30% or 20% tint?

TJZ67201 · 04-01-2022, 12:34 AM

Alright, let the debate begin!

What are your thoughts on window tint? My current car has 35% and it's not enough for me. Does anyone have any experience with either 30 or 20? I really want 20, but I'm afraid it might be too dark at night or might get more attention from LEOs.

For reference, my car will be Portimao Blue with shadowline and black wheels.

hermiti · 04-01-2022, 12:46 AM

I went with 20% and it doesn't seem to be too dark inside, and I haven't noticed any weird issues related to infotainment or gauge cluster brightness during the daytime. It looks hot, see my build thread for pictures.

TJZ67201 · 04-01-2022, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermiti

I went with 20% and it doesn't seem to be too dark inside, and I haven't noticed any weird issues related to infotainment or gauge cluster brightness during the daytime. It looks hot, see my build thread for pictures.

Damn your ride looks killer! Definitely leaning towards 20 percent. No issues seeing out at night?

Ravenseal · 04-01-2022, 01:57 AM

I did Madico Black Pearl Nano-Ceramic 20% and I’m happy with it.

View post on imgur.com

Golddog · 04-01-2022, 10:39 AM

I have done 20% on all my vehicle and never had a visibility issue. I also did 20% on my wife's van that we carry our dogs. She never complained and believe me, if it was an issue, she would have complained.

DrJLag420 · 04-01-2022, 07:12 PM

I went Xpel ceramic plus 15% on sides and back. 45% on windshield. Couldn't be happier. Easy to see out of even at night and the car doesn't get that hot in the sun. Also don't need a sunshade for the windshield. No noticeable difference in the Cockpit Pro dash.

MPR · 04-01-2022, 08:13 PM

I'm going 50ish % all around except windshield. I have this now on my BRZ and it's just enough to look nicer, block uv, and avoid getting pulled over in towns that care (front tint is illegal here). Really clean looking. I'm not a fan of the blackout/limo look

ryo- · 04-01-2022, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrJLag420

I went Xpel ceramic plus 15% on sides and back. 45% on windshield. Couldn't be happier. Easy to see out of even at night and the car doesn't get that hot in the sun. Also don't need a sunshade for the windshield. No noticeable difference in the Cockpit Pro dash.

no issues with the HUD? I heard that it is special glass for it to reflect the projection and I wonder if a front tint will affect that (clear tint just to block some UV).

DrJLag420 · 04-01-2022, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryo-

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrJLag420

I went Xpel ceramic plus 15% on sides and back. 45% on windshield. Couldn't be happier. Easy to see out of even at night and the car doesn't get that hot in the sun. Also don't need a sunshade for the windshield. No noticeable difference in the Cockpit Pro dash.

no issues with the HUD? I heard that it is special glass for it to reflect the projection and I wonder if a front tint will affect that (clear tint just to block some UV).

Don't have HUD. But on my R it works fine.

TJZ67201 · 04-02-2022, 02:35 PM

Thanks all. Definitely leaning towards 20% ceramic all around and 75% on the windshield.

Some reported problems with iDrive dimming thinking it is night time, but seems like most don't have that issue so that's good

BeemerBaron · 04-04-2022, 10:59 AM

30% Ceramic here

PNW240 · 04-04-2022, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJZ67201

Alright, let the debate begin!

What are your thoughts on window tint? My current car has 35% and it's not enough for me. Does anyone have any experience with either 30 or 20? I really want 20, but I'm afraid it might be too dark at night or might get more attention from LEOs.

For reference, my car will be Portimao Blue with shadowline and black wheels.

20% all around and 65% (I think) on windshield seems about perfect for me, helps give the black plastic trim a little purpose too.

DaveDee · 05-01-2022, 06:37 PM

28% Ceramic tint
Rear tail light clear glass medium tint

Ricochet48 · 05-01-2022, 08:11 PM

I vote 30%. Less attention from the cops and easier to see out at night.

I have 18% Madico Onyx on my RSX and it's honestly fairly difficult to see at night. 25% might be okay though.

BrawnyCh · 05-02-2022, 12:23 PM

35% on sides and back. 70% on windshield. I would not want them any darker myself. Less attention from LEO this way and I prefer the look.

WilcoJunoHotel · 10-28-2023, 06:14 PM

Going to get mine tinted next week.

Here is GA, the legal limit is 32% so I am thinking about 50% on the 2 front windows and 20% for the 2 rear quarter windows and rear window. May also do the sunroof too. (I don't think the LEOs will bother me if the 2 front windows are legal and the rear ones are not - I have seen much, much worse and the LEOs don't bother with them.)

I do not like having the 2 front windows tinted much due to visibility and LEOs.

Does anyone have this combo now (50% and 20%) that can post a couple of pics?

Thanks.

BG42 · 10-28-2023, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilcoJunoHotel

Going to get mine tinted next week.

Here is GA, the legal limit is 32% so I am thinking about 50% on the 2 front windows and 20% for the 2 rear quarter windows and rear window. May also do the sunroof too. (I don't think the LEOs will bother me if the 2 front windows are legal and the rear ones are not - I have seen much, much worse and the LEOs don't bother with them.)

I do not like having the 2 front windows tinted much due to visibility and LEOs.

Does anyone have this combo now (50% and 20%) that can post a couple of pics?

Thanks.

Honestly I have never had an issue in GA with window tint, when I lived in midtown and now that I'm otp. I'm running 35% on the doors, 15% on the rest. I did clear for UV on windshield with a strip at the top to darken it a bit more. It doesn't affect the HUD at all. Tint guy in woodstock is great also had good luck with glass tiger in lilburn. If you come out to one of the peachtree chapter meets be glad to show you.

TJZ67201 · 10-28-2023, 08:07 PM

I ended up going 20% and have been pulled over a couple times in IL. Our limit is 35% and no LEO has given me any issue with the tint so I would say go for it

WilcoJunoHotel · 10-28-2023, 08:17 PM

I just traded a white Genesis G70 that probably had 20% on all windows except the windshield and I drove that car in GA, AL, TN, NC, SC, W.VA, KY and IL and never had an issue. I did have to pull it off the driver and passenger door glass because it was too dark at night. The dealer actually put that tint on before I bought it so I am guessing that the enforcement of tint laws must be pretty lax. I certainly see almost every car on the road with some dark tint - some you cannot see inside. I get that it is hard for LEOs but with the craziness going on with other drivers nowadays, it also makes sense to have some privacy.

VegasG42 · 10-29-2023, 11:13 AM

Is 25% a common tint ?

20% looks great , but at night in low light conditions , i don't want any comprised visibility.

And 30% isn't quite dark enough

VegasG42 · 10-29-2023, 11:54 AM

Hmm, after watching this video, I might go with 30%

Brian1988 · 10-30-2023, 01:29 PM

I did 30% on the rear windows and 50% on the front two windows. It’s dark enough for me and still plenty visible at night time while driving.

I went to a shop that used llumar ceramic tint and have been pleased with it.

04-01-2022, 12:34 AM	#1
TJZ67201 Captain 878 Rep 795 Posts Drives: '23 M240i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Naperville, IL iTrader: (0)	30% or 20% tint? Alright, let the debate begin! What are your thoughts on window tint? My current car has 35% and it's not enough for me. Does anyone have any experience with either 30 or 20? I really want 20, but I'm afraid it might be too dark at night or might get more attention from LEOs. For reference, my car will be Portimao Blue with shadowline and black wheels.
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04-01-2022, 12:46 AM	#2
hermiti Private 103 Rep 59 Posts Drives: BMW M240i Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: TN iTrader: (0)	I went with 20% and it doesn't seem to be too dark inside, and I haven't noticed any weird issues related to infotainment or gauge cluster brightness during the daytime. It looks hot, see my build thread for pictures.
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04-01-2022, 01:57 AM	#4
Ravenseal Lieutenant Colonel 3094 Rep 1,897 Posts Drives: 2023 M2 6MT Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	I did Madico Black Pearl Nano-Ceramic 20% and I’m happy with it. View post on imgur.com __________________ 2023 G87 M2 - Toronto Red \| 6MT \| M HAS \| CF Roof \| BMW 826M Forged Wheels \| Mishimoto Skid Plate \| Active Autowerks Single Midpipe Retired: 2022 M240i xDrive \| 2021 Audi RS5 \| 2019 Camaro 2SS 1LE 6MT \| 2016 428i GC \| 2011 BMW 335is
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04-01-2022, 10:39 AM	#5
Golddog First Lieutenant 569 Rep 300 Posts Drives: 2022 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: NW Indiana iTrader: (0)	I have done 20% on all my vehicle and never had a visibility issue. I also did 20% on my wife's van that we carry our dogs. She never complained and believe me, if it was an issue, she would have complained. __________________ 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L AWD (dog van)
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04-01-2022, 07:12 PM	#6
DrJLag420 Lieutenant 842 Rep 511 Posts Drives: 2022 BMW M240i Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Private iTrader: (0)	I went Xpel ceramic plus 15% on sides and back. 45% on windshield. Couldn't be happier. Easy to see out of even at night and the car doesn't get that hot in the sun. Also don't need a sunshade for the windshield. No noticeable difference in the Cockpit Pro dash. Attached Images
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04-01-2022, 08:13 PM	#7
MPR Colonel 1981 Rep 2,148 Posts Drives: 22 M240i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I'm going 50ish % all around except windshield. I have this now on my BRZ and it's just enough to look nicer, block uv, and avoid getting pulled over in towns that care (front tint is illegal here). Really clean looking. I'm not a fan of the blackout/limo look Attached Images
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04-02-2022, 02:35 PM	#10
TJZ67201 Captain 878 Rep 795 Posts Drives: '23 M240i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Naperville, IL iTrader: (0)	Thanks all. Definitely leaning towards 20% ceramic all around and 75% on the windshield. Some reported problems with iDrive dimming thinking it is night time, but seems like most don't have that issue so that's good
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04-04-2022, 10:59 AM	#11
BeemerBaron Banned 392 Rep 202 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Austria iTrader: (0)	30% Ceramic here
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05-01-2022, 06:37 PM	#13
DaveDee Major 553 Rep 1,461 Posts Drives: BMW X5M Comp Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Gold Coast Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 X5M Competition [0.00]	28% Ceramic tint Rear tail light clear glass medium tint Attached Images
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05-01-2022, 08:11 PM	#14
Ricochet48 First Lieutenant 414 Rep 337 Posts Drives: 2006 RSX-S (IL), 2024 X3 (FL) Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	I vote 30%. Less attention from the cops and easier to see out at night. I have 18% Madico Onyx on my RSX and it's honestly fairly difficult to see at night. 25% might be okay though.
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05-02-2022, 12:23 PM	#15
BrawnyCh Private 72 Rep 69 Posts Drives: '22 M240X drive Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Northeast USA iTrader: (0)	35% on sides and back. 70% on windshield. I would not want them any darker myself. Less attention from LEO this way and I prefer the look. Attached Images
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10-28-2023, 06:14 PM	#16
WilcoJunoHotel Second Lieutenant 274 Rep 290 Posts Drives: '24 M240i RWD Join Date: Jul 2023 Location: Metro Atlanta, GA, USA iTrader: (0)	Going to get mine tinted next week. Here is GA, the legal limit is 32% so I am thinking about 50% on the 2 front windows and 20% for the 2 rear quarter windows and rear window. May also do the sunroof too. (I don't think the LEOs will bother me if the 2 front windows are legal and the rear ones are not - I have seen much, much worse and the LEOs don't bother with them.) I do not like having the 2 front windows tinted much due to visibility and LEOs. Does anyone have this combo now (50% and 20%) that can post a couple of pics? Thanks.
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10-28-2023, 08:07 PM	#18
TJZ67201 Captain 878 Rep 795 Posts Drives: '23 M240i Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Naperville, IL iTrader: (0)	I ended up going 20% and have been pulled over a couple times in IL. Our limit is 35% and no LEO has given me any issue with the tint so I would say go for it
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10-28-2023, 08:17 PM	#19
WilcoJunoHotel Second Lieutenant 274 Rep 290 Posts Drives: '24 M240i RWD Join Date: Jul 2023 Location: Metro Atlanta, GA, USA iTrader: (0)	I just traded a white Genesis G70 that probably had 20% on all windows except the windshield and I drove that car in GA, AL, TN, NC, SC, W.VA, KY and IL and never had an issue. I did have to pull it off the driver and passenger door glass because it was too dark at night. The dealer actually put that tint on before I bought it so I am guessing that the enforcement of tint laws must be pretty lax. I certainly see almost every car on the road with some dark tint - some you cannot see inside. I get that it is hard for LEOs but with the craziness going on with other drivers nowadays, it also makes sense to have some privacy.
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10-29-2023, 11:13 AM	#20
VegasG42 Captain 695 Rep 886 Posts Drives: 2024 BMW M240i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2023 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (0)	Is 25% a common tint ? 20% looks great , but at night in low light conditions , i don't want any comprised visibility. And 30% isn't quite dark enough
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10-29-2023, 11:54 AM	#21
VegasG42 Captain 695 Rep 886 Posts Drives: 2024 BMW M240i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2023 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (0)	Hmm, after watching this video, I might go with 30%
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10-30-2023, 01:29 PM	#22
Brian1988 Enlisted Member 23 Rep 36 Posts Drives: BMW, G42 Join Date: Sep 2023 Location: 805 iTrader: (0)	I did 30% on the rear windows and 50% on the front two windows. It’s dark enough for me and still plenty visible at night time while driving. I went to a shop that used llumar ceramic tint and have been pleased with it.
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