Sorry if this is a repost, but i could not find any similar topics.


I just ordered my Mini S, but I am confused about the Tints.

In AZ, we can legally have 35% tints on the driver/passenger windows. My dealer recommended I go 35% all around to keep the look consistent.

I am considering doing 20% tint on the back windows and then 35% driver/passenger windows. He felt the gradation would look bad. I want to keep the rear as dark as possible.

OPINIONS?

PICS TO COMPARE?

 

I'd get the same all around.

 

I agree, looks nice and smooth and flows around the car instead of looking all chopped off at the back.

 

Same all around

Otherwise, it will look

 

I agree with the same all around. Keep in mind that the windows are tinted to ~80% from the factory, so if 35% is the limit, and you apply 35% tint, you won't be legal. 35% is the limit here is MA as well, and I went with a 50% Llumar tint that looks fantastic. It's not very dark, though - I'm surprised that that's all AZ will let you do!

(By the way, my sig photo is pre-tint)

 

I have 35% up front and 15% in the back and I dont think it looks

 

I have 35% all the way around. I find that in cars with darker in the back it really makes night driving a pain.

 

I also had a hard time deciding on which tint. Decided on 35% Llumar tint all the way around. MS. law allows 35%,but I had no problems in getting inspection sticker. I am very happy with it!!!!!

 

its hard to tell from your picture because everything is so dark.

Maybe its more like

I cant really see much of anything in that pic. Maybe it works for you ... to each their own.

 

Another vote for 35% all around. Click the Magnus link in my sig for pics.
-G

 

Well from one Arizonan to another, I would go darker in the back.
I went 35% front and 20% in the back and the step is so subtle you can hardly tell. I would also get your sunroof tinted as this is the biggest source, I have found, for interior heat in the summer. Or get the really nice shade from www.stratmosphere.com. They are pricey, but worth it. I have them and they are the shiznit

If you want you really can go darker all the way around, a lot of Euro cars in Az, especially Scottsdale have 5-20% all around. Just roll down your front windows if you get puled over and they will never know!!

I will be going 20% fornt and 5% rear on our GTI when we get it in, FYI.

 

Went 30% all around. In Oregon 35% is the limit but it is really hard to tell the difference between the two.
The cop would have to be carrying a meter to check it.

 

We did 20% all around on our 06 S. Texas says 35% is the legal limit... but keep in mind you don't have to get it inspected for two years. It will fade to 35% in two years.... I have done it on the last three cars and never had a problem. And if a cop wants to be a d**k you can reach up and rip it off the window.

 

I don't think you will really notice that much of a difference if you went with 35 in the front and 20 in the rear. You'll be fine! I had 20% all around until a VB cop informed me that was illlegal (he had one of 2 meters in all of Virginia beach) So now I have 20 in the rear and nothing in the front....thats -- Johan

 

I just had my windows tinted last week, and I went with the same tint (30% I think) all the way around.

Looks better IMHO.

 

I just did the sides of the car with 35% ... stillneed to do the rear hatch, but a question first?

did you guys use one piece for the rear hatch, or is it done in strips? and if so, how many?

 

The rear hatch is small and relatively flat, so it should be easy to do with just one piece of film.

 

If you want...I can get my friend's tint guys name and number. He lives off of I-17 and Happy Valley Rd. He will do 20% and is only like $150 and I think that is if you already have a tint on the windows.

 

are you speaking from experience with this? the rear window is quite curved and dome shaped ...

 

In Cali you can't put anything on the driver/passenger window's (legally)...only the factory tint. That said...I have 35% on the D/P windows and 20% on all the rest including the sunroof. Makes a big difference in cutting down the glare and interior heat. I've had the same combination on the last 3-4 cars I've owned and wouldn't change a thing. Being able to see out at night has not been an issue. MY "95 BMW 325i has had it on since new and still looks good even after the teenager got it. Be sure to get the best you can find (Lumar ?) and find the best installer....one of those "you get what you pay for". I don't know what my installer used (I think it was Lumar/Luminar?)....but it is almost bullet proof, no fade, no bubbles. Don't use an Ammonia based cleaner as it will "fog" the tint over time and you loose clarity. If anything, I "might" change the sunroof to 5%. Central Calif can get to pretty hot in the summer....not like Az etc.
click on photo below to get a better idea.

 

I live in Cal and cant legaly tint the driver/pass front. I got 20% on the rear 3 and the sunroof. If I had the option I would have gone 35% on all 6 windows to keep the look the same.

 

I went 20% all around... legal limit here is much higher of a percentage. The heck with the law!! Honestly I don't get tint laws anyhow... any cops spotlight will cut right thru even 5%. Ridiculous!

 

I went 35 on the sides and 20 on the rear. I think it looks fine, with little transition anomolies:

I also like the darker rear so that people can't see into my boot (I left my rear deck at AMVIV III (damnit, Jim)
cheers,
phil

 

I guess I didn't make my point very well. I was suggesting that compared to other hatchbacks, the MINI window should be easy to tint.

Think about older hatchbacks, which tended to have a very large window and were much more curved (left to right) than the MINI.

 

ok Scott ... I understand ...

so all the people in this thread have a ONE piece film on the rear hatch?