Tinted windows

Sanchez · 16 Apr 2012 at 18:23

So...with the recent arrival of our first child we really need to get some tints for the car as the little one is being blinded when she's ferried about. I'm aware that I can't legally go more than 70% on the front so I'll probably leave them well alone and they must already be slightly tinted. With regards to the rear and back window I'm learning towards maybe 50% because as well as being functional I don't want them to ruin the aesthetics of the car, especially as I can't touch the fronts. Has anyone here got tints on their car and experiences/pictures they'd be willing to share? I'd be particually interested (but not exclusively) in E46 owners as I own a black 330D saloon. I know that it's going to be a challenge to get it right without looking like the local drug dealer in a "diesel emfree".

I've got quotes from a few places and it's looking at coming in ~£150 with a 5 or 10 year guarantee. Does this seem about right for a saloon? I've been asking which film each firm uses as I've been told 3M is about the best but lot's of places use Johnsons or Solarguard. Are there any brands to avoid or is it mostly down the the quality of the fitting?

Any help is appreciated.

Sanchez · 16 Apr 2012 at 18:45

We already have a couple of these in the car as along with looking completely pap they also keep falling off. I'd be surprised if they stay stuck on for more than a day at the moment. Plus the UV protection of the film too that appeals to me.

Sanchez · 16 Apr 2012 at 19:13

Thanks for the image CaptainUnlikely. 25% is going to be too dark for mine I think but it'd useful to see the difference in the tints.

[TW]Fox;21697528 said:
Why not just get a set of the BMW sunblinds?

I didn't even know that BMW did them to be honest. They seem quite expensive at £170 for the set but they seem to fit very well and certainly 100 times better (although 100 times more expensive!) than the stick on ones. I've now seen that you can retrofit the electric rear blind without too much hassle and it's got the cogs turning over.

Sanchez · 16 Apr 2012 at 19:45

[TW]Fox;21697725 said:
Without too much hassle isn't quite true unless you have heated seats.

That might have sounded a bit flippant on my part. I just meant it is possible for an amateur to do it at home.

Sanchez · 16 Apr 2012 at 20:11

maccapacca said:
Proper drug dealer Limo tint

The oldest drug dealer in town, cruising in is Volvo!

Again, too dark. And it makes the difference in tint between the front and back windows so obvious unfortunately, It's a shame that you can't legally tint the fronts too much.

Has anyone declared their tints to their insurance company and had an increase in premiums?

Sanchez · 19 Apr 2012 at 19:25

Funnily enough, I parked next to an identical 3 series to mine today which had tinted windows. And although it was slightly modified cosmetically the tints didn't look great. I think on an aging BMW they just look a bit naf and a compromise I'm not willing to make.

On the up side, as per Fox's suggestion I've managed to find some sun blinds (not OEM, they were over £250 for rear widows and rear blind) for a reasonable £85 so I'll get them ordered this week. Plus they are removable for days when it's perhaps not as bright.