Window Tint - How dark would you go?

[timecurve]

Hey fellow M owners. I'm planning to tint windows, and wanted your advise on how dark should it be? I know it goes by percentage, what is the optimal? Not too dark, but not too light either. Also I heard there is a legal limit on front windows on how dark you can go? Is it different from state to state? I'm in Illinois.Your opinions are greatly appreciated.

[infinitiandbeyond]

Whatever the restriction is in Illinois, it is less than Indiana. Many in Illinois come to Indiana because you can get a darker tint installed here then drive back.

If you are looking to simply protect your interior from UV, check out http://www.huperoptikusa.com/. It is virtually clear but keeps your interior cool.

[szh]

If you are looking to simply protect your interior from UV, check out http://www.huperoptikusa.com/. It is virtually clear but keeps your interior cool.

This is, indeed, awesome stuff for keeping interiors cool and UV damage free.

Z

[AlbuquerqueM45sport]

The max in the state of New Mexico is 20% in the City of Albuquerque 35%. The lower the number the darker the tint. 5% is limo. I did 35% and it looks great. Also I can still see at night. In NM if a cop thinks it is too low, it is probable cause for a traffic stop. Then a tint meter is used to detect the actual.

[timecurve]

Did you do 35% all around or only on front sides? Cant decide if I like it more uniform all around or when back windows are darker than front. Anyway, thanks for the tip!

[M35 Sport]

You can't tint your front windows in IL at all

http://www.tintcenter.com/laws/

[NightWatch]

This is, indeed, awesome stuff for keeping interiors cool and UV damage free.

Z

Don't the M's already have UV built into the glass? My transition lenses do not work inside the car. I had to get a pair of prescription sunglasses.

[M35 Sport]

I think most cars have this. My last car (a pontiac) did not allow my transistion glasses to change either.

[YMm45]

okay I know I am breaking the law I just really don't want my leather to wear out or crack I live in Florida so the sun is pretty hot and my car sits in the sun a lot the car came with a 35% tint I just added 5% on top of that I have not really got in any trouble for it yet but to me its worth the fine and I am also planning on doing my front windshield 35% when I get a chance I don't recommend doing this at all this is just my taste in tint I can see out of my windows at night but I am also use to driving a car with dark tint

[timecurve]

Looking around on the street (excluding SUV's that come with rear windows tinted as is) any other sedan 9 out 10 times will have all windows tinted. Rarely I see a sedan with only rear window and rear sides tinted. And there are lots of cars here in illinois with tinted windows all around even though law says front sides cannot be tinted. I'm guessing it is the same all across the country. i'm guessing as long as you dont cross the reasonable threshhold, cops will turn a blind eye on this.

[M45-Zero260]

Greetings, and congrats on your M purchase!

I totally agree with the need for tint. I spent 8 years in FL, and ever since I moved back to IL 10 years ago, all of my cars have been tinted all the way around (with the exception of the windshield - I've heard of people doing this, but really don't think it is a good idea at all). Anyway, I've been pulled over numerous times throughout the years for speeding by IL State troopers and they have never questioned the tint. Granted, I've never gone with the "limo" look, I usually stick with around 35% and have found that to work out best for me. I'm not a fan of just tinting the rear of the car either - it just gives the car more of a "complete" look with the same tint all the way around.

The only thing I've noticed is with dark interior, the 35% will look more like 20%, and with a light interior - lighter of course. Different lighting makes a huge difference too...cloudy days it will always look darker.

The posts above reference some very high quality tint that, from what I hear, is exceptional. Either way, if you keep the tint clean, not too dark, you will get what you are looking for: Privacy, Your air conditioning doesn't have to work as hard, Protected interior from the sun, "Shatter Proof" glass in the event of an accident, Increased protection from someone peeping into your backseat during holiday season looking for some reason to break in if you have gift bags in your car, Enhanced overall looks of your car (almost every car commercial on TV, newspapers, and in Magazines will feature a car with tinted windows all the way around, etc.

Anyway, whatever you decide to go with, please keep us posted and furnish with a pic or two of the final product!

Good luck!

[AlbuquerqueM45sport]

I did 35% on all windows except the front windshield, which to me should only be done on show cars that never drive on the streets. I'll try and post a picture. The front side windows will always look a little lighter due to the fact that the windshield lets light in.

[gigatt]

Go with Sun Tek Carbon 35% reduces heat and glare, guaranteed no fading, peeling, lifetime guarantee, no interference with your radio, blue tooth, gps, I love it on mine... has a better shade than the regular stuff made in China....lol

[wizard8873]

I had 20% all around on the Altima and have 15% on the M45. unless you're going strictly to reduce heat 35% is really a waste of money. still very bright and I would recommend 20%. PM and i'll let you know of some good local places around NWI and Chicagoland

[jbillion]

I've had my tint for over a year and have never been pulled over for it. I once got a parking ticket in Chicago for $25, other than that, no problems with the law.

[DRIPS]

I would stay legal to avoid issue. I once had paid for tint (in my old car) and had to rip it all off at inspection.

[dieselm35x]

jbillion-your parking ticket was for the tints (like, while the car was parked)??? WOW....I didn't even know you could get a ticket like that!

I had 5% on my SUV before I sold it. Never got pulled over, but I wasn't too worried because I'm in law enforcement.

I think for my M35x, I'm putting 15% all around (except for front windshield). I think that'll be a nice look especially with the color of the car....Diamond Gray Metallic

[jbillion]

It was a write in ticket, it wasn't one of the standard boxes they checked. Leave it to good ole Mayor Daley to come up with more ways to generate revenue. I once got street cleaning tickets 3 days in a row, even though it is supposed to be the first Tuesday of the month and the sign clearly indicated that. The kicker was, none of the days were actually the first Tuesday and I had to take a day off work to contest the tickets.

[jbillion]

AFter over a year with the tints, having never been pulled over, the very next day after I post this message I got pulled over by a Rosemont cop and written a ticket for "Equipment - Obstructing Windshield or Windows" I have to go to court in Rolling Meadows. He said if I take the tint off before court and bring in the receipt, they will throw it out.

I am probably going to go ahead and ge the front removed, only because after getting the front lighter than the back, I regretted not getting the dark 10% tint all around.

[adr4]

35% is perfect!!! I have it all the way around my M35 Sport. If you go 25% it is really dark. I used to have 25 on my Altima and I couldn't see anything at night and the cops were all over me! 35 is just right and cops usually let you go and don't even mess with you.

[elmatador]

Yea dude stick to 35% tint all the way around. If you go too dark the vision is screwed at night time. 35% is perfect.