Front tinting

[xweb10]

I am thinking about tinting my two front windows. Anything I should look for or any advice to get it matching the back door windows? Any specific type of tint I should look for? I am not looking to go too dark, but a little darker than factory would look nice.

[menelaos]

Originally Posted by xweb10

I am thinking about tinting my two front windows. Anything I should look for or any advice to get it matching the back door windows? Any specific type of tint I should look for? I am not looking to go too dark, but a little darker than factory would look nice.

The first thing you have to think about is whether it is legal.
In most cases, it is not.
I would do a lighter tint, because making it dark only attracts cops.

[Chadmatic]

Originally Posted by menelaos

because making it dark only attracts cops.

+1.

Also makes it very difficult to see pedestrians crossing at intersections at night.

[pits200]

The front tint darkness will seem lighter or darker based on your interior color. Ive had black interiors forever and would never recommend anything darker than 35%. If you have a light interior you may he able to get away with 20. Overall, 35 or 50 is your safest bet and even those are technically illegal in almost all states but most cops won't care unless they are pulling you over for another reason.

[CeeTeeX5]

My last 4 cars have had the front windows matched to the rears. Usually ranging from 15 - 20% tint. I've yet to be bothered (knock on wood) for the front window tints in the last 18 years.

My X5 metered at I believe 18% for the rear windows and 18% was applied to the front windows. Have never had any issues seeing out of the vehicle in any conditions. Looking in is different than looking out...

I would just make sure you take it to a reputable installer that has the ability to meter the windows to get the right tint percentage. Here's a pic of mine.

[Florida-X3]

Go Ceramic, we went with legal in FL and did 30%. When the sunroof shade is closed and sun isn't pouring in the windshield, the color match with factory windows is pretty close.

[Maverik259]

Ceramic 15-20% will do the trick. And get 70% on the windshield and you'll be rocking. Regardless if it's legal. Who cares. Cops aren't gonna pull you over for tint by itself. They got better things to do. But they may tack it on. Either way. Matching you will be fine. Two different tints looks dumb imo.

[DETSGTSTARSKY]

I have had recent vehicles done with 3M Chrystalline film. I believe it was 30 or 35%. I wouldn't go darker than that. You want to be able to see at night in a rainstorm without having to put your windows down. Some of the darker films look cool but are too dark to see. Find a good installer and stay away from junk parts store film to diy.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Ceramic 15-20% will do the trick. And get 70% on the windshield and you'll be rocking. Regardless if it's legal. Who cares. Cops aren't gonna pull you over for tint by itself. They got better things to do. But they may tack it on. Either way. Matching you will be fine. Two different tints looks dumb imo.

Oh yes and ceramic is a bit lighter than usual tints but there is nothing better in the market for heat.

[xweb10]

Thanks everyone. I'm in California so I do want to be wary of what is legal.

[Wavy]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Cops aren't gonna pull you over for tint by itself. They got better things to do.

Actually they do. I've been pulled over plenty of times just for tint.

[CeeTeeX5]

Originally Posted by Wavy

Actually they do. I've been pulled over plenty of times just for tint.

Looks like you and OP are both in SoCal. They must be stricter about window tint down there.

[Wavy]

Originally Posted by CeeTeeX5

Looks like you and OP are both in SoCal. They must be stricter about window tint down there.

Might be

[yewlock]

Window tint reflection in California
Window tint can reflect incoming light and reduce glare and heat. California window tint law permits a certain window reflection when using a tint so make sure you pay attention to this as well.

.
Tint reflection for SUV and vans:
Front Side windows: Must not be more reflective than a standard window.
Back Side windows: Must not be more reflective than a standard window.

I got pull over for 30% tint from local police car. But I got get away because the police got call over for other crime scene.

[yewlock]

Tint darkness for SUV and vans:
Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
Front Side windows: Aftermarket film must allow more than 88% of light in, or minimum 70% VLT if combined with factory-tinted windows.
Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

[DuSh]

I wasn't pulled yet for dark tint here in AZ. But it gets 104+ here, so unless you love wearing gloves in summer to be able to touch steering wheel without burning your hands - almost everyone has front tint and cops are accustomed to it. I also noticed white cars can get less cops attention for some reason. I mean white x5 is just rarely registering in cops mind as something bad (big mistake lol as I drive like a real bmw duchebag)

[Wavy]

Originally Posted by DuSh

I wasn't pulled yet for dark tint here in AZ. But it gets 104+ here, so unless you love wearing gloves in summer to be able to touch steering wheel without burning your hands - almost everyone has front tint and cops are accustomed to it. I also noticed white cars can get less cops attention for some reason. I mean white x5 is just rarely registering in cops mind as something bad (big mistake lol as I drive like a real bmw duchebag)

You guys can have up 35% on the front sides. California can have up to 70% which is basically stock tint on most newer cars.

I can see why cops wouldn't bother checking for a few percent Az. Here in Ca, it's easy to spot illegal tint.

[iconoclast]

Originally Posted by xweb10

I am not looking to go too dark, but a little darker than factory would look nice.

15% ceramic would be a nearly perfect match. the rears read 18%. 10% is offset with the light of the windshield and from the side looks perfect but is a bit darker from the inside out.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by yewlock

Window tint reflection in California
Window tint can reflect incoming light and reduce glare and heat. California window tint law permits a certain window reflection when using a tint so make sure you pay attention to this as well.

.
Tint reflection for SUV and vans:
Front Side windows: Must not be more reflective than a standard window.
Back Side windows: Must not be more reflective than a standard window.

I got pull over for 30% tint from local police car. But I got get away because the police got call over for other crime scene.

Laws are dumb.

[Wavy]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Laws are dumb.

That's why I don't follow them

[jccisse]

Originally Posted by CeeTeeX5

My last 4 cars have had the front windows matched to the rears. Usually ranging from 15 - 20% tint. I've yet to be bothered (knock on wood) for the front window tints in the last 18 years.

My X5 metered at I believe 18% for the rear windows and 18% was applied to the front windows. Have never had any issues seeing out of the vehicle in any conditions. Looking in is different than looking out...

I would just make sure you take it to a reputable installer that has the ability to meter the windows to get the right tint percentage. Here's a pic of mine.

I love your front window tint. Would you share where you have it installed?
I live in Seattle.

[CeeTeeX5]

Originally Posted by jc.cisse@gmail.com

I love your front window tint. Would you share where you have it installed?
I live in Seattle.

Thanks. It was done at Accutint in Bellevue.