C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe
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Tinted Windows W203 Thread - All You want to know about window tinting a C Class

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Old 01-11-2002 | 04:08 PM
  #26  
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Originally posted by Mach430
If you have the normal MB window moldings (which are abrasive) you will scratch your tint within 6 months. Make sure to have your window moldings replaced with a mole-skin or felt compound instead to prevent this. It's fairly cheap, especially when comparing it to replacing your tint job. For more info, call Vision Tint in the 714 area code (Orange, CA).
I wonder if MB has made some changes in window molding material (at least with the new C-Class). I've heard the horror stories from folks with older models and have no doubts that it has occurred. However, I've had the tint on my C-Class sedan for 9 months, now (without the mole-skin moldings) and I have had no scratches. Maybe it's also a factor of which type/brand of tint you have installed. I imagine some kinds are more resistant to damage than others.

Just some thoughts...
Old 01-13-2002 | 01:58 AM
  #27  
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Tint Scratches

Does anyone know if there is a special way to tint C-classes because I have gotten my windows tinted twice and both times they have scratched on the film. Can someone help me?
Old 01-13-2002 | 02:06 AM
  #28  
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2002 C32 AMG
I was planning on tinting the windows of my C32 but after all the talk I have heard about the tint getting scratched up I have decided to just live with the blue tint it came with. I assume the scratching problem is with the tint on the windows that roll down.
Old 01-13-2002 | 03:00 AM
  #29  
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didn't somebody mention that you need to change the windows seals to prevent the tint from scratching
Old 01-13-2002 | 03:03 AM
  #30  
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No, what do you mean?

What do u mean?
Old 01-13-2002 | 03:22 AM
  #31  
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when you roll down your windows you'll notice that there is an internal and external (refering to the interior and exterior of the car) gasket that buts up against the glass where it meets the door. That seal or gasket, or whatever you want to call it, gets tighter against the glass because of the added thickness from the tint and can lead to scratch marks on the tint.
Old 01-13-2002 | 03:51 AM
  #32  
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SLC 43, E53
i just picked up my c230, 6 speed, cd, c7, c2, silver, tinted windows. I had the dealer do the tint because they give life time on scratches, fade etc etc....according to the dealer this is some new material that will last as long as the car and then some and it also has a built in sun screen for UV rays. Of course it was 2 times as much as i could have had it done out side the dealer but some times it is better to spend the extra if it means less time and effort later.

will be posting pic soon
Old 01-13-2002 | 03:51 AM
  #33  
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what should i do then?
Old 01-13-2002 | 05:50 PM
  #34  
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b4chow,

I read on another forum/posting that someone replaced the window seal...similar to what was posted earlier on this thread by vince....someone replaced the factory window seal with one with mole skin material and eliminates/reduces the scratches. Sorry, but i forgot the specific forum/posting...hope this helps out
Old 01-13-2002 | 06:02 PM
  #35  
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I wasn't aware there even was a market for "mole skin".
Old 01-13-2002 | 06:04 PM
  #36  
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them moles are small so you got to get a lot of them :p they make good stew too!

just so this isn't a totally useless thread (assuming you find no humor in it), here are the threads discussing the tint:

tinting 1
tinting 2

Last edited by young; 01-13-2002 at 06:07 PM.
Old 01-13-2002 | 10:09 PM
  #37  
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link for window tinting

I hear that the attached link was recommended by one of the MB dealers. I have heard good things from people that have used them. I like the blue.. so Im not tinting any further.
The name is http://www.huperoptik.com/
Old 01-16-2002 | 01:42 AM
  #38  
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Originally posted by Dummkopf
For Mach430,

Tried to call Vision Tint in the 714 area - but they're not even in the phone book - please advise!
Call Caliber Motors (MB Dealer), 714-7771900, they refer to the tint shop.
Old 01-24-2002 | 05:09 PM
  #39  
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Angry Tinted windows? Do you have lines?

I tinted my windows and found that there are lines that cut into the tint. Does anyone else have this problem on the new C's? The lines are obvioulsy caused by the windows going up and down.
Can anyone explain why this is occurring? I'm guessing that there are "rollers" inside the door panels that are cutting into the tint....It's so bad that I'm considering having my tint removed.

Also, don't tint the back window with a metallic-based tint. It will cause poor AM reception!!!!

Spin
Old 01-24-2002 | 05:33 PM
  #40  
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I'm reminded of the line in "Revenge of the Nerds": Pan down!!

Keep going down; you'll come to a discussion of this very topic; it seems as though the trim around the window frame has a tendency to scratch tint, as you've found. People have replaced this trim with "mouse fur" trim to correct the problem.


Speaking of trim, the next line in said movie, of course, is "We have bush!" Ah, the classics...
Old 01-24-2002 | 05:39 PM
  #41  
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Cause:
MB window moldings since 1996 have been made far too abrasive to support tint. Why they did this, I don't know, but it ruined my tint!

Solution:
Contact your local tint shop and ask them about moleskin, felt window molding replacements for your windows. If they don't know about it, call Vision Tint in the 714 area code. They're located in Orange, CA off of Tustin and La Palma.
Old 01-24-2002 | 05:41 PM
  #42  
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thanks guys!!!!
Old 01-24-2002 | 05:48 PM
  #43  
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heh, another faq item!
Old 01-26-2002 | 02:29 AM
  #44  
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C230K
Tint | What kind should i get?

What kind of tint would look the best on the coupe.

I love the blue tint that comes on AMG and sport models. But don't know if any place can do that.

then there's the simple black tint. and also the tint that is has a slight metallic look to it.

My coupe is black so keep that in mind.

thanks
Old 01-26-2002 | 02:56 AM
  #45  
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No matter which tint you choose, although I suggest black, make sure you have your window moldings replaced with either moleskin or felt moldings. As I've stated before, the stock Mercedes window moldings are very abrasive (you can see it if you look), and will scratch your tint over a few months. If you need more info on it, call Vision Tint in the 714 area code (Orange, CA off of Tustin and La Palma).
Old 01-26-2002 | 08:17 AM
  #46  
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Most tints will scratch

Here is a link for a company that supposedly works well with Mercs. I dont have it but from the various sites I visit, this one comes up often. Hope it helps.

http://www.huperoptik.com/
Old 01-26-2002 | 12:49 PM
  #47  
benzomonterey
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I know there are several different cars posted on here with pics of their tint if you do a search. I had mine done with Limo tint on the 3 back windows and a little lighter on the fronts. I will post a pic this afternoon if it stops raining.
Old 01-26-2002 | 01:54 PM
  #48  
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C32 AMG
Tint Properly

The secret to a nice tint is getting a smooth gradiant all the way around. IMO, having a drastic change from the back to the front makes the car look tacky. My recommendation for tint is to use 25%-35%-50% (Back Window - Rear Sides - Front Sides). This will give you a nice smooth blend that will make tint almost look factory. I have gotten away with tinting the front using this method.
Old 01-26-2002 | 08:28 PM
  #49  
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i went with 20's on the rear and back doors and 35's in the front. I wasn't too fond of the 50% tint because there was hardly any difference.

35% all around looks just dark enough to make a difference but still light enough to not get the attention of the law. If anyone is interested, i'll try and post pictures

20% all around will definitely get you some attention but not the kind that you like..

just my 2 cents....
Old 01-26-2002 | 09:16 PM
  #50  
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please post picks


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