Projector Headlights, Crystal Headlights; How long untill the lenses yellow?

[irieite]

I recently purchased a 2000 c280 Sport to replace my 1991 190e 2.3. Anyway, I want to give it a nice little facelift, but was wondering how long those "polycarbonate" lenses will stay clear before they start to yellow?

I live in Arizona and the car is parked outside in the sun for most of the day, Mon-Fri while at work. My 190e had fully glass lensed euros, so it was not an issue.

My guess is that they would last maybe three years before they started really looking like crap.

Should I go for the glass lensed euros for this car instead? I really like the look of the projector headlights. Has anyone noticed a difference in quality between manufacturers or sellers on eBay or elsewhere?

Any thoughts or experience would be appreciated.

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2000 c280w Sport

[crsh2]

Originally posted by irieite
I recently purchased a 2000 c280 Sport to replace my 1991 190e 2.3. Anyway, I want to give it a nice little facelift, but was wondering how long those "polycarbonate" lenses will stay clear before they start to yellow?

I live in Arizona and the car is parked outside in the sun for most of the day, Mon-Fri while at work. My 190e had fully glass lensed euros, so it was not an issue.

My guess is that they would last maybe three years before they started really looking like crap.

Should I go for the glass lensed euros for this car instead? I really like the look of the projector headlights. Has anyone noticed a difference in quality between manufacturers or sellers on eBay or elsewhere?

Any thoughts or experience would be appreciated.

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2000 c280w Sport

Welcome to the Board.
The polycarbonate Plastic lens should last 4 - 5 year without maintenance but it would be a great idea to put like a 3m clear proctection film so when the film turns yellow you just remove and replace again.

goodluck

[irieite]

Originally posted by crsh2
Welcome to the Board.
The polycarbonate Plastic lens should last 4 - 5 year without maintenance but it would be a great idea to put like a 3m clear proctection film so when the film turns yellow you just remove and replace again.

goodluck

So, the 3M protective is a UV shield as well? I thought it was just a rock chip protector.. I guess anything in front of the lense would help though.

I've heard that there is a detailing process that might remove or at least minimize the yellowing from headlight lenses. Anyone have experience with this?

[ja2k]

Originally posted by crsh2
Welcome to the Board.
The polycarbonate Plastic lens should last 4 - 5 year without maintenance but it would be a great idea to put like a 3m clear proctection film so when the film turns yellow you just remove and replace again.

goodluck

Where is a good place to purchase pre-cut ones for the W202 crsh2? Thanks

[crsh2]

Originally posted by irieite
So, the 3M protective is a UV shield as well? I thought it was just a rock chip protector.. I guess anything in front of the lense would help though.

I've heard that there is a detailing process that might remove or at least minimize the yellowing from headlight lenses. Anyone have experience with this?
The 3M film is UV Shield as well and it will definately help you with rock chip.

As far as detailing it would involve wet sanding but you wont have to worry about that for a long time.


Originally posted by ja2k
Where is a good place to purchase pre-cut ones for the W202 crsh2? Thanks

I don't think there is any pre-cut right now and probably never will.
I would suggest to look at www.3m.com and find the nearest dealer location arround your area.

I ordered one before for a project and basically told them what size i needed it was cheap

goodluck

[K_Sport Driver]

do you remember the exact name of the film you used? they have a browse by product name page, but they make so many damn things.

[crsh2]

Originally posted by K_Sport Driver
do you remember the exact name of the film you used? they have a browse by product name page, but they make so many damn things.

I Don't know if im allowed to post this so MOD please delete if im in violation
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LEXUS-GS-400-300-GX470-IS300-LS-RX-YELLOW-FOG-LIGHTS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33716QQitemZ8062 263538QQrdZ1

This the company where i bought mine but i called the store not on ebay

goodluck

[irieite]

Originally posted by crsh2
I Don't know if im allowed to post this so MOD please delete if im in violation
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LEXUS-GS-400-300-GX470-IS300-LS-RX-YELLOW-FOG-LIGHTS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33716QQitemZ8062 263538QQrdZ1

This the company where i bought mine but i called the store not on ebay

goodluck

Heh. That's right, the "yellow look" is hip these days. Maybe I should just let the sun work it's magic. :D