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Tinted Windows W203 Thread - All You want to know about window tinting a C Class
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
2007 SL550 Roadster
Tinted Windows W203 Thread - All You want to know about window tinting a C Class
I want to get the windows tinted on my '02 Coupe. I plan to get all five windows (2 on each side + rear windshield) done.
The problem is that I have no idea what to do about the little window, below the spoiler, on the back of the car. It has a very small radius of curvature (meaning that it's a drastic curve) and it's plastic. The few places I've taken it to refuse to tint it. A couple people suggested that I get it painted black, so that it'd be opaque. I took it to a place that specializes in that sort of thing, and even they refused to do it. Plus, that window does offer some visibility, though it's not much, so I'm not sure whether I should completely cover it (rather than tinting it, somehow).
I'm concerned, because I think it'll look silly to have the back windshield tinted (with a dark tint, mind you) and the window below it translucent. I think this is particularly an issue, when looking from the front of the car, through the front windshield to the rear of the car, where that little window is quite visible. It doesn't seem particularly visible, from the rear.
Any suggestions? Has anyone had the windows tinted and done something about the little window? Has anyone had the windows tinted and left the little window alone? How does it look?
I pondered the idea of painting it myself, but that idea has "disaster" painted all over it (no pun intended).
Any input is appreciated. Thanks.
~Pete
peter_j_arialis@hotmail.com
The problem is that I have no idea what to do about the little window, below the spoiler, on the back of the car. It has a very small radius of curvature (meaning that it's a drastic curve) and it's plastic. The few places I've taken it to refuse to tint it. A couple people suggested that I get it painted black, so that it'd be opaque. I took it to a place that specializes in that sort of thing, and even they refused to do it. Plus, that window does offer some visibility, though it's not much, so I'm not sure whether I should completely cover it (rather than tinting it, somehow).
I'm concerned, because I think it'll look silly to have the back windshield tinted (with a dark tint, mind you) and the window below it translucent. I think this is particularly an issue, when looking from the front of the car, through the front windshield to the rear of the car, where that little window is quite visible. It doesn't seem particularly visible, from the rear.
Any suggestions? Has anyone had the windows tinted and done something about the little window? Has anyone had the windows tinted and left the little window alone? How does it look?
I pondered the idea of painting it myself, but that idea has "disaster" painted all over it (no pun intended).
Any input is appreciated. Thanks.
~Pete
peter_j_arialis@hotmail.com
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL
2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Sports Coupe
Since it sounds like you want tinting one way or another, just go ahead and get the regular tinting done. Then see how much it bothers you. If it really bothers you, you can look into additional options.
Rick
Rick
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 1
From: Central NJ
C230K Coupe/Orion/C4/C5/CD/AMG Spoiler/V60/TeleAid, 2 MGB's
Ask the specialty shop that refused if they could provide you with a piece of the film large enough to cover the lower area on the hatch so you can do the tinting yourself(noting that you won't hold them responsible for problems with that section).
Remember...everything's negotiable.
Remember...everything's negotiable.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
2007 SL550 Roadster
plastic
Young,
I share your concerns. I don't really want to attempt to adhere the tint to the plastic myself, nor does any professional seem to want to try it. I think that damaging the plastic is imminent, in that case.
I had already intended to get the other windows tinted and see how it looks, but I suspect that I won't like it and will have to think of something (quickly) to do about the little window.
I'm contemplating using some black vinyl (affixed at points around the window portion). I'll have to see if bubbles or a "gap" are visible from the outside.
It's difficult to even tell that there's a window there, from the back, so I don't think that bubbles would be visible, if the material is opaque. If the material is not opaque, I think that bubbles would be visible, from the front and subsequently through the back.
~Pete
I share your concerns. I don't really want to attempt to adhere the tint to the plastic myself, nor does any professional seem to want to try it. I think that damaging the plastic is imminent, in that case.
I had already intended to get the other windows tinted and see how it looks, but I suspect that I won't like it and will have to think of something (quickly) to do about the little window.
I'm contemplating using some black vinyl (affixed at points around the window portion). I'll have to see if bubbles or a "gap" are visible from the outside.
It's difficult to even tell that there's a window there, from the back, so I don't think that bubbles would be visible, if the material is opaque. If the material is not opaque, I think that bubbles would be visible, from the front and subsequently through the back.
~Pete
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,600
Likes: 1
From: Earth
GLB 250 4matic
you know, i'm afraid to even suggest it, but they have that tint spray for side marker lights...
just forget i even brought it up
seriously though, i don't know how its going to look. how dark a tint do you plan to get? maybe you could get away w/ some sort of an DIY interior job - double sided tape and some dark film. at least it won't be permanent and you can test it.
just forget i even brought it up
seriously though, i don't know how its going to look. how dark a tint do you plan to get? maybe you could get away w/ some sort of an DIY interior job - double sided tape and some dark film. at least it won't be permanent and you can test it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville Florida
209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
Tinted windows
We tinted ALL the windows and it looks sweet please do the little window on the hatch cause it will look funny without the tint...
btw, please have the window tinter remove the door panels and MODIFY the INNER window seal/scraper cause if you DONT you WILL have tiny scratches on the film ...Learned the hard way on my 210
btw, please have the window tinter remove the door panels and MODIFY the INNER window seal/scraper cause if you DONT you WILL have tiny scratches on the film ...Learned the hard way on my 210
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 488
Likes: 1
C250 Coupe 2012
Had my windows tinted and left the little piece in back without. I do not notice that little section..maybe because the car is red. Because it's plastic do not think that the tint will stay on. just my thoughts.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville Florida
209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
WINDOW TINT
PETE,
YES AFTER THE SECOND TRY!All the windows are tinted the rears in LIMO and the front doors lite for the local POLICE
and the car is MAGMA!w/charcoal cloth .... you can see thru the lower window and we have a sub enclosure with a MAGMA RED grille and the FILM WILL stick to the plastic window cause the tint shop does tinting on aircraft with PLEXIGLASS WINDOWS...
SO GO FOR IT
YES AFTER THE SECOND TRY!All the windows are tinted the rears in LIMO and the front doors lite for the local POLICE
and the car is MAGMA!w/charcoal cloth .... you can see thru the lower window and we have a sub enclosure with a MAGMA RED grille
and the FILM WILL stick to the plastic window cause the tint shop does tinting on aircraft with PLEXIGLASS WINDOWS...SO GO FOR IT
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,924
Likes: 1
From: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
C230 Sports Coupe
Just got my Windows tinted
I just got my windows tinted on my C230K.
I will be posting pics shortly!
It looks awesome
I will be posting pics shortly!
It looks awesome
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,924
Likes: 1
From: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
C230 Sports Coupe
Nah, I didnt get it done. they were gonna charge like 60 extra bucks for it. I didnt thik it was worth it.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 488
Likes: 1
C250 Coupe 2012
Had my windows tinted here in Florida, was told that they do not recommend covering the plastic, and from the outside you will not notice that it was not tinted. If you did get the plastic tinted,only problems later.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,924
Likes: 1
From: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
C230 Sports Coupe
Tint
That looks very close to mine. I also used maximum legal tint.
Pics coming tomorow
Tim
Pics coming tomorow
Tim
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Window Tinting through the dealer
One of the few concessions I got from the dealer on price was free window tinting. Are their any issues I should be aware of in having the dealer do the installation? The car is silver with the black leather interior.
Admin Alumni
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,143
Likes: 19
See Garage
If you intend to keep the car more than 4-years, make sure the tinting is at minimum, a mid-grade, NON-FADING type. The Cheap, baseline, color-tinted only material (they will probably use) will turn purple and fade, while the midgrade either won't, or will take longer.
I have midgrade 3M "Black Panther" metallized tinting... guaranteed never to fade for life of the car... $200-$225, vs $150-$175 for the baseline tint.
I have midgrade 3M "Black Panther" metallized tinting... guaranteed never to fade for life of the car... $200-$225, vs $150-$175 for the baseline tint.
Admin Alumni
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,143
Likes: 19
See Garage
Originally posted by revstriker
MB-BOB, Can you tell me where you got your tinting done? I've been looking into getting my two cars done. Anyplace you can recommend?
MB-BOB, Can you tell me where you got your tinting done? I've been looking into getting my two cars done. Anyplace you can recommend?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
Likes: 3
From: Southern CA
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).
