Here's what headlights look like on my 15 year old MINI (not what you might think)

Discussion in 'MINI' started by BruceK, Apr 20, 2017.

  1. BruceK

    BruceK Active Member

    Feb 24, 2015
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    No, these perfect-looking headlights on my 2002 MINI have not been 'restored' -- I haven't done any work on them at all. And yes, they are the original headlights that have been on the car through nearly 15 years of living under the Texas sun.

    When I first got my MINI, I installed Xpel headlight protective film on them. I did it mostly to protect against rocks, but a huge side benefit has been the fact the film prevented any hazing or cloudiness from forming on the headlight surface.

    Xpel's warranty is for 7 years, but I got 15 years of use (granted, during the past 6 months the outer edges of the protective film started looking a little toasty, so I technically got 14.5 years of use that I sorta pushed to 15 years out of laziness). I took these photos last night after I simply peeled the still-clear and nearly invisible old film off -- this is how they looked underneath.

    Then I installed new film which I fully expect to last for the next 15 years or so. It took me about 20 minutes to complete. There's a little bit of moisture and cloudiness trapped under the film, but I know that will disappear in a week or so and they will be crystal clear again.

    if you shop around, it's $50 for the film kit (includes pre-cut film for headlghts, foglights, and turn signals too). A bargain!

    Edit: Sorry for the massive size and sideways photos!
     

    Attached Files:

  2. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Jul 31, 2009
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    WOW! I will have to get that for my wife's mini!
     
  3. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

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    I'd say money well spent !!
     
  4. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

    May 29, 2009
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    Xpel is great stuff, all right. I have it on my '03 R50 and my '06 R53. It's almost indestructible and is so clear after years of particle abuse! :Thumbsup:
     
  5. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Great job! XPEL is a great product and is self healing in the heat. :Thumbsup: I have it on my car also.

    So much better than anything 3M and others offer and is the leader is paint protection film.

    People always say it's expensive, but I say you get what you pay for and your pictures prove it. Nice
     
  6. BruceK

    BruceK Active Member

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    Not sure how someone can call a product that costs just $50, works perfectly, and lasts 10+ years "expensive".







    .
     
  7. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    LOL......just replaced the Xpel on my headlights last week! About the same life and it also was getting a bit "toasty" around the upper edge........HID heat?
     
  8. AAONMS

    AAONMS Well-Known Member
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    Looks like interesting stuff.
    I'll have to invest in this when my new Jeep arrives.
    Cool info, thanks


    Sent using Tapatalk
     
  9. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

    Jun 4, 2009
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    I put Xpel on my MINI's lights. They still look great 10 years on.
     
  10. BruceK

    BruceK Active Member

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    Nah. I thinking it was our friend, Mr.
    Sun that did that.
     
  11. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    I want to clarify something, I actually replaced a LaminX film with more LaminX on the headlights. Great product also.
     
  12. Gil-galad

    Gil-galad Club Coordinator

    May 19, 2009
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    I've often wondered if the windscreen coatings available from various sources are just as effective. I get weary of looking through the starfield simulation when driving into the sun...
     
  13. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    May 4, 2009
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    Not the headlight film. I was talking about covering the whole front of a MINI or any car with XPEL film. :cool::Thumbsup:
     

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