new cars. That lens belongs on mine lol. Its the small rock chips, make it look like sandpaper up close. Recent photo (dont have anything closer).
It doesnt look real bad. It just starting to bug me compared to the new lens I see on new cars. That lens belongs on mine lol. Its the small rock chips, make it look like sandpaper up close. Recent photo (dont have anything closer).
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 12
From: MA
E63S
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,677
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles
C63
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Naples Fl, Lakeland Fl
2006 e55, 2005 S55
Just wet sand them with 1000 grit then 1500 grit then 2000 finish with a wool pad and swirl remover. Then get a clear 4-6 mill film and it done......did mine this way its perfect.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
Mercedes
Yep, sand and buff. I do 3 or 4 sets a week. Anything can be taken out. I've done severe scratches and gouges as well as oxidation/yellowing and they have all come out like new.
Don't replace them. Too expensive. Especially if it is xenon.
You just have to take your time and don't skip any steps in the sanding process. If you do, you will see sand scratches. It also helps if you have a DA (dual action sander). It will go a lot faster this way.
I would start with 600 grit, then 1000 grit, then 1500 grit, followed by a hand sanding of 2000. All is done with soapy water except for the 600 grit I like to do dry. Then use your buffer with regular paint rubbing compund. Voila. Brand new headlamps.
Don't replace them. Too expensive. Especially if it is xenon.
You just have to take your time and don't skip any steps in the sanding process. If you do, you will see sand scratches. It also helps if you have a DA (dual action sander). It will go a lot faster this way.
I would start with 600 grit, then 1000 grit, then 1500 grit, followed by a hand sanding of 2000. All is done with soapy water except for the 600 grit I like to do dry. Then use your buffer with regular paint rubbing compund. Voila. Brand new headlamps.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
From: west michigan
04 E55
I wouldn't recommend ebay for much of anything unless they are new "in box" I bought a pair $500 a piece seemed like a decent deal. When I was mounting them the top tabs broke off with ease. A close look revealed that they were already broke, just glued together and were painted to hide the repair.. I was f'in pissed!
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
2003 SL55, 1978 280SL, 2007 ML63
After wetsanding I'd recommend clear coating them too. I've wetsanded other cars and after a few months they start to look faded again. Alternatively you can get some clear lamin-x http://www.lamin-x.com/Mercedes-E-Cl...rs-p/mb008.htm after you polish them
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
Mercedes
+1. If you do decide to do the clear paint protection film, make sure you get one with uv blockers in it, otherwise there is no point to doing it. Some companies do not have uv protection in them because it will cause a paint fade line if the film is ever peeled off down the road. I know 3M and Venture Shield for sure do not have UV protection.
All clearcoat paint should have some UV protection, though.
All clearcoat paint should have some UV protection, though.
After wetsanding I'd recommend clear coating them too. I've wetsanded other cars and after a few months they start to look faded again. Alternatively you can get some clear lamin-x http://www.lamin-x.com/Mercedes-E-Cl...rs-p/mb008.htm after you polish them
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 12
From: MA
E63S
Appreciate the advice fellas! You make it sound very easy. How long would I use each grit for? With soapy water you say..? Maybe buy a restoration kit? 3m has good reviews.
I'd really like to retain the lights I have and just get em looking new without any swapping. I just don't want to kill em sanding too rough. I've baked headlights before but never wetsanded. Don't have a buffer either. Could always attach the grit to a drill though.
I'd really like to retain the lights I have and just get em looking new without any swapping. I just don't want to kill em sanding too rough. I've baked headlights before but never wetsanded. Don't have a buffer either. Could always attach the grit to a drill though.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu
W211 E55, 911 turbo, 911sc, RX330
Appreciate the advice fellas! You make it sound very easy. How long would I use each grit for? With soapy water you say..? Maybe buy a restoration kit? 3m has good reviews.
I'd really like to retain the lights I have and just get em looking new without any swapping. I just don't want to kill em sanding too rough. I've baked headlights before but never wetsanded. Don't have a buffer either. Could always attach the grit to a drill though.
I'd really like to retain the lights I have and just get em looking new without any swapping. I just don't want to kill em sanding too rough. I've baked headlights before but never wetsanded. Don't have a buffer either. Could always attach the grit to a drill though.
Civilian kit - 600, 800, 1500 wet, plastic cleaner/polish
Commercial kit - 600, 800, 1000 wet, 1500 wet, plastic cleaner, plastic polish
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
From: Tustin, CA
2003 E55 AMG
You can always go through your insurance if your deductable is low enough. State farm had no issues replacing my entire front bumper and headlights after 5 years of rock chips and weathering.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 685
Likes: 121
From: Palm Coast, Florida
2019 E-450 Wagon
Tried the buffing and sanding, not much of an improvement.
These brand new lights on ebay may be worth the price as the car would look better/newer and the value may go up more than the price of the lights...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-BEN...item4ab377fbce
These brand new lights on ebay may be worth the price as the car would look better/newer and the value may go up more than the price of the lights...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-BEN...item4ab377fbce
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu
W211 E55, 911 turbo, 911sc, RX330
Tried the buffing and sanding, not much of an improvement.
These brand new lights on ebay may be worth the price as the car would look better/newer and the value may go up more than the price of the lights...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-BEN...item4ab377fbce
These brand new lights on ebay may be worth the price as the car would look better/newer and the value may go up more than the price of the lights...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-BEN...item4ab377fbce
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 12
From: MA
E63S
Actually had an interesting encounter with a boosted Saab in Mexico yesterday...
Thx guys! I'll be going with the 3m kit and post results. Just going to wait for slightly warmer weather for better lighting outside.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 398
Likes: 7
From: Queens NY/ Ft Lauderdale FL
W211 E63
Are those the original e55 lights? If so, have you considered buying the 07+ headlights to match the updated face you have. And sell the e55 ones on ebay to cover the costs a bit
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 12
From: MA
E63S
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 9
From: Treasure Island, FL
GLE 63S
What about buying the facelift lights and switching out just the lenses and sliver interior with you BiXenon and adative shell?
Can that be done?
I've also heard of someone who removed the lense and backed the lense in the oven and got it looking like new...
Can that be done?
I've also heard of someone who removed the lense and backed the lense in the oven and got it looking like new...
