Does anyone have current recommendations for DIY lens replacement, or a service. Years ago there were services noted on here, but I couldn't find the threads with anything recent. I need to replace the lenses and saw all kind of ebay lenses, and just not sure that is what folks have done successfully. I have done that project on a 2011 X5 and it came out well, but the headlight glue was tough to get apart, even with baking. Since I know how much work that was, I was trying to find someone that does that and has tools to make sure it comes out perfect.

Thanks!

 

Why replace the lens? You likely can save them with a sand, buff and clear application. They would have to be really really far gone to need an actual replacement.

And upside, if you do the sand, buff and clear and they don't come out perfect, you are still in the same spot.

 

OK, I have seen a few of those videos. They seem to have some cost in all the materials, and tons of time, and then come out good, but not 'like new', so I kind of skipped over that, if I could get ebay lenses for a couple hundred. But this is exactly where I wanted some feedback from guys that already did all that, maybe even ended up doing both, and finding out what would they do, if doing it again.

Mine has one side really far gone, and the other you probably wouldn't bother, its good enough. So I suspect in 2016 and 17 we had really hot summers, and the Evo (becuase of new house) had to be outside in the blazing sun, and one side got beat on. After that it looks a little one eye'd.

Any recommendation for the coating after the sanding? Or a link for the best video on doing that you've seen.

Thanks

 

I have had really good luck with the 3m headlight restoration kit as well as just some sanding and automotive clear coat.
The first time I did it, I used a 3m kit, followed their instructions and it came out great, the lenses still look perfect even 5+ years later.

The 3m kit is an all in 1 solution that includes sandpaper, buffing compound and clear for after the fact.

The big benefit to doing this is that you don't have to deal with getting the current stuff off and getting them sealed back up well.

This is the kit I used the first time:

 

Do it yourself BUT be sure to add 3M clear film after polish is done, saves from ever needing to polish again, if film gets funky just replace that.

 

Or get a new set of lense covers off aliexpress. They're a thing now.

 

Thanks for the advice.