[Gizm0]

Hello guys,

I'm asking the pro detailers on here, how would you restore the look of this tail light?

The plastic cover is getting all rough. BMW must have used two different quality plastics for the tail light cover on the trunk and the ones on the quarter panel... The plastic on the tail light on the quarter panel is still smooth and shiny, but the one on the trunk lid is getting all foggy and rough looking as you can see in these pics...

I'm curious, does anyone else have this issue on their e92?

[paco89]

The cheapest way that works well enough depending on how bad it is, use toothpaste (w/no flakes) just regular white toothpaste. Clean the headlights/tails and dry them, apply the toothpaste rub it with a soft cloth and then rinse off with water and dry them. IF it doesn't do the trick, then go to a store and get a headlight restorer.

[robthewrench]

Start with a headlight cleaning compound, like Meguiar's PlastX. This would only remove fine scratches and improve clarity. But you should try the least abrasive solution first.

If that does not work, you'll need to try something more abrasive like a very high number (>1000) wet sand paper or rubbing compound. After using the more abrasive compound, you'll then need to make a second pass with a finer polishing compound.

[Workdawg]

Not a pro, but I bet a regular headlight restore kit would work just fine on that.

[paintballdude05]

I would treat it the same as a headlight lens. As mentioned earlier, you want to start with the least abrasive solution. I'd start with a good coarse polishing compound such as Maguire's M105 with a corresponding pad on a buffer. Follow that up with M205 on a softer pad. If that doesn't cut it, 1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper up to 2000, then repeat the above process of polishing. Follow up with a good sealer/ wax applied on a frequent basis.

Plastx will work for a bit, but you eventually have to redo it, just like the tooth paste. The above process should keep them looking nice for a few years.

[tc535i]

if you do anything more aggressive than a simple polish compound, I'd recommend sealing them with a UV protectant clear coat, or the haze is going to come back faster and worse

[Gizm0]

Thanks guys... I'll try the rubbing compound + buffer first and if it isn't enough, i'll use some fine wet sandpaper...

[paintballdude05]

If you can, pull the lights off the car to protect the paint and make them easier to work on. If that's not possible, make sure you put some painters tape around the lens.

[Gizm0]

Originally Posted by paintballdude05

If you can, pull the lights off the car to protect the paint and make them easier to work on. If that's not possible, make sure you put some painters tape around the lens.

Will do... I was already going to tape up around the light.

[hongsc]

I'm guessing wet sanding would work as well.