[sowlesa]

Looking for some advice regarding window tinting my 540i. I went with a fully blacked out car which I love, but the windows seem out of place as a result. I’ve never had a vehicle where I have tinted the windows so I have no idea what I should look for or what I should consider. I assume you wouldn’t ever tint the front windshield itself, but I really have no idea. Would tinting the windows impact any of the technology features such as the heads up display if I did? Or is this not an issue. Anyone have thoughts? Thanks in advance!

[Scrapula]

This is 20% window film on the sides and rear. Its darker than my Tanzanite Blue. I did not do the windshield, so maybe someone else can chime in on that.

[sowlesa]

That looks great! To clarify, what does the 20% mean? That it blocks 20% of the light or only lets in 20%? Or something else entirely? I really don’t know anything.

[Ossian]

My M60 is also blacked out (SBM) and the dealer tinted it while it was on the lot. I generally go with ceramic tint all round, but given that BMW has finally figured out how to do AC, I was fine going with what the dealer did. They went darker than I typically do, but I think it looks great with the blacked out look - much more uniform than a lighter tint would have been. I'll see if I can find a receipt with the percentage on it. I haven't had the fully blacked out look since my last 3 series long ago, and I'm liking it -- the big I5 reminds me of an Impala SS - full Vader mode for sure.

As far as the front windshield goes, you wouldn't tint that to darken it, but you can absolutely coat it to block UV which has a profound impact on heat radiating in from the front. I do it on all my cars, but that's because I live in Texas and the sun is relentless here -- has the added benefit of protecting your dash and upholstery as well.

Not the best pic, but hopefully it gives you a little clearer idea of how it will look:

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by sowlesa

Looking for some advice regarding window tinting my 540i. I went with a fully blacked out car which I love, but the windows seem out of place as a result. I’ve never had a vehicle where I have tinted the windows so I have no idea what I should look for or what I should consider. I assume you wouldn’t ever tint the front windshield itself, but I really have no idea. Would tinting the windows impact any of the technology features such as the heads up display if I did? Or is this not an issue. Anyone have thoughts? Thanks in advance!

When selecting tint, it's also important to consider the window tinting laws in your particular State. A search reveals that Oregon allows a maximum of 35% tint on front seat/back seat and rear windows. They allow non-reflective tint on the first 6 inches of the front window.

I've known many people over the years across several States that ignore these requirements and just get what they want, however, there's always a possibility you can get stopped and cited. I've known a few people who've had to have it removed, as well.

Regarding your other question, I believe the percentage is the 'VLT' (Visible Light Transmittance', or the amount of light that's let into the vehicle.

[deutsch100]

We do ALL our cars with 20% 3M high performance ceramic tint! Tons of heat reduction, keeps the car cooler, protects skin and car skin (leather, lol) and makes the cars look great.

We find the 20% looks really good with darker colours (Black Sapphire, Tanzanite, Sophisto Grey, etc...).

[SkykingUSA]

Here is a thread you may want to look at regarding tinting.

https://g60.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...highlight=tint

For my car, I also wanted a dark look, but mine mixed with red. I went with a ceramic tint at 15% for the side and rear windows, 50% on the windshield (basically for the heat rejection), and 35% on the sunroof (since it was already darker than the other windows from the factory, I figured I just wanted a little extra to make it look like the side windows). I would have gone with 20% for the sides and rear, but the brand my detailer carries (I forget the name) jumps from 15% to 35% and 35% was too light for me.

One thing to know about tinting, is that the ceramic ones are better at keeping out heat than the non-ceramic ones. I also wondered about the windshield and how it would affect the sensors and HUD, but it's fine. No major issues, but it did make the windshield more reflective overall on the inside. In other words, I can see the dash reflecting off the windshield now more than I could before. I'm ok with that though since it keeps the heat out and here in southern California, it gets pretty hot where I am in the summer.

Below are photos of the 15% on the sides and rear, and the 50% on the windshield. It's much darker when viewing from the outside than from the inside (of course). It really depends on the angle and how much light you have behind where you're looking when on the outside. You can kind of get the idea in the photos - one front view shows through the windshield clearly, while the other one looks like the windshield is very dark.

I'm very happy with the tinting overall because I rarely use my sunglasses anymore. The only time I will sometimes use them is right at sunset if I have to drive directly into the sun. Otherwise, the tinting is enough to keep it reasonable. I also keep the sunroof shade opened all the time and the sun is easily bearable as well. For context, I'm someone who doesn't like being out in the sun much and always try to stay in the shade. In my prior truck I would always wear my sunglasses, because it was not tinted. Hopefully this helps!

[sowlesa]

Originally Posted by SkykingUSA

Here is a thread you may want to look at regarding tinting.

https://g60.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...highlight=tint

For my car, I also wanted a dark look, but mine mixed with red. I went with a ceramic tint at 15% for the side and rear windows, 50% on the windshield (basically for the heat rejection), and 35% on the sunroof (since it was already darker than the other windows from the factory, I figured I just wanted a little extra to make it look like the side windows). I would have gone with 20% for the sides and rear, but the brand my detailer carries (I forget the name) jumps from 15% to 35% and 35% was too light for me.

One thing to know about tinting, is that the ceramic ones are better at keeping out heat than the non-ceramic ones. I also wondered about the windshield and how it would affect the sensors and HUD, but it's fine. No major issues, but it did make the windshield more reflective overall on the inside. In other words, I can see the dash reflecting off the windshield now more than I could before. I'm ok with that though since it keeps the heat out and here in southern California, it gets pretty hot where I am in the summer.

Below are photos of the 15% on the sides and rear, and the 50% on the windshield. It's much darker when viewing from the outside than from the inside (of course). It really depends on the angle and how much light you have behind where you're looking when on the outside. You can kind of get the idea in the photos - one front view shows through the windshield clearly, while the other one looks like the windshield is very dark.

I'm very happy with the tinting overall because I rarely use my sunglasses anymore. The only time I will sometimes use them is right at sunset if I have to drive directly into the sun. Otherwise, the tinting is enough to keep it reasonable. I also keep the sunroof shade opened all the time and the sun is easily bearable as well. For context, I'm someone who doesn't like being out in the sun much and always try to stay in the shade. In my prior truck I would always wear my sunglasses, because it was not tinted. Hopefully this helps!

Thanks! Good to hear you haven't had any issues with sensor or the HUD. That's been my biggest concern with getting the windshield done. ITs much cooler up here in Oregon most of the time, so I'm not as concerned with the heat (especially since the AC works so well), but it would still be nice if the windshield somewhat matched the rest of the car.

[Scrapula]

Originally Posted by sowlesa

Thanks! Good to hear you haven't had any issues with sensor or the HUD. That's been my biggest concern with getting the windshield done. ITs much cooler up here in Oregon most of the time, so I'm not as concerned with the heat (especially since the AC works so well), but it would still be nice if the windshield somewhat matched the rest of the car.

I’m in Washington and it’s not warm here except for a few weeks. Tint here is maxed at 35%. I have always tinted darker with 20% ceramic. I’ve never had any issues with police. They only come out when it’s not raining, which is rare. The police would actually have to pull you over. They rely a lot on speed cameras, which is why I bought that package from BMW.

[1987illini]

Summer in St Louis is hot and humid. I went with ceramic 20% on sides and rear and nothing in front.

[handinpalm]

Originally Posted by 1987illini

Summer in St Louis is hot and humid. I went with ceramic 20% on sides and rear and nothing in front.

Tint looks good. What color is your car?

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by handinpalm

Tint looks good. What color is your car?

Looks like the very popular and loved Brooklyn Metallic.

[1987illini]

It's Brooklyn Grey Metallic. Thanks!

[lilstevie]

Originally Posted by deutsch100

Looks like the very popular and loved Brooklyn Metallic.

Brooklyn Grey is honestly the colour for this car 😂 probably a bit biased though given mine is BG

[Scrapula]

Love Brooklyn Grey. My husband’s truck is that color.

[scLA]

Anyone here have thoughts on Formula One Stratos Tint vs. XPEL XR+? I had XPEL XR+ on my i4 (incl. 70% windshield) and the car still got so hot inside, to the point where the steering wheel was almost too hot to touch. Not sure Stratos will be any better...

[SkykingUSA]

I have not tried the XPEL tint, but on my car I have the Formula One Pinnacle tint and am very happy with it (also have it on the wife's car since 2013). I put 15 on the side and rear windows, 35 on the sunroof, and 50 on the windshield. I'm very pleased with it. I have never once felt uncomfortably hot in the car, or touched a steering wheel that felt too hot. I don't even have to wear my sunglasses all the time anymore when driving (only when the sun is very low and near the horizon).

Another thing to remember is to precondition the car whenever you can remember to do so. I've gotten into the habit of manually turning this on before I get in the car, and I also have it set to automatically do it for my routine trips from home. That helps a lot. Now that I think about it, I've owned this car for over 4 months and have never gotten into a blistering hot car while waiting for the a/c to cool things down. That's a nice thing to get used to, especially in the hot summers of southern California.

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by scLA

Anyone here have thoughts on Formula One Stratos Tint vs. XPEL XR+? I had XPEL XR+ on my i4 (incl. 70% windshield) and the car still got so hot inside, to the point where the steering wheel was almost too hot to touch. Not sure Stratos will be any better...

I can’t comment on XR+ yet but it is the film im moving forward with. I’ve had 3M Crystalline on my car before and it’s amazing. At the time 3M had one of the highest heat rejection figures. Now the other manufacturers have caught up with specific films.

If you’re going to do the windshield, be sure to ask questions. You don’t want them dripping water all down through your electronics. Ask them about the exact process they use to safeguard this. I had a bad experience with an installation shop and they got water inside of the camera housing on an Acura. Was a mess to get sorted out. I can’t even imagine what a PIA this would be on the 5er.

[Scrapula]

Originally Posted by scLA

Anyone here have thoughts on Formula One Stratos Tint vs. XPEL XR+? I had XPEL XR+ on my i4 (incl. 70% windshield) and the car still got so hot inside, to the point where the steering wheel was almost too hot to touch. Not sure Stratos will be any better...

I have XPEL and my car stays very cool inside. Today I drove on max efficiency with no A/C and was comfortable. It was about 82 outside.