Wow sounds just like my X3 except I have Terracotta...save the money and get a full metallic or ceramic tint. Factory would look nice but isn't dark enough for me and I would have to go over it anyway. I have 18% on my current X3 and putting 15% ceramic on my 06 when I pick it up in about 2 weeks

 

we just ordered the privacy glass. It isn't dark IMO, and I was suprised becaseu I don't want a really dark tint. In other words, probably not dark enough for my taste.

I guess for the money you might be better off going aftermarket. See with and without for yourself, I find the factory privacy glass isn't much of a change, at least looking from the outside. Sit in the back seat and see if it is dark enough on the inside for you.

 

The privacy glass is lighter than in some other cars with factory tint in back....It seems like typical privacy glass tints are usually 20%, while the BMW's in general look to be 35%. You could also put tint over the privacy glass if you want a darker tint anyway.

 

Factory auto tints are definately not even close to 20%...they appear nice and dark from the outside, but they have to keep the light transmission high enough so that it is leagal in every state to sell the car. With that in mind I know of at least one state (Maine) that the law is 50% on all windows

 

my 2 cents - I prefer the factory privacy glass, then aftermarket. Tint is in the glass, not sitting on top, won't scratch or peel like aftermarket can ...

 

Factory auto tints are definately not even close to 20%...they appear nice and dark from the outside, but they have to keep the light transmission high enough so that it is leagal in every state to sell the car. With that in mind I know of at least one state (Maine) that the law is 50% on all windows

Not on BMW's, but compare it to any other minivan or suv on the road, 35% is much lighter than factory tinting. 20% is very close to factory tint. I remember this being the case on an FX35 that I used to have. The front window at 20% was very similar to the factory tint in back.

 

Until you take a light transmission meter to the factory auto tint I won't believe that it is 20%...it might have a dark look just like every other factory tint but if it were 20% then it would be illegal even in Florida, rear glass limit is 28%

 

Back windows (Factory tint) don't apply to laws... Front windows do, IMHO

 

So my wife and I are about to put an order in for a 2007 X3. We are going to get white, sport package, premium package, nav, silver trim, beige leather interior. I think that is about it for options, with the exception of privacy glass. What are your thoughts? My main reason for considering going with aftermarket window tint from a good shop is that there is zero tint to the front windows. I would rather to a mild tint all the way around, same on all of them, so it matched, and it would be cheaper even if I got the highest quality film and installation.

I've never gotten a car with factory tinted glass, sell me on it, or against it.

sounds like the privacy glass may be just right for you. :thumbup:
our dealer matched the front windows perfectly to the privacy glass

here's a picture of our X3 with front tint and privacy glass

 

Yea, my X5 has BMW privacy glass and I am thinking about getting it darker like my 5er but it is alot darker than stock though.




-e60lover

 

The following are the only states with no restrictions on rear side window tint: California, Arizona, Colorado, Deleware, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Utah, Vermont.

Any other state has limits, the highest being Pennsylvania and Rhode Island at 70%, so unless factory tint isn't an option in these other states then I'm sure it's 70%, how could they sell a car in those states with illegal equipment

 

Factory is too light for me. Not to mention factory privacy class does not block out harmful UV rays. I had mine tinted 60% front windshield, 35% sides/rear and 20% moon roof.

 

just go for the 5% aftermarket like i did lol! :rofl:

 

I have the privacy glass and it's fine for me. I don't want it too dark. I like to be able to see out the windows at night in case someone is driving around without their headlights off. I almost got hit once because the tint on my windows was so dark I didn't see this car coming and pulled out onto the street. Had it not been for a street lamp he drove under we would have crashed.

 

I have the privacy glass on my back and rear windows now, but I am looking to make them darker. Has anyone put tint over their privacy windows before and if so, would a third party be able to match that for the front windows. Also, I wanted some insight on what brand of tints most of you guys have been happy with.

Does anyone know when OEM parts or any aftermarket parts will be available for the 2007 X5? I am looking to change the exhaust to match the 4.8is and some other subtle changes. Anyone know if 20in rims will fit while still using the runflat tires?

 

I like my cars to have the same tint on the front, side and rear windows so I chose not to order factory tint and will just have my X3 tinted at my local shop.

 

Pass on the privacy glass

We ordered the privacy glass on my wife's 07 X3 and it is the only thing I wish I could go back and change. We live in south Florida and the privacy glass is not dark enough. I'm going next week to have the windows tinted, I should have saved the money and put it toward the tint. I guess it depends on where you live and if the tint is for style or necessity

 

I have privacy glass, its not that cheap looking tint.

 

Go ahead and get a custom tint job. Get the same % all the way around.

 

I want the same ***37; all around the car, but I have privacy glass on the back and rear windows. Anyone ever put tint on privacy glass and than try to match the end result on their fronts. Please help!!!