[Bimmerbaby]

I just got my montego blue tinted and it definitely enhances the look.

[Tommy420]

What type of tint did you get, and how dark did you go?

Also, has anyone ever tinted their windshield?

[shragon]

i have mine at 35% all around (none on windshield though) and i really like it.

[Vickyy]

i kno soph1aa has her front windshield tinted.... but i forgot with how much %

she has a AW

[Bimmerbaby]

Originally Posted by Tommy420

What type of tint did you get, and how dark did you go?

Also, has anyone ever tinted their windshield?

What kind of tint? Shoot, don't remember the name but it is slightly metallic (No CA). I got 35% in the back and 45% for the two front windows because i'm paranoid about having my front windows too dark. lol

[stooken]

Originally Posted by Tommy420

What type of tint did you get, and how dark did you go?

Also, has anyone ever tinted their windshield?

35% ceramic tint for my CA. no front windshield. the car looks dark from the front with all the other windows tinted already. no need for the front.

[Tommy420]

Ok, so from what I've gathered thus far, I should get the ceramic tints, since it seems that is the popular option, and I'm not really sure what other options there are. Also, I am definitely going to get 35% on the back window and the back-side windows, but still debating how dark I should go on the front two windows, as I don't have good luck with cops and don't want to have them removed later.

Another question I had, does it look as dark from inside-out as it does from outside-in? In another words, when you're sitting in the car, is it really dark through the 35% tints, especially at night, or are they just right?

[968PORSCHE]

I did tinting for more years than I like to remember, but I'm older now so take my advise for what it is worth.
Number one, cops will not pull you for just one thing generally speaking. So don't give them an excuse. I live in LA as well and I just had one give me a look so I rolled my window down and he told me I went too fast around a corner that was 1/8th of a mile behind me. Keep in mind he was coming towards me, so he was even further away when he saw me. (No I didn't slide, and no the car doesn't lean in corners). If my windows were real dark I think it would have become a formal traffic stop. As it was he said slow down. I rolled my window up, smiled and said fuck off.

Two, your interior is black which will make even the lightest tint look very dark.

Three, all films stop UV rays, and the difference in heat rejection is a big trade off for visibility at night. Dark film is ok under perfect lighting, but in the rain or in an unfamiliar place your backup lights will not do the trick. You will not see that Ground wire from the telephone pole, or a shopping cart etc. It really is more of a pain in the ass than it's worth. I've felt this way since I was in my 20's and we used to change the film on our cars all the time.

four, having the same grade all the way around looks better than mixing it, but this is a subtle point.

Five, super dark tint just looks ghetto if it's not on a show car in a car show.

Six, yes I've gotten the fix it ticket. You really don't want to go through the time and expense. Make the right decision and spend the time driving and enjoying. Show some restraint and your car will stand out because it will look classy.

[stooken]

Originally Posted by Tommy420

Ok, so from what I've gathered thus far, I should get the ceramic tints, since it seems that is the popular option, and I'm not really sure what other options there are. Also, I am definitely going to get 35% on the back window and the back-side windows, but still debating how dark I should go on the front two windows, as I don't have good luck with cops and don't want to have them removed later.

Another question I had, does it look as dark from inside-out as it does from outside-in? In another words, when you're sitting in the car, is it really dark through the 35% tints, especially at night, or are they just right?

just go 35% all around. i was in the same boat before. from looking at alot of pictures online, 35% didnt seem dark enough so i was leaning towards 30%. turns out, it's perfect.

from the outside - with direct sunlight, you can definately see through the car. at night, you can't really see inside.

from the inside - it's kinda like wearing sunglasses during the day. it's not too dark but enough to shade the sun and keep enough heat out. at night, i have no problems seeing whatsoever. only times i have problems are in poorly lit parking garages.

in short, i wouldn't go any darker or lighter. 35% is perfect for day and night.

[bartman32]

I'd do it if I were you. If you get caught it's just a fix it ticket. No big deal.

[BMW_TT]

i have 35% all around besides the back, which is 15%.

[lkn]

Looks like we've reached conclusions:
- 35%
- ceramic

so now does it matter which brand? optik, formula? so many to choose from

[VVA330]

absolutely YES!

[ATG]

tint

[staticten]

i'd tint mine too (living in L.A.)

however, my E92's a lease car? so i'm not quite sure...

is it ok?

thanks.

[stooken]

Originally Posted by staticten

i'd tint mine too (living in L.A.)

however, my E92's a lease car? so i'm not quite sure...

is it ok?

thanks.

there are plenty of leased cars here with crazier mods than tint

FYI mines leased as well.

[mayno]

Originally Posted by Tommy420

Hey guys, i'm really digging this forum, glad to have found it. My first ever BMW is about to arrive in three weeks, and I can't wait to drive it (see my signature).

I'm trying to decide whether to tint my windows. I live in CA, and the window tint laws allow me to tint the rear and back-side windows at any tint, however they only allow a 70% tint for the front. If I do it, I'm going to take the chance and do a 35% all around.

Do you guys have yours tinted, and what do you think looks better?

I recommend this place:
Southern California Window Tinting
6137 Lankershim Blvd Unit 7
North Hollywood, CA 91606
http://local.yahoo.com/details;_ylt=...cb=i01BXAuPUwj

Don't go to California Tint...they suck!
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...42&postcount=5

And, FYI, any front window tint is illegal in CA. thing is though not many cops will ticket you for it unless you're doing something else stupid. and even when you do get ticketed the fine is very minor.

so definitely do it, especially since you live in So Cal...we get a ton of sun here.

[staticten]

Originally Posted by stooken

there are plenty of leased cars here with crazier mods than tint

FYI mines leased as well.

sweet!!!

so that means i don't have to take it off after the lease right?

thanks stooken!

[Aija]

newbie question:

wats the difference between ceremic tint and regular tint...


incomming flame.

[OhhaiAlex]

35% is good

[EDK99]

Originally Posted by Aija

newbie question:

wats the difference between ceremic tint and regular tint...


incomming flame.

Ceramic tint (newer technology) offers better heat rejection and UV protection and does not interfere with electronically components like CA. Regular (metallic) tint has been around for years and is your basic tint so to say. Their have been a few reports of metallic based tints interfering with electrical equipment like CA and integrated radio antennas in the window. But then their have been posts of people who have metallic tints and have no problems.

Ceramic tints will cost a little more and are a little harder to work with like the Huper Optik ceramics. So make sure you find a reputable installer or one recommended by the manufacture. I have had both ceramic (formula one pinnacle 35) and metallic (llumar 30 & 15). By far the formula one Pinnacle 35 beats out the llumar 30 and 15 in terms of appearance and heat rejection.

[Tommy420]

In conclusion, I think I'm going to go ahead with the following:

Get 35%, ceramic tints all around (except windshield of course)
I'm also going to have them done at Southern California Window Tinting, since I don't live to far away from there.

I appreciate all the help guys. I'm anxiously waiting for the arrival of my car (11/24)