04-30-2021, 07:29 PM | #1 |
Private
17
Rep 77
Posts |
PPF on headlights
Who does it? Any ill effects? I had ppf on my 14 335 headlights and the UV coating on the headlights cracked. So for those that have it, what brand and how long? My 10 yr, 120k mile 328 headlights are looking pretty tough, so I'd like to try and save the M2 if possible.
|
05-15-2021, 09:18 PM | #3 |
Private
17
Rep 77
Posts |
I talked to a shop who does a lot of high end work. Apparently Porsche's do it as well. It's a reaction between the UV coating and the adhesive. He said he's never had a problem with Xpel and BMW though. So it is a thing, but apparently not with that combo.
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-16-2021, 09:27 AM | #4 |
Lieutenant
437
Rep 485
Posts |
I've installed PPF on Thousands of headlights. I can assure you it's fare better to wrap the lights and run the possible risk of delaminating it on removal 5+ years down the line. Rather than having chips in expensive headlights. Worst case you color sand and polish that coating off down the line if there's an issue.
Like I said, the chances of having an issue on any car besides Porsche is super super slim. |
Appreciate
0
|
05-16-2021, 09:32 AM | #5 | |
Banned
6637
Rep 4,145
Posts
Drives: '18 M2 6MT
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Missouri
|
Quote:
It might be worth the risk to PPF the headlight assemblies if he drives a lot of highway miles where it's almost certain that he's going to have issues with them otherwise, but if he's an in-town driver, I would personally recommend leaving them as-is. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-16-2021, 11:43 AM | #6 |
Private
17
Rep 77
Posts |
Thanks for the input guys. Given the amount of time I spend on the highways, film on the headlights is probably the right move. It seems that issue isn't widespread at least anymore.
How I long for the E46 days with relatively inexpensive headlight lens replacements again. |
Appreciate
0
|
05-16-2021, 07:01 PM | #7 |
Lieutenant
437
Rep 485
Posts |
I don't know why I even comment on these PPF posts. I guess the fact I've been installing it for 14 years means nothing. Lol.
I'm telling you with 1000% certainty there will not be an issue. I'd be happy to go rip the PPF off my m2's lights right now just to prove the point. OP- you're fine. PPF your lights. They will be fine. In 14 years of doing PPF I've only had issues on Porsche. And 95% of Porsche owners still PPF the lights. Worst case down the road if you have to remove the film and it messes up the coating. You sand the coating off, polish out the lights and then re apply PPF. |
Appreciate
5
|
05-28-2021, 03:28 PM | #8 |
Lieutenant Colonel
1819
Rep 1,610
Posts |
I already had a few tiny chips on the headlights in just 12k miles. I think headlight PPF is a must. The paint can be repainted but these headlights are expensive and headlight PPF is cheap.
I actually did it myself and it looks pretty amazing. I used headlight armor. Now I have failed at this so many times that I feel like I am getting good at it, there is a video on youtube of them installing on an M2 and with their kit is pretty easy. I do not recommend the Lamin-X kit, it is nearly impossible to install because it does not have a cut for the top of the headlight (I am sure a pro could install that but not a normal person that barely deals with PPF). |
Appreciate
0
|
05-28-2021, 04:34 PM | #9 |
Brigadier General
2088
Rep 3,006
Posts |
I used PPF on my headlights to protect them from chips and to hopefully avoid them getting cloudy in the future. Never had a problem with the latter until the X5, thinking it's related to the windshield washer fluid, which should no longer be an issue with LEDs.
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-24-2021, 08:09 AM | #10 |
Second Lieutenant
292
Rep 289
Posts |
Has anyone put PPF on non-new headlights? My M2 has 35k on it and the headlights have that “dusty” look to them when they’re on, but no yellowing- curious if slapping some film on them will fill in some of the microscopic chips. I do quite a bit of highway driving so this will only continue to worsen and film makes sense, but debating whether I really need to sand them down first.
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-30-2021, 12:22 AM | #11 | |
Private
17
Rep 77
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
1
chris7197334.00 |
10-21-2023, 08:25 AM | #12 |
New BMW owner
325
Rep 843
Posts |
I want to DIY PPF the car. Any tip on the upper portion where it’s almost quite a fold on top. Do I stretch the whole film to the sides first, then pull & stretch the top part over? Finally cut with a sharp knife around the lens?
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|