Lens protectors

[Zoso]

I just bought a set of smileys and 5000K H1 HIDs. The lenses are in good shape and I want to keep them that way.

Besides the $50, 40mil thick protectors available through BavAuto, what are my other (cheaper) options?

[hamann318is]

https://www.lamin-x.com

[Zoso]

Thanks. Are our headlights 5 3/4" in diameter? I was looking at the pre-cut ones and didn't see an E30 product.

Also, do you recommend 20mil or 40mil?

[MR 325]

I'm pretty sure that's the right size, ya. I have precut Lamin-X on my high and low beams. The highs are the thinner, the lows are the thicker [oops, lol]. Just email them to double check that's the right kit to order. Lamin-X rocks.

[nando]

laminx is meant for looks, it's not going to keep your lights from cracking when a huge rock hits your car at 60mph. get the bavauto kit or something similar using something made to withstand impacts from heavy sharp objects, not colored film meant to change the appearance of your lights.

Mine have withstood being pummeled by gravel trucks/semis with rocks, sand and gravel for 2 years without as much as a scratch. my unprotected foglights on the other hand..

[MR 325]

Lamin-X is not for just looks, it protects the lights from all the shit you mentioned. Obviously a huge fuckin rock won't be stopped by it but most everyday shit will.

[Zoso]

I'm in the process or ordering the lamin-X... I just need them to call me back with some additional information. I'm deciding whether to go with the 20mil or 40mil.

Here is what the site says:

SALE! EACH ORDERED KIT COVERS BOTH SIDES OF VEHICLE. 2 Sheets Clear 20 mil HD. Protect your BMW lenses from pitting or cracking over time due to debris. Clear films are virtually invisible to the eye once applied. All light protection is 20 mils thick with a hard outer layer (optional 40 mil non-HD available). Which is strong enough for that needed protection, but less susceptible to affecting light optics and beam patterns. Kits come with handling tabs for clean installation. ***For European Spec lighting without alignment nipples***

My question to the guy was, what is HD and why is the 40-mil non-HD? The guy on the phone couldn't answer that question.

BTW, 40mil is the same thickness as the BavAuto kit.

[Zoso]

Chris from Lamin-X just called me back and was very helpful.

Just in case anyone is curious, the HD that comes on the 20mil protectors is a hard(ish) cover that helps protect the headlights from debris. The 40 mil protectors don't need it because they are so thick. I went with 40 mil because the E30 has a flat front end and the headlights are not really curved or intricate so the 40 mil will protect very well and be easy to apply.

In all, it came to ~$30 for 40 mil. This compares to $50 from BavAuto.

[Digitalwave]

Chris from Lamin-X just called me back and was very helpful.

Just in case anyone is curious, the HD that comes on the 20mil protectors is a hard(ish) cover that helps protect the headlights from debris. The 40 mil protectors don't need it because they are so thick. I went with 40 mil because the E30 has a flat front end and the headlights are not really curved or intricate so the 40 mil will protect very well and be easy to apply.

In all, it came to ~$30 for 40 mil. This compares to $50 from BavAuto.

$30 for the 4 headlights? Doesn't the $50 Bavauto kit come with fog light covers too? Those are another $15-20 from LaminX.

[Zoso]

That is true - but I didn't want the foglight ones.

[royalflush313]

~old thread bump~

Does Lamin-X make lens protectors specific to the Hella ellipsoid? I can only find what is listed as the "5 3/4" films. I would imagine that different headlights would have different shapes even if they are the same size.

So what do you guys suggest to get something that is model specific? BavAuto?

[MR 325]

~old thread bump~

Does Lamin-X make lens protectors specific to the Hella ellipsoid? I can only find what is listed as the "5 3/4" films. I would imagine that different headlights would have different shapes even if they are the same size.

So what do you guys suggest to get something that is model specific? BavAuto?

The precut 5 3/4 film fits the Hella ellipsoids just fine, don't worry

[permit]

Does Lamin-X or Bavauto sell sheets of protectant? After I get a new valence, and get everything repainted, I want to cover the valence, lip, front of the hood, some of the fenders, and the side mirrors with protectant.

[royalflush313]

The precut 5 3/4 film fits the Hella ellipsoids just fine, don't worry

alrite, thanks boss. I will order it on Monday :)

[DarkWing6]

Get the sheets of the thick stuff and cut them yourself. It will be cheaper and fit better. I have heard the precut ones are small and don't cover the whole lens.