Tint: Huper Optik vs. 3M Crystalline

[kcxi]

I just ordered a 528xi and asked my CA about tinting. He recommended 3M Crystalline, and the dealership charges $700 for just the windows (windshield extra). Since it was a Saturday afternoon , the CA couldn't tell me how much they charge for doing the windshield because the service department was closed.

I went to a local tint place that recommended Huper Optik's Huper Ceramic 60, and they quoted $450 (windows) + $300 (windshield) = $750.

I want my cake and eat it too ;) I want the tint to be as clear as can be yet provide the best heat shielding for windshield and windows. Any comments and suggestions are most appreciated :)

I have 6 more weeks to decide before my car arrives. Does any have any advice, opinion or experience with Huper Optick and 3M?

Thanks.

[stevepow]

I bet if you do a forum search on huper or tint, etc, you find some opinions.

[jcflys]

Man if you can get Huper for 450 for the windows that sounds good. I just received a quote for Huper for my 550i and they wanted F%$#@$# 700 dollars. They must be smoking crack. They wanted 350 for 3m.

[Starab]

I just ordered a 528xi and asked my CA about tinting. He recommended 3M Crystalline, and the dealership charges $700 for just the windows (windshield extra). Since it was a Saturday afternoon , the CA couldn't tell me how much they charge for doing the windshield because the service department was closed.

I went to a local tint place that recommended Huper Optik's Huper Ceramic 60, and they quoted $450 (windows) + $300 (windshield) = $750.

I want my cake and eat it too ;) I want the tint to be as clear as can be yet provide the best heat shielding for windshield and windows. Any comments and suggestions are most appreciated :)

I have 6 more weeks to decide before my car arrives. Does any have any advice, opinion or experience with Huper Optick and 3M?

Thanks.

Any CERAMIC / non metallised is good.(Ceramic costs almost twice but much better heat rejection compared to other non-metallised).
Go with Ceramic : Huperoptic-nanoceramic , Johnson-Insulator, Madico - Mac series, Llumar-Axcess, FormulaOne-Pinnacle. These are very good.
Checkout their websites, dealers locations and ask for quotes.

[aficionado]

I just posted pics of FormulaOne-Pinnacle tint. Search Platinum or Tint.

Looks great. It's ceramic and cost less ($350 out the door) than the Huper. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with this.

[kcxi]

Thank you all for sharing your experiences and comments.

I spoke to a gentlemen who works for a Mercedes dealership doing tint work and detailing. This guy is very honest, and told me the risk of the tinting process and other considerations:

1) Because they use soapy water in the process, there is a risk of getting water in the dash area or door where electronics are located and cause electrical problems.

2) He stopped using Huper Optik because they experienced problem with HO glue after 2 years. It is very difficult to peel off the old film and replace with new one. It will make a mess.

3) He said if I am going to leave the car in the parking lot for the entire day, the car is going to build up heat anyway with or without tint.

I can't see myself putting a brand new 528xi through soap and water inside the car. The thought of someone climbing in and out of it working hard in it for hours, and then face the possibility of the problems he mentioned makes me uncomfortable.

So, I think I will live with the heat and make use of the "rear window sun blinds" and "Parked Car Ventilation" feature to cool off my car 30 minutes before I get in :)

[Starab]

Thank you all for sharing your experiences and comments.

gentlemen works for Mercedes dealership tint work and detailing and told me the risk of the tinting :soapy water , risk of getting water in the dash/door and cause electrical problems
putting a brand new 528xi through soap and water inside the car. the problems he mentioned makes me uncomfortable. :)

I took some important phrases of your post.

Anyone who has tint, Please post any such minor-major issues or problems related to tint.
This will help us to make decision.
THANKS.

[528JD]

I recently had HO nano ceramic put on. The HO had a lengthy warranty, can't find the paperwork just now..

$350 total all windows.

I was in & out in under 2 hrs.
Excellent results.

I don't know why water would be around the dash area, most states don't allow for tinting the windshield

A good installer doesn't have water 'soaking' everything. My guy was using a towel placed on the doors at the bottom of the window - it absorbed most run-off.

If the car stays out all day, I'd get one of those windshield/dash covers - the cardboard thing that folds up like a road map - alot of heat will come in through the windshield.

Car is noticeably cooler though, even up here in the MI heat! ;)