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      03-27-2012, 06:26 AM   #1
SHADOW4
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Tinted Windows

Hi,

my car is black on black and i see in different post there are some good and some not so good window-tinting brands and types.

Will go for some quality brand (usually always pay off)

I have never come close to a tinted window and now I'm looking for close up pics of how it looks at the edges and where the tinting film come in touch with the lists around windows.

i remember how ugly tinted windows became in the 80's.......misscolored and cracked. I guess it's much better nowadays!

So if you have the time I would appreciate some pics.

Thanks in advance
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      03-27-2012, 08:13 AM   #2
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we have "high quality brand" 50% ceramic

advice - I like the lighter 35% tint and that is what I will do next time BUT without question spend the extra $ and get ceramic B/C you will feel virtually no heat coming through the glass on you with ceramic; it is awesome and worth every penny
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      03-27-2012, 11:35 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VintageBMW View Post
we have "high quality brand" 50% ceramic

advice - I like the lighter 35% tint

35% is actually darker than 50%.
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      03-27-2012, 11:48 AM   #4
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well heck, I like the lighter tint. I am assuming 50% means half comes through and 35% means only 35% makes it through???
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      03-27-2012, 11:52 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VintageBMW
well heck, I like the lighter tint. I am assuming 50% means half comes through and 35% means only 35% makes it through???
You also have to consider the state and/or city laws on amount of tint allowed. My sons truck had 35% in Houston, passed safety inspection two years in a row. Last month, he failed at the same location as 35% is now too dark. Had to remove the tint to get the truck to pass inspection.
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      03-27-2012, 12:07 PM   #6
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CA doesn't allow any tint on the front windows and windshields but you can usually get away with some light tint on the front windows or dark as long as the cops aren't too lazy to stop you for it.
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      03-27-2012, 12:22 PM   #7
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Thanks guys, I'll check with some detailers around and check what's legal here in Sweden. Probably nothing on the windscreen here. I am not going too dark anyway cause I'm almost blind.
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      05-16-2012, 09:48 PM   #8
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I know nothing about tinted windows: how exactly is it put on and will it remain 'invisible' w/o and bubbles, blemishes, etc? Also, does it really block out harmful UV light or just provides shade and that's it? What parts can be tinted, all the windows should they all use the same percentage? Thx.
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      05-16-2012, 10:59 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tranquility View Post
I know nothing about tinted windows: how exactly is it put on and will it remain 'invisible' w/o and bubbles, blemishes, etc? Also, does it really block out harmful UV light or just provides shade and that's it? What parts can be tinted, all the windows should they all use the same percentage? Thx.


The film has a very minimal water based adhesive. This allows the installer to work out the air bubbles and for the film to securely adhere once it dries. The drying process may take up to 5-7 days and you should minimize window movement during this period. No interior window washing for a couple of weeks. The minor door opening/window actuation is not usually a concern. Film can be scratched - my wifes friend scratched her's sitting in the passenger seat with the diamond ring, while reaching over her shoulder for the seat belt. It is relatively scracth resistant in normal use.

A good installer will leave minimal air/dust bubbles but undoubtly there will be a few. It is almost impossible to get the film to lay perfectly flat around the factory glass markings and edge dots. If you're like me or are anal retitive about minor imperfections this will likely be annoying to you.

Ceramic is state of the art film incorporating Titanium Nitride nano particles within the film's construction (now does that sound high tech or what), to selectively filter the wavelength of the incoming light. Ceramic films are efficient heat blockers and do not contain any metals.

Most modern films are polyester based and will easily last +7 yrs without degradation. Most installers provide a lifetime guarantee although there is no guarantee they will be in business in 2-3 yrs. Yes they are UV blockers ~99%.

Your should check your province laws that may dictate the allowable percentage.

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      05-16-2012, 11:07 PM   #10
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I believe there is also something that has to do with the film not affecting the electronics that is in the back glass.
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      05-16-2012, 11:50 PM   #11
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I have a Bolle tint, blue to match the car.
It is 99% UV and it has heat and glare reduction.

Agree with HerrK on the imperfections in the tint bonding around the small dots on BMW window edges.
I would rather it looked perfect.

You can get a genuine BMW tint that is supposed to address this, but the dealer told me it has no UV or heat reduction capabilities, it is just darker glass.
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      05-17-2012, 01:20 AM   #12
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I did a 35% tint. 3m brand
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      05-17-2012, 11:06 AM   #13
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'VintageBMW' : Your car looks absolutely beautiful! I have a Black Sapphire and am planning on tinting my windows as well. Seeing how fantastic your car looks, make it a definite. Very nicely done!




'HerrK' : Thank you for the great info! I too never knew the technical differences and scales for tint. Having the info you provided will really help when I go to have mine done!
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      05-17-2012, 01:37 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HerrK View Post
A good installer will leave minimal air/dust bubbles but undoubtly there will be a few. It is almost impossible to get the film to lay perfectly flat around the factory glass markings and edge dots. If you're like me or are anal retitive about minor imperfections this will likely be annoying to you.
Thx for this very informative post! Ya, I'm like you, I can't stand imperfections such as that. I guess it'll be a pass for me. I was thinking if carmakers have 'darkened glass' in-house, i.e. no film w/ the actual glass already darkened.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr Stig 2 View Post
You can get a genuine BMW tint that is supposed to address this, but the dealer told me it has no UV or heat reduction capabilities, it is just darker glass.
That sucks. I don't see the point unless it protects against UV. Oh well.
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      05-17-2012, 02:29 PM   #15
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I say check with the dealer who they use then go there and look at the samples.

Also recommend you first read all about it ----> Right here
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      05-17-2012, 10:39 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tranquility
Quote:
Originally Posted by HerrK View Post
A good installer will leave minimal air/dust bubbles but undoubtly there will be a few. It is almost impossible to get the film to lay perfectly flat around the factory glass markings and edge dots. If you're like me or are anal retitive about minor imperfections this will likely be annoying to you.
Thx for this very informative post! Ya, I'm like you, I can't stand imperfections such as that. I guess it'll be a pass for me. I was thinking if carmakers have 'darkened glass' in-house, i.e. no film w/ the actual glass already darkened.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr Stig 2 View Post
You can get a genuine BMW tint that is supposed to address this, but the dealer told me it has no UV or heat reduction capabilities, it is just darker glass.
That sucks. I don't see the point unless it protects against UV. Oh well.
Much talk about the UV, however, whatchagonnado when you have the top down???

I will opt for the ceramic within the next week based solely on reducing the Houston heat......
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      05-17-2012, 11:57 PM   #17
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+1 for using ceramic. Do not use anything that has metal in the film as it will mess with your electronics. Not sure what you can get over there in Sweden, but ceramic films by Huper Optic and the Pinnacle Series films by FormularOne are both highly regarded. Huper Optic unfortunately is also crazy expensive.
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      05-18-2012, 02:58 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Baremeg55 View Post
Much talk about the UV, however, whatchagonnado when you have the top down???
It's actually a concern for my wifey. You know women, afraid of a little sun and a little wind.
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      05-18-2012, 03:00 AM   #19
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For those w/ tints, did you do it for all the windows, including the rear? Are they all the same %age?
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      05-18-2012, 09:13 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by E36ic4Me View Post
'VintageBMW' : Your car looks absolutely beautiful! I have a Black Sapphire and am planning on tinting my windows as well. Seeing how fantastic your car looks, make it a definite. Very nicely done!
Thanks - my wife loves this car and so do I; to this day with almost 3 years of loving this car for 28k miles, we think it has the best looking lines on the road. That is coming from a guy that lives in an area with a lot of very high end cars rolling around. It is just timeless. Now if I can just figure out if the new M Performance brakes for the F30 fit on an e89!!!
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      05-19-2012, 06:00 PM   #21
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These are pictures of 20% tint (I'm not sure what brand...I just said I want plain, cheapest price 20%)
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Last edited by silverstone_ttlz4; 05-19-2012 at 06:06 PM..
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