Lamin-X headlight/fogs, a personal review

imboom · 10-23-2009, 09:52 PM

Hey all,
Decided that many people are quite confused about the differences between Gunsmoke and Tint Lamin-X headlight protection and still are not yet set on what they should get. I picked up tinted version for the headlights and the gunsmoke versions for the fogs. Feel free to post their results of lamin-x also,

Couple things I noticed about Lamin-X
a) These are extremely thick films. I can see how it protects really well.
b) You will need considerable amount of patience for this, applying and reapplying to get things right.
c) A hairdryer and heat makes things much more easier. I had no place to plug in hairdryer(apartment ftl), so I did this at noon(90 deg in Hawaii) and let my headlights(bi-Xenons) to heat up the housing a bit before I went ahead and did it.
d) Do not let the film touch anything. My dog sheds alot and he was nearby while I did this. Somehow some strands of fur got into the back of it. He wasn't even next to me when I took it off it's backing. It isn't totally noticable though.
e) Removing the fog light covers makes things easier. Alternatively, you can leave them on and tuck the lamin-x film between it, but I highly recommend removing it first.
f) You would think the headlights are easy. They are not that easy. I won't even going to bother doing lamin-x for rear lights.

Comparison between P2 BiXenon(right) and Lamin-X Tint(left)
Also, with the bulb of the fogs being yellowish, the gunsmoke film creates copper light from the foglights. I like.

21mp resolution: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2435/...effd4eec_o.jpg

Side view:

21mp resolution(to see bubbles): http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2748/...f25c3b82_o.jpg

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Peabody · 10-24-2009, 04:51 AM

I'm definitely switching my headlights to tint when winter is over. You've really got to get rid of those orange markers though.

AkaSigFreak · 10-24-2009, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peabody

I'm definitely switching my headlights to tint when winter is over. You've really got to get rid of those orange markers though.

I already removed my Gun Smoke headlight tints and most of the tail light films (I left the clear center tinted). They were alot darker than I thought they would be and definitely not accurately represented on the websites color comparison chart. I had the Tint version before and it is much better.
BTW- lamin-x is sending me a new set of tail light films because of a problem with the film not adhering to the odd contours of our lenses.

MBreezy · 10-24-2009, 10:48 AM

Nice post...any feedback on whether the tint affects the light output of the headlights? Does it darken/reduce it at all?

weehyung87 · 11-05-2009, 07:55 PM

Did you end up cutting the sides of headlight lamin-x films?

imboom · 11-05-2009, 08:59 PM

MBreezy: No noticeable headlight difference.

weehyung87: You mean tabs? You can actually tuck them in. Makes removing much easier. If you meant by the headlight film being too big, I never had a fitment problem of it being too large. There are actually some parts of the headlight film that falls short(2mm or so) from the top. You won't even notice it though.

rh71 · 11-05-2009, 10:02 PM

why no rear lights? Because of time consumed? Was it trouble getting the bubbles out? I'm going to attempt it tomorrow in the warm garage + blowdryer. If your flat surface was difficult, I don't know about my tails because it curves out in the middle. Also worried about this thick film sticking outward making it look weird.

Mike_2011 · 11-06-2009, 01:07 AM

Are the Sport and Non-Sport Headlights the same size only the fog light size changes right?

TB5... · 11-06-2009, 10:41 AM

wtf camera are you using!

21 mp!!! damn!

dalazernet · 11-07-2009, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TB5...

wtf camera are you using!

21 mp!!! damn!

Looks like a Canon EOS 5D Mark II... F8 with exposure of 1/125...

Nice camera btw :-)

imboom · 11-07-2009, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rh71

why no rear lights? Because of time consumed? Was it trouble getting the bubbles out? I'm going to attempt it tomorrow in the warm garage + blowdryer. If your flat surface was difficult, I don't know about my tails because it curves out in the middle. Also worried about this thick film sticking outward making it look weird.

The biggest concern I have is the fact that the Lamin-X headlight set, although it is the same outside shape of the headlamps, it did not compensate exactly for the three ridges we have towards the sides. This made it much more difficult to install than it seemed and thus with the bigger and more pronounced ridges, it actually might not come out looking good at all.

The bubbles as of today are almost all gone. I have 1 bubble that is noticable left.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dalazernet

Looks like a Canon EOS 5D Mark II... F8 with exposure of 1/125...

Nice camera btw :-)

You are right. Good observation of EXIF! Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TB5...

wtf camera are you using!

21 mp!!! damn!

Dalazernet got it right. Canon 5D Mk II 24-105mm f/4L IS.
Some of my work is at www.flickr.com/photos/john_ng
Best work imo is at http://www.flickr.com/photos/john_ng...7615469306413/

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike_2011

Are the Sport and Non-Sport Headlights the same size only the fog light size changes right?

That is correct. Keep in mind while ordering Lamin-X, to pick out the Sport set if you have the C350/C300 Sport.

rh71 · 11-07-2009, 10:59 PM

Well I did it last night on the X taillights and while the flat parts (2 of 4 pieces) were simple, the 2 curving & raised lights on each side were a real pain. It was 70F in my garage, barely, and I used a blow dryer. I can see how it would help if it were much warmer - it wouldn't be as hard to bend around. It left some space at the end of the curve, top and bottom - less than a half inch but it's still there if you look closely. I've got a few bubbles here and there that I hope the sun will take care of after a few days. Thanks for confirming it should.

w204maniac · 11-09-2009, 06:51 PM

if someone wants to take off the films,is it easy?in what way we could take it off?
is a self adhesive material?
what about a glue after uninstalling?

is it worth the money and the time?

imboom · 11-09-2009, 08:46 PM

To remove the film, simply mix a solution of alcohol and apply on it and peel. Finish by apply goo-gone or similar safe solution to the left over residue.

The material is self adhesive and will require some patience of the installer. Is it worth the money? In my opinion, yes. It looks much more aggressive and protects the headlamps from yellowing and chips.

10-24-2009, 04:51 AM	#2
Peabody Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Germany Posts: 346 Drives: 2009 CK35	I'm definitely switching my headlights to tint when winter is over. You've really got to get rid of those orange markers though. __________________ 2009 Carlsson CK35 fully loaded, Brabus rear spoiler, clear side markers, sport mud flaps, gunsmoke headlights, AMG C63: rear bumper, diffuser, & quad exhaust.

11-05-2009, 08:59 PM	#6
imboom Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 367	MBreezy: No noticeable headlight difference. weehyung87: You mean tabs? You can actually tuck them in. Makes removing much easier. If you meant by the headlight film being too big, I never had a fitment problem of it being too large. There are actually some parts of the headlight film that falls short(2mm or so) from the top. You won't even notice it though. __________________

11-05-2009, 10:02 PM	#7
rh71 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: LI Posts: 68 Drives: '08 X5	why no rear lights? Because of time consumed? Was it trouble getting the bubbles out? I'm going to attempt it tomorrow in the warm garage + blowdryer. If your flat surface was difficult, I don't know about my tails because it curves out in the middle. Also worried about this thick film sticking outward making it look weird. __________________ 2010 white C300 sport 4matic (pics coming at some point) '08 X5

11-07-2009, 10:59 PM	#12
rh71 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: LI Posts: 68 Drives: '08 X5	Well I did it last night on the X taillights and while the flat parts (2 of 4 pieces) were simple, the 2 curving & raised lights on each side were a real pain. It was 70F in my garage, barely, and I used a blow dryer. I can see how it would help if it were much warmer - it wouldn't be as hard to bend around. It left some space at the end of the curve, top and bottom - less than a half inch but it's still there if you look closely. I've got a few bubbles here and there that I hope the sun will take care of after a few days. Thanks for confirming it should. __________________ 2010 white C300 sport 4matic (pics coming at some point) '08 X5 Last edited by rh71; 11-07-2009 at 11:11 PM.

11-09-2009, 06:51 PM	#13
w204maniac Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 33 Drives: c200 kompressor	if someone wants to take off the films,is it easy?in what way we could take it off? is a self adhesive material? what about a glue after uninstalling? is it worth the money and the time? __________________

10-24-2009, 10:48 AM	#4
MBreezy Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Jersey Posts: 68 Drives: '09 C300 6spd MT	Nice post...any feedback on whether the tint affects the light output of the headlights? Does it darken/reduce it at all?

11-05-2009, 07:55 PM	#5
weehyung87 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 122 Drives: 09 C350 4M/ 09 ML350 4M	Did you end up cutting the sides of headlight lamin-x films?

11-06-2009, 01:07 AM	#8
Mike_2011 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 75 Drives: 2009 C300 Sport	Are the Sport and Non-Sport Headlights the same size only the fog light size changes right?

11-06-2009, 10:41 AM	#9
TB5... ON PROBATION Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Toronto Posts: 882 Drives: 2009 C300 4Matic	wtf camera are you using! 21 mp!!! damn!

11-09-2009, 08:46 PM	#14
imboom Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 367	To remove the film, simply mix a solution of alcohol and apply on it and peel. Finish by apply goo-gone or similar safe solution to the left over residue. The material is self adhesive and will require some patience of the installer. Is it worth the money? In my opinion, yes. It looks much more aggressive and protects the headlamps from yellowing and chips. __________________

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