Just bought an E46 - what tint should I get?

Really excited about my new E46.

My question is, what tint should I get? I want it to still look classy, not like Im trying to "pimp" out my car.





Any suggestions?

Thanks.

First thing you need to do is to check the *legality* of window tints in your jurisdiction....

• Front Side Windows Must allow more than 50% of light in.
• Back Side Windows Must allow more than 35% of light in.
• Rear Window Must allow more than 35% of light in.

Those are the laws in my state. But I see completely blacked out all the time.

I went to the 3M certified installer in town- known for best quality around here- and they installed #25 all around on my 330ci. I like that set-up. Not too dark.

#25 is legal for front, #35 is legal for the back, in Florida.

I had the #25 installed in front on my 323i and #35 in rear and thought the #35 was too dark, so I was glad I had #25 installed all the way around on my 330ci.

They installed a sticker on the door jamb that states they are a certified installer and that the tint meets Florida code # XXX.

Originally Posted by QAfred

I went to the 3M certified installer in town- known for best quality around here- and they installed #25 all around on my 330ci. I like that set-up. Not too dark.

#25 is legal for front, #35 is legal for the back, in Florida.

I had the #25 installed in front on my 323i and #35 in rear and thought the #35 was too dark, so I was glad I had #25 installed all the way around on my 330ci.

They installed a sticker on the door jamb that states they are a certified installer and that the tint meets Florida code # XXX.

Thanks.

How can I find a 3M certified installer in my area?

Just do some research. Call them up, ask around, make sure they are certified 3M installers etc. They'll advertise that fact, believe me.

BTW, #35 you cannot see through that is why it is not legal in the front. Many get it installed on the front two windows also. You probably will not get hassled for it as long as you roll down both front windows when you get pulled over.

I am getting ready to get my windows tinted. Why 3mm? Does anyone recommend any locations in eastern pa or in Maryland?

I'd do the 35% in the backs to me 50% isn't worth it. It it would like tacky to go that dark in rear and nothing in front. I have 35% fronts and 20% all over rears. My fronts were 25 and I got a ticket. I bought the car like that though. In MO our law is 35% front any % rear.

Sent from my PantechP9060 using Bimmer App

I have 15 all around and 70 on the front windsheild. I am photosensitive, so I have to have dark tink due to the ricers with blinding HID lights.

I did 35% on all side windows even tho not legal anywhere on the east coast. Never ever came close to having a problem with the law or seeing out.
Keeps it cooler in AZ, CA, NM, and TX sun!

Originally Posted by GoForthFast

I did 35% on all side windows even tho not legal anywhere on the east coast. Never ever came close to having a problem with the law or seeing out.
Keeps it cooler in AZ, CA, NM, and TX sun!

+1 i went with 35% all around as well, been on for 2 years with no issues. Enough light from through the windshield (even from street lamps) allows enough light to pass into the front windows and doesnt drae attention, but still gives the clean look of the same tint all around

Do you want heat rejection, light rejection or both? 3M has a Crysalline line that you could get in a legal tint with 95% or better heat rejection.

As for why 3M... Have you ever seen those cars with peeling tint? That's usually dur to cheap tint (3M has a lifetime warranty) and/or a piss poor installation.

I've got 35% all round (except the windshield obviously), but if you want to keep it legal go 50% all round as it looks awful when the front is different to the back.

Originally Posted by V_323

I've got 35% all round (except the windshield obviously), but if you want to keep it legal go 50% all round as it looks awful when the front is different to the back.

+1 i also think it looks best when having same all round

Wasamatter? Don't you like purple peeling windows? Wanna get a Neon so I can experience this!

Did my own tint and how hard is it to get the bubbles out??

Originally Posted by GoForthFast

Wasamatter? Don't you like purple peeling windows? Wanna get a Neon so I can experience this!

Did my own tint and how hard is it to get the bubbles out??

How big are the bubbles? If they are like 1/8 to 1/4 inch or larger then you need to get the flat edge you used to install and gently work then out to the edges. If they're real small and make the look ever so slightly distorted, then they should disappear as the film dries. You don't want to use the windows for at least 24 hours... This is one task that I totally suck at! So I leave it to the professionals... It costs me less in the long run.

Get professionally done ceramic tint if you want it to look good and keep the heat out.. Doing tint yourself is not worth the hassle and usually comes out messed up.. Where I'm from, most tint shops will charge between $100-$200 to tint the entire vehicle and they should also know the tint laws for the state you're in..
My car is 5% all around and 20% on the windshield. Completely illegal, but I don't like people seeing in my car.

In my opinion, you only need a medium/light on the fronts and a bit darker in the back. Mine came that way and it helps A LOT. Any good tint will remove the UV and a lot of heat even if it is practically clear. Really dark back window tint might look cool, but try to back up at night....
Legality is important too... you never want any reason for the police to pull you over because they are curious....

Well here in Pa the legal limit is 70%. A friend just got 35% all around looks great on her black civic but it's dark. Running a sale in Maryland at the tint place I'm using so will cost me 170 with tax, now what % tint is the question. Is 35% worth it? Does anyone have 40 or 45%? How noticeable is it if I go one percent on side windows and a lighter percent on back window? I have a auto dimming mirror will dark tint effect this? Thanks guys