Who tinted and who didn't?

[AIRPOWER]

32% SunGard Black Pearl HP all the way around...looks great.

[emfo]

Originally Posted by FeckinSpaceman

I normally go 20% all around because I like my "cave".....but I know some people prefer without.

So, not sure if you guys are familiar with 3M Crystalline but it is a nice compromise for those wanting UV protection and heat reduction without darkening or with minimal darkening.

I have considered doing this on the windshield for those reasons.

This is a good way to not darken my car any further but get the protection since so much heat comes through the windshield typically.

A local tint shop has a demo set up and it is incredible how much heat it blocks.

http://wot.motortrend.com/3ms-window...#ixzz1MH2xvMJD

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...omotive-Films/

For those of you that did tint, what material did you use?
1) normal tint
2) ceramic
3) crystalline
4) other?

[Aiter]

5% all around. Just like every other car I have owned.

[RickMonet]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

Hello all,

I just leased a new M4 and bringing it in on Friday for PPF and window tint. My installer gave me 2 options for tint, one of which is Spectra PhotoSync (extra $300). I was reading about it online a bit and it sounds somewhat similar to 3M Crystalline (UV and heat blocking), but I have no experience with either. So, I found this thread and thought it would be a good place to ask if anyone else has an opinion on Spectra PhotoSync. I live in FL so UV and heat blocking is a good thing - mostly wondering about any other potential issues like radio reception or other electronic system issues. Thanks.

I was looking for maximum heat rejection while not too dark. I chose Spectra PhotoSync55 and happy with heat reduction - very noticeable difference. No interference issues with tint. PhotoSync was pricy - about 200 bucks more than 3M Crystalline.

Another reason for going with PhotoSync was the color - PhotoSync reflects in grey hue which matches the Silverstone better than 3M Crystalline which can be brown/green depending on % light transmissible.

[m3rxn]

35% all around

[F80_M]

Though it's not an M3/4 here's my contribution to this thread with my car 5% tinted all around.

[Arcades]

3M Crystalline 40% Side and Back. 50% Front. 60% Moonroof.

[RickFLM4]

I have never put tint on the windshield of any car I've owned. For those that do, does it affect the performance of items attached to the windshield (or do they damage the tint)? In my case, I have a sticker that I need to affix to the front windshield to open the gate to my community, have a turnpike toll transponder affixed to my windshield with suction cups and a 9500ix radar detector with sticky cup. Not sure how putting tint on the windshield would coexist with those items. Thanks.

[Egrunt]

No tint for me in California. I retired from the Marine Corps over 10 years ago and I still remember sitting through a holiday safety brief at my unit and the CHP was giving a DUI / driver safety presentation. One of the questions asked to the CHP officer was about the legal limit of window tint. The Officer stated no window tint on the front windows is allowed. The Officer had a device that measured VLT and after the presentation we went to the parking lot and measured the VLT on a few vehicles with no tint. My car (96 Corvette with no tint) measured a 72% VLT with stock glass, the stock glass had a very light blue color to it. I researched CVC 26708 and found the following: The tinting material itself must have a VLT of at least 88% and when combined with the factory glazing, the VLT must not be less than 70%.

[997usa]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

I have never put tint on the windshield of any car I've owned. For those that do, does it affect the performance of items attached to the windshield (or do they damage the tint)? In my case, I have a sticker that I need to affix to the front windshield to open the gate to my community, have a turnpike toll transponder affixed to my windshield with suction cups and a 9500ix radar detector with sticky cup. Not sure how putting tint on the windshield would coexist with those items. Thanks.

35% all around - 70% windshield; My windshield is clear as glass and reduces approx 48% of heat and ~70% UV; If you think about it, the front typically would get the most sun exposure / heat / UV so it makes sense to apply a UV / Heat blocker. I didnt want issues with annual inspection so front shield is invisible, sides are legal.

[mikex25]

Originally Posted by Egrunt

No tint for me in California. I retired from the Marine Corps over 10 years ago and I still remember sitting through a holiday safety brief at my unit and the CHP was giving a DUI / driver safety presentation. One of the questions asked to the CHP officer was about the legal limit of window tint. The Officer stated no window tint on the front windows is allowed. The Officer had a device that measured VLT and after the presentation we went to the parking lot and measured the VLT on a few vehicles with no tint. My car (96 Corvette with no tint) measured a 72% VLT with stock glass, the stock glass had a very light blue color to it. I researched CVC 26708 and found the following: The tinting material itself must have a VLT of at least 88% and when combined with the factory glazing, the VLT must not be less than 70%.

Most people that tint their windshield go for around 70% which to the naked eye is hard to tell due to sun's glare and I doubt a cop pulling someone over would have that machine.

[mephiska]

Originally Posted by mikex25

Most people that tint their windshield go for around 70% which to the naked eye is hard to tell due to sun's glare and I doubt a cop pulling someone over would have that machine.

I've been tinting my cars (including side windows) in California for the last 13 years and have never been questioned about it, not once, even after being pulled over (twice in that span of time).

Rear door & back window tinting is legal in California. In fact nearly all SUVs are sold with factory tinting on the rear windows. I never go that dark all around though, the darkest I've ever had is 20% on the rear. I usually tint the front door windows lighter (35-50%) than the rear just to give the impression that they're not tinted and it's never been an issue.

[vonmayr]

Arizona here - tint is almost mandatory here due to the brutal heat and UV transmission. Plan is 3M Crystalline 40% all around, 70% on the windshield.

[DslDwg]

In the south it's not a matter looks it's really a must.

[Jockey]

I will do 35% ceramic all around like I have always done. A necessity in the heat and humidity here.

And since I did full leather, I will also get the windshield done (with whatever stuff you usually put on the windshield, 95% or whatever)

[TheRealOrosie]

Did 35% ceramic all around (except windshield). I have never owned a car that I did not tint. A must in my book.

[M4 LF]

Originally Posted by LamorindaF80

Did 35% ceramic all around (except windshield). I have never owned a car that I did not tint. A must in my book.

Same here, starting from my very first car many years ago. I always tint. As a matter of fact my M4 is at the tint shop right now lol

Originally Posted by Arcades

3M Crystalline 40% Side and Back. 50% Front. 60% Moonroof.

Looks great!

I went with Suntek CXP ceramic 5% rear, 55% front, and 80% windshield. Drove the M4 a couple days without the tint and it's excruciating. Can't wait to pick her up this afternoon all nice, cool and tinted.

[mikex25]

Originally Posted by mephiska

I've been tinting my cars (including side windows) in California for the last 13 years and have never been questioned about it, not once, even after being pulled over (twice in that span of time).

Rear door & back window tinting is legal in California. In fact nearly all SUVs are sold with factory tinting on the rear windows. I never go that dark all around though, the darkest I've ever had is 20% on the rear. I usually tint the front door windows lighter (35-50%) than the rear just to give the impression that they're not tinted and it's never been an issue.

Agreed completely I usually only go 35-40 all around. The tint guy put it to my attention the color of your car matters, on a lighter car it's much easier for cops to notice, while on darker cars it blends in better.

[AIRPOWER]

Here are all the specs on SunGard if you want them.

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by DslDwg

In the south it's not a matter looks it's really a must.

+1

Especially this time of year, no tint keeps the car brutally hot.

[Arcades]

Originally Posted by M4 LF

Same here, starting from my very first car many years ago. I always tint. As a matter of fact my M4 is at the tint shop right now lol



Looks great!

I went with Suntek CXP ceramic 5% rear, 55% front, and 80% windshield. Drove the M4 a couple days without the tint and it's excruciating. Can't wait to pick her up this afternoon all nice, cool and tinted.

Thanks

Ya if you are in SoCal, or Texas, or Florida, you have to tint your car. Especially because of the full leather interior. You have to tint with something at least good quality to preserve the leather from sun damage.

Not to mention if you have Moonroof (I ordered mine with it... don't judge :P) I tinted my Moonroof after.

Most every tint shop, the very good ones will warn you ahead of time that tinting front windshield is technically illegal to some degree. If the police cannot see that it is tinted, you won't get pulled over. They should also tell you, 70% above Front Windshield is fine. Only if you go super dark, where it is very obvious then you might be. I have Huper Optik 60% on my 328i Front Windshield, 3M Crystalline 50% Front Windshield and no issues so far.

P.S. I have only heard of 1 person getting pulled for having too dark of a tint. I was doing my M4 tint when a dude dropped by (friendly guy) at G5 Tint in Alhambra w/ a Mustang. So I was bored and I asked why he was here for. And he said he got pulled over in a college parking lot for having too dark of a tint. Said was super unlucky because the cop circled the parking lot waiting for him to return to give him the ticket lol. He had 5% all around.

[Lups]

Originally Posted by rr006rbc

This should be EVERY M4/M3's first mod with 35% transparency at the very least.

Ugh, every time I see any car with tints I think they are driven by a wanker in action.

In the states, people seem to be pretty preoccupied while driving, this only makes my theory stronger.