Tinting Suggestions: Regular 3M or Ceramic

[PJRed2008]

Originally Posted by dcmetro Good points Neuro, really want to know if there was a decrease in radio/sat/sirius/phone reception after the 3M/Ceramic tints. There are a couple older threads about tinting, and I seem to remember that someone who posted there had gotten ceramic. You might do a search for that term and see if you can find that post. He may be able to shed some light on your questions.

[dcmetro]

^^ Yup, been searching and posting. Will await feedback. Seems that reception is more of an issue with non-ceramic tints. Thanks.

[xradman]

It's not just the radio reception, but among the BMW forums, there is issue with keyless entry not working properly with Metallic tints. Again with my ceramic tint, I have no issues with Comfort access or radio receptions. I got 50% all-around on my Audi, but had 40% all-around on my other cars. 40% look better, but not strictly legal for the front. I think having different level of tint front and back doesn't look as good, but ultimately it's whatever looks good to you, and what you think you could get away with.

[Rizwan]

i have never had problem with my previous cars nor on this one yet

[xradman]

Issue seems to occur with Metallic tints. Ceramic and non-metallic tints are usually not effected. However non-metallic, dye based tints tend to turn purple and break down forming those ugly bubbles you sometimes see on tinted cars. Metallic tints don't break down and have superior infrared blocking, but interfere with radio signals. Ceramic tints combine the superior stability and IR blocking of metallic tints without interfering with radio signals.

[KevinDaytona]

Originally Posted by PJRed2008

There are a couple older threads about tinting, and I seem to remember that someone who posted there had gotten ceramic. You might do a search for that term and see if you can find that post. He may be able to shed some light on your questions.

I'm the one that has the ceramic tint. Its great if you have any more questions just search for the earlier thread or ask I would be glad to help. I did a lot of research!

[dcmetro]

So I visited an installer in VA today. Highest we can go is 50% in the fronts and 35% in the rear. Looks like I'm gonna have to go with 50% all over as it might look weird to have different colors in front/back. Has anyone done 50/35? For folks in VA, does that sound right? Product is 3M Color Stable which one below ceramic. Was quoted $199 for the car. Want to see if this is a good price or not.

[Taktix1]

Originally Posted by dcmetro

So I visited an installer in VA today. Highest we can go is 50% in the fronts and 35% in the rear. Looks like I'm gonna have to go with 50% all over as it might look weird to have different colors in front/back. Has anyone done 50/35? For folks in VA, does that sound right? Product is 3M Color Stable which one below ceramic. Was quoted $199 for the car. Want to see if this is a good price or not.

dc, first, congrats on getting the car! I'm sure you're loving it. secondly, did the installer refuse to go lower (because of the law) or is that as low as you were willing to go with the tint %?

[dcmetro]

Originally Posted by Taktix1

dc, first, congrats on getting the car! I'm sure you're loving it. secondly, did the installer refuse to go lower (because of the law) or is that as low as you were willing to go with the tint %?

Thanks Taktix1. Yes, loving it. Nope, infact installer suggested going with 35% all over. However I did some search on google last evening and read that VA cops enforce the tints with a of zeal. Therefore I am not sure. I have two choices: 50/35 or 35/35. Latter ofcourse is at my own risk.
What are the folks here (in VA or DC Area) typically go with?

[xradman]

Originally Posted by dcmetro

Thanks Taktix1. Yes, loving it. Nope, infact installer suggested going with 35% all over. However I did some search on google last evening and read that VA cops enforce the tints with a of zeal. Therefore I am not sure. I have two choices: 50/35 or 35/35. Latter ofcourse is at my own risk.
What are the folks here (in VA or DC Area) typically go with?

It also depends on what you drive and where you drive. Cars with lighter interior can get away with darker tints. Also even if you go with same tint all around, front is going to look a little lighter because of the front windshield. I would recommend 40/40. It's on my wife's pearl white Sienna with beige interior and it looks great. I also have the same 40/40 on my Silver Acura with black interior and on that car, it looks much darker. On the Audi, I have 50/50 and that looks very subtle.