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Old 05-14-2008, 07:11 AM   #1 (permalink)
jeremyb
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Vehicle: 2002 e430 sport
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foggy headlights?

i want to get my headlights clear again. when i clean them they stay clear for a few seconds and then fog up again. has anyone heard or used the headlight doctor before.. they say they can restore them...but ive heard mixed results on there work.
thanks,
JEREMY B.
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Old 05-14-2008, 08:05 AM   #2 (permalink)
E-Class Owner
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This is a...

definite DIY project.

Lots of information on the process over on the W210 forum. Check the "stickies" and run a search.

Good luck,

JR
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Old 05-14-2008, 08:16 AM   #3 (permalink)
cmitch
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Meguiars PlastX will do the trick. Tho opinions vary, I've had good luck with it. It's not a quick job. It will take you about 30 minutes of polishing and waxing to get them clear, depending on how bad they are. I do the 99 ML lights every time I wax, which is about every 2 months. Apply wax after using PlastX and you'll have a longer lasting result.
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Old 05-14-2008, 09:15 AM   #4 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cmitch View Post
Meguiars PlastX will do the trick. Tho opinions vary, I've had good luck with it. It's not a quick job. It will take you about 30 minutes of polishing and waxing to get them clear, depending on how bad they are. I do the 99 ML lights every time I wax, which is about every 2 months. Apply wax after using PlastX and you'll have a longer lasting result.
Agreed. I use Meguiars Plast-X and it works wonderfully.
If you have the time and resources, get yourself a Cordless Drill and use a
Buffing Wheel, preferably Mushroom Shape and Put on the Plast-X and
Buff out the contaminants on the surface of the Lens.
Do this 3-5 times, as the Plast-X will be quickly consumed.

After the buffing, my Plastic Cover lens is smooth.

I also use the Meguiars Plast-X on my Sunglasses, the Plastic Shield covering the Gauges, the Plastic Trim around the Windows.
Of course It's the Standard for Polishing Motorcycle Windshields.
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Old 05-15-2008, 06:09 AM   #5 (permalink)
jeremyb
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thanks i will give it a try :-)
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Old 05-15-2008, 10:45 AM   #6 (permalink)
mikeroussos
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hey guys im new to benzworld and not what u call an expert but i try my best. i have, or rather my dad, a e class of 2002...dont know its code name. if i may ask..what exactly are u talking about because i always wondered how u can improve those non clear plastic lights. i take great care of it but u know simple stuff im no expert so i seek advice
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Old 05-18-2008, 06:34 AM   #7 (permalink)
jeremyb
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Thanks for the advice you guys...
I tried maguiers plast-x and after a few go arounds the lights are not perfect but at least 50% better.. i will try using a buffer to further improve results!
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Old 05-18-2008, 08:27 AM   #8 (permalink)
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Make sure...

the buffer is a slow speed one; you are polishing polycarbonate.

To do a better job on lenses that are heavily clouded, which it sounds like yours are/were, wet sanding [in one direction only - I personally prefer vertical] with progressively finer grades of wet/dry sandpaper, and a final polish up with Plast-X will make the lenses near new in clarity.

Permatex makes a kit with the wet/dry paper, etc. There is more detail in the "stickies" on the W210 forum, I believe.

Good luck,


JR
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Old 05-20-2008, 12:26 PM   #9 (permalink)
jeremyb
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Quote:
Originally Posted by E-Class Owner View Post
the buffer is a slow speed one; you are polishing polycarbonate.

To do a better job on lenses that are heavily clouded, which it sounds like yours are/were, wet sanding [in one direction only - I personally prefer vertical] with progressively finer grades of wet/dry sandpaper, and a final polish up with Plast-X will make the lenses near new in clarity.

Permatex makes a kit with the wet/dry paper, etc. There is more detail in the "stickies" on the W210 forum, I believe.

Good luck,


JR
thanks JR, i will try what your suggesting, should i be worried about scratching the plastic on the headlights when using sand paper??
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Old 05-20-2008, 12:57 PM   #10 (permalink)
E-Class Owner
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Wet sand...

Quote:
Originally Posted by jeremyb View Post
thanks JR, i will try what your suggesting, should i be worried about scratching the plastic on the headlights when using sand paper??
with dampened wet/dry sandpaper. If you are not sure how to do this, there is a DIY "sticky" in the W210 forum. Be sure to mask off the painted body work surrounding the headlamp assembly and go slow, starting with 800-1,000 grit and working up to the finer grades. Take things slow and don't overdo the sanding pressure.

Sand in one direction only, not a rotational, or circular pattern.

Finish with Plast-X.

Good luck,

JR

Last edited by E-Class Owner : 05-20-2008 at 01:17 PM.
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