C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe
View Poll Results: To tint or not to tint
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Tinted Windows W203 Thread - All You want to know about window tinting a C Class

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Old Oct 13, 2005 | 08:35 PM
  #1051  
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From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
on a Brill Silver (744) C-Coupé
I used 35 % on the rear to match the Pano-Roof
and 43 % on the sides.
I have a black (Charcoal) interior, so it already looks dark as it is.

Carlos

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Old Oct 14, 2005 | 12:07 AM
  #1052  
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From: Carlsbad, CA
05 C230K SS
There is a little bit of blue still showing through, but I think most of what you see in the pic is the reflection of the sky.
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Old Oct 14, 2005 | 12:19 AM
  #1053  
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2014 E350 Sport, 2015 ML350 4Matic
Great advice

Appreciate all the advice. I have a black/grey C55, and I'm going with 35% reflective on the back and sides, and 35% standard for the full windshield. No, it's not legal in my area. No real problems, though. My MDX is the same way.
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Old Oct 14, 2005 | 09:08 AM
  #1054  
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From: Hasbrouck Hts NJ
2006 C230 Sport BLK-on-BLK
Got my car and i love it! Tint makes u feel like ure ina whole diff world and no1 sees u. 20% all around.....its great and i got a great deal!
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Old Oct 14, 2005 | 09:26 AM
  #1055  
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From: Dallas, TX
2010 C300
I saw a silver C the other day and it had some smoked/silverish tint on it...it matched pretty well with the car...anybody know what kind that is? (it wasnt the normal metallic/mirror tint)
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Old Oct 14, 2005 | 12:06 PM
  #1056  
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From: Hasbrouck Hts NJ
2006 C230 Sport BLK-on-BLK
smoked tint.....its more expensive than regular tint...my boss got it on his cl 500 and he payed close 2 400 for it....does look nice mirrorish smokish type...almost looks grey
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Old Oct 14, 2005 | 12:16 PM
  #1057  
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I wouldn't go beyond the legal limit in your state. My car is tinted 35% on sides and rear window. I had 20% on the rear initially and took it back for 35%.
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Old Oct 14, 2005 | 12:37 PM
  #1058  
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Originally Posted by artur023
Got my car and i love it! Tint makes u feel like ure ina whole diff world and no1 sees u. 20% all around.....its great and i got a great deal!
Time to post some pics of different angles.
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Old Oct 14, 2005 | 01:05 PM
  #1059  
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Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by MB-BOB
I wouldn't go beyond the legal limit in your state. My car is tinted 35% on sides and rear window. I had 20% on the rear initially and took it back for 35%.
MB-BOB, Cali regulations are that any tint from the driver's shoulders forward is illegal (in essence, front-side windows and windshield). Anything from the driver's shoulders back, is legal as long as the tint is either black or brown. Any other color (blue, green, yellow, mirror, silver, etc...) would be considered illegal. This is how it was explained to me by my Uncle, who is a sheriff in Fresno county.

So, in essence, anybody in California that risks having the front side windows tinted (regardless of the % tint) is taking a risk of getting a ticket. I know that in Arizona, they don't have as strict of regulations on window tint and I'm sure there are similar rules in Texas. It sucks, but what can you do. With my last car, I got 4 window tint "fix-it" tickets. After the fourth one, I was sick of the hassle and never re-tinted the front-side windows again. I think that's why I'm still hesitant to get any tint on my car (aside for my great liking for the way the stock windows are shaded).
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Old Oct 14, 2005 | 02:45 PM
  #1060  
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From: Hasbrouck Hts NJ
2006 C230 Sport BLK-on-BLK
Originally Posted by NO_WUR_E
Time to post some pics of different angles.
i want to but i havent washed my car since last wk....and it has not stopped raining in nj since then! THIS SUX! pix will be up soon hto
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Old Oct 14, 2005 | 02:49 PM
  #1061  
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is SOLD
i had 5% tint on the rear five windows on my black is300. it was the rear passenger and driver side window, the two small rear passenger and driver side window, and the rear window. it virtually looked like a paint job on my windows...LOL
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Old Oct 14, 2005 | 02:54 PM
  #1062  
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Originally Posted by drexappeal
MB-BOB, Cali regulations are that any tint from the driver's shoulders forward is illegal (in essence, front-side windows and windshield). Anything from the driver's shoulders back, is legal as long as the tint is either black or brown. Any other color (blue, green, yellow, mirror, silver, etc...) would be considered illegal. This is how it was explained to me by my Uncle, who is a sheriff in Fresno county.

So, in essence, anybody in California that risks having the front side windows tinted (regardless of the % tint) is taking a risk of getting a ticket. I know that in Arizona, they don't have as strict of regulations on window tint and I'm sure there are similar rules in Texas. It sucks, but what can you do. With my last car, I got 4 window tint "fix-it" tickets. After the fourth one, I was sick of the hassle and never re-tinted the front-side windows again. I think that's why I'm still hesitant to get any tint on my car (aside for my great liking for the way the stock windows are shaded).

Drex, you are absolutely correct about the California law. However, I think you can tint the front winshield from top down, BUT up to a certain length. I believe it's like 12". People put that strip of tint end to end. It was definitely an 80's thing. Others had the model of the car displayed across (CAMARO, MUSTANG, TRANS AM, ETC..) I've had 3 "fix it" tickets in my lifetime. One of them was a "fix it" ticket PLUS a fine. Side windows were tinted from 20% at one time and 35% another. One of the times, I had a cop pull me over for tint and to top it off, I didn't have proof of insurance. We agreed if I pull off the tint on the spot, he'd let me go. So I did to save the hassle of going thru the "fix it" process.
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Old Oct 14, 2005 | 03:35 PM
  #1063  
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Originally Posted by NO_WUR_E
Drex, you are absolutely correct about the California law. However, I think you can tint the front winshield from top down, BUT up to a certain length. I believe it's like 12". People put that strip of tint end to end. It was definitely an 80's thing. Others had the model of the car displayed across (CAMARO, MUSTANG, TRANS AM, ETC..) I've had 3 "fix it" tickets in my lifetime. One of them was a "fix it" ticket PLUS a fine. Side windows were tinted from 20% at one time and 35% another. One of the times, I had a cop pull me over for tint and to top it off, I didn't have proof of insurance. We agreed if I pull off the tint on the spot, he'd let me go. So I did to save the hassle of going thru the "fix it" process.
NO_WUR_E. Yup, you are correct. I totally forgot about that, but there is an indicator on the front windshield on how far it can be tinted. In essence, it's the portion of the windshield that is not constricting to a driver's view.
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Old Oct 14, 2005 | 03:39 PM
  #1064  
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Originally Posted by drexappeal
MB-BOB, Cali regulations are that any tint from the driver's shoulders forward is illegal (in essence, front-side windows and windshield). Anything from the driver's shoulders back, is legal as long as the tint is either black or brown. Any other color (blue, green, yellow, mirror, silver, etc...) would be considered illegal. This is how it was explained to me by my Uncle, who is a sheriff in Fresno county.
Yep, I know about the Cali regs. It amazes me that CA thumbs it's nose at USDOT regulations mandating annual state safety inspections (as we have in 45+ other states), yet polices tinting so strictly.

In Texas the maximum tint allowed is 30% on front windows, any % behind, and permits tinting on all windows except windshield. I bet that CA allows front window tint with a doctor's exception letter, however. Some people take medications that request that you limit exposure to sunlight, so that's why the exception.
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Old Oct 14, 2005 | 03:59 PM
  #1065  
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Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by MB-BOB
Yep, I know about the Cali regs. It amazes me that CA thumbs it's nose at USDOT regulations mandating annual state safety inspections (as we have in 45+ other states), yet polices tinting so strictly.

I bet that CA allows front window tint with a doctor's exception letter, however. Some people take medications that request that you limit exposure to sunlight, so that's why the exception.
Totally agree, MB-BOB. And you may be correct on the "doctor's exception". I know that since I have had 2 knee surgeries (left and right - from basketball), "technically" I could get a perminent handicap pass, so the tint issue may come into play with California drivers that have sensitive eyes. At that point, though, I wonder if they have to some kind of indication on their driver's license as well?

Didn't realize Texas had a 30% regulation. Still, that's better than not being able to tint the front-side windows at all.
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Old Oct 14, 2005 | 04:04 PM
  #1066  
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From: Hasbrouck Hts NJ
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< i play college ball! SICK
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Old Oct 18, 2005 | 08:52 AM
  #1067  
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From: Hasbrouck Hts NJ
2006 C230 Sport BLK-on-BLK
k heres a couple pix (not good 1s i kno) of my n my boys acura tl(sick hot) hope u can see the tint....im lovin the tint even tho i was skeptical @ first!!
Attached Thumbnails Tinted Windows W203 Thread - All You want to know about window tinting a C Class-dscn1218.jpg   Tinted Windows W203 Thread - All You want to know about window tinting a C Class-.jpg   Tinted Windows W203 Thread - All You want to know about window tinting a C Class-dscn1219.jpg   Tinted Windows W203 Thread - All You want to know about window tinting a C Class-dscn1227.jpg   Tinted Windows W203 Thread - All You want to know about window tinting a C Class-dscn1228.jpg  

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Old Oct 18, 2005 | 11:39 AM
  #1068  
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Down here in Miami the cops barely bother you with tints. I never risk it though, despite the fact that I always tint the front windsheild all the way with a very light tint 45% and over. If your sides and rear are at 25%-30%, the front barely looks tinted at all and it makes a huge difference in temperature. I always recommend this eventhough it costs an average of like $60-$70 just for the windshield alone. Never pulled over either especially when I'm leaving work during the weekends in South Beach and they hold crazy check points for DUIs.

My fiance' and I are moving to L.A. and I keep hearing about the strict driving regulations compared to Miami. You guys would have a field day down here.

:v

Last edited by Zillarpillow23; Oct 18, 2005 at 11:41 AM.
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Old Oct 18, 2005 | 11:45 AM
  #1069  
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'06 E350 Iridium Silver with pano
Wow, your car looks tough blacked out! Good luck in not getting a fix it ticket. Did you get moleskins on each window to help prevent scratches.

You last two pictures are blurry as if I have bad eyesite. I think I got a headache now.
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Old Oct 18, 2005 | 12:01 PM
  #1070  
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K Car
Tinting Laws

Calf. allows Tinting on the front side windows up to 70% (which is virtually untinted). They allow any tint for the rear sides, and rear window. They allow a 4" visor tinting of the front windshield. They also restict any tinting that increases reflection, and they restrict tinting in the colors of Red, Amber, and Blue. They do make medical exceptions for daytime use only. Law was last updated in 1999.

Texas allows tinting on the front side windows up to 25%. They allow 25% tinting on the rear sides and any shade tinting on the rear window. They allow tinting down to the AS1 line, or 5". They restrict the colors of Red, Blue and Amber. They do allow for Medical exceptions. Law last updated in 2003.

New Jersey does not allow tinting on the front side windows. They allow any shade of tinting on the back sides and the back. They do not allow front visor tinting. They restrict tints with a metallic or mirrored appearance. They do allow for medical exceptions. Law was last updated in 2000.
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Old Oct 18, 2005 | 12:24 PM
  #1071  
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From: Hasbrouck Hts NJ
2006 C230 Sport BLK-on-BLK
yea ill take some better pix.....sorry.....
i wont get a ticket....i have in my glove box a letter from a doctor saying my skin is allergic to direct sunlight(allowing me for tints) then i got a couple pba cards as well......
btw wtf are moleskins?!
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Old Oct 18, 2005 | 12:35 PM
  #1072  
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There are numerous threads on moleskins. Do a search using that keyword. I'm surprised that your tint show didn't recommend it as MBs known for this problem. If you roll down your windows all the way. Feel the inside portion of that strip...it's a little rough. Moleskins are basically a synthetic strip (soft material) which they put over the existing strip. It usually about $25 per window.

Here's one of several threads....
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ight=moleskins
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Old Oct 18, 2005 | 01:16 PM
  #1073  
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wish i had read this before I let the dealership put my tint on. if the tint was done at the dealership and it was $380.00 they probably used the mole skins right??
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Old Oct 18, 2005 | 01:22 PM
  #1074  
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Originally Posted by SuperQ
wish i had read this before I let the dealership put my tint on. if the tint was done at the dealership and it was $380.00 they probably used the mole skins right??
Based on my surrounding dealerships, they do not install film tint as a service. One of the dealerships I go to did recommend an installer. You paid $380 dollars without moleskins??? If so, that is actually high. I could have gone with the recommendation by the dealer, but instead went with a friends recommendation. Knock on wood...no scrathes.
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Old Oct 18, 2005 | 01:33 PM
  #1075  
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From: Dallas Texas
06 C230
Nope I am pretty sure my dealership (parkplace motorcars) in dallas does the Tint onsite. They made this big deal about how getting tint added on later by a non mercedes "qualified" installer would void the warranty on the windows. I don't know if it has moleskins or not. Guess I need to call.
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