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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs Trying to decide on tint level and whether to include windshield
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      05-03-2013, 03:46 PM   #1
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Trying to decide on tint level and whether to include windshield

35% or 50%? don't want to look too gangster/limo. 3M or Suntek are my choices. My car is Alpine White.

Do most people tint their windshield too? Usually a lighter shade from what my shop told me. 70%?

I realize state laws vary...
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      05-04-2013, 07:41 AM   #2
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Go 35% ceramic. It's more expensive but rejects more radiant heat. I wouldn't do the windshield. I'm always concerned about distortions when wearing polarized sunglasses.
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      05-04-2013, 11:48 AM   #3
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Here are side and oblique rear photos with 50% 3M Crystalline on sides and 55% Suntek on the back, no tint on the windshield. What is your car's interior color?
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Last edited by MWPos; 05-04-2013 at 07:21 PM..
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      05-07-2013, 11:25 AM   #4
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That helps a lot MWPos!

Why did you use two different types?

Which do you like better? My installer offers both 3M Crystalline and SunTek CRX

I have Alpine White on Black
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      05-07-2013, 12:42 PM   #5
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i bought my car with rear windows already tinted to about 5%, front doors are 35%.
For the windshield, i have about 5" strip of 5% tint and i love it!!!
I used to have full windshield tinted to 50% on my E39 and a 5% strip on top of it, but i got so much attention from cops that i had to take it off.
one time cop was 3 cars ahead of me at the light, as soon as he saw me in the mirror, he pulled aside, waited for me to drive by then pulled behind me and pulled me over.
I got away with a warning because i already had a ticket for it that i told him i was going to take care of before court date.
Windshield tint is pretty cool, but everytime you'll see a cop you'll think about being pulled over.

here is a picture of my car and windshield strip!!
Enjoy!
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      05-07-2013, 01:39 PM   #6
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Excellent questions!

A little data, and worthy of double checking. My installer told me that the Crystalline is a superior product because it is equally and fully effective regardless of the sun's angle. He said that the Suntek is a superb product also, but is effective at sun angles only nearly perpendicular to the surface.

I used two different types because my installer wanted a much higher price for the Crystalline installation because, he said, that the material requires specialized handling and careful application. I chose the Crystalline for the sides because for most of the day, the sun glances off of the side windows and I wanted the best protection for the sides regardless of the sun's angle. For the back, I chose the less expensive Suntek because for most of the day, while my car is parked, I have it oriented with its rear end facing the south and the sun's arc guarantees a 90 degree angle at the hottest part of the day when the sun is most intense.

So, I shopped for the best value with the higher price material where it was needed, and the lower cost material where it would suffice.

There. Did that make sense?

With your black interior, you may want to lower the numbers about 10% from mine in order to keep the color levels where you want them.

Quote:
Originally Posted by shoek View Post
That helps a lot MWPos!

Why did you use two different types?

Which do you like better? My installer offers both 3M Crystalline and SunTek CRX

I have Alpine White on Black

Last edited by MWPos; 05-07-2013 at 09:12 PM..
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      07-30-2013, 09:20 AM   #7
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I got 55% on windshield and 35% all around. For some reason cops never stop or try to pull me over. Maybe it depends on where you live. 55% on the windshield isn't that noticeable. I got the ceramic also and boy does it help with heat.
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      08-04-2013, 09:46 AM   #8
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I have 70 on windshield and love it. Great during the day and night is no problem. Night rain is huge improvement with less glare. Hud works much better also. My sides are 55. I went light for a clean/no gangster look since my car is jet black. I really feeling the light tint.

At 70 percent I don't think you need to worry about cops. It's hard to notice. 55 on it will gather attention for sure.
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      09-11-2013, 08:44 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scottz5 View Post
I have 70 on windshield and love it. Great during the day and night is no problem. Night rain is huge improvement with less glare. Hud works much better also. My sides are 55. I went light for a clean/no gangster look since my car is jet black. I really feeling the light tint.

At 70 percent I don't think you need to worry about cops. It's hard to notice. 55 on it will gather attention for sure.
What's your interior color? I'm trying to decide between 20% and 35%. Mine is also Jet Black with Beige interior. Thanks!
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      09-20-2013, 02:04 PM   #10
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35% F1 in sun and shade. Cinnamon brown interior. Carbon black ext.
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      09-20-2013, 02:43 PM   #11
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Do 5% all around and 20% on windshield, you'll be fine lol
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      09-22-2013, 11:49 AM   #12
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just realized the sunshades are up in the back so this is a poor picture.

i want 70% on the front. if you do the front let me know how you like it. :]
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      09-23-2013, 07:20 AM   #13
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I went with Madico Advanced Ceramic 4000 (40%) all around including the windshield and sun roof. I love it. The heat rejection is the best I've had and Madico's clarity is amazing.
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      10-09-2013, 01:13 PM   #14
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Never been a fan of the front window tint.
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      10-13-2013, 11:05 AM   #15
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"For the windshield, i have about 5" strip of 5% tint "

will it affect the rain/ Day light lamp sensor?
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      10-17-2013, 08:01 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrey View Post
i bought my car with rear windows already tinted to about 5%, front doors are 35%.
For the windshield, i have about 5" strip of 5% tint and i love it!!!
I used to have full windshield tinted to 50% on my E39 and a 5% strip on top of it, but i got so much attention from cops that i had to take it off.
one time cop was 3 cars ahead of me at the light, as soon as he saw me in the mirror, he pulled aside, waited for me to drive by then pulled behind me and pulled me over.
I got away with a warning because i already had a ticket for it that i told him i was going to take care of before court date.
Windshield tint is pretty cool, but everytime you'll see a cop you'll think about being pulled over.

here is a picture of my car and windshield strip!!
Enjoy!
Will it affects the rain/ light sensors?
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      02-19-2014, 09:16 AM   #17
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i have a alpine white f10 also and i did 20% all around with no front windshield tint, i have black interior so the tint looks dark! but i love the look of it, i went ahead and plasti-dipped my chrome trim to matte black which really pulls the look off the car together. Also added the 20" M5 style wheels.
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