Is 3M tint worth it / am I getting ripped off? - Tinting in Maryland
08-04-2011, 05:14 PM
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2011 C300 Sport
Is 3M tint worth it / am I getting ripped off? - Tinting in Maryland
So I got the following quote:
3M FX-High Performance film comes to $220
If your vehicle has a navigation system, we recommend installation of our 3M
Color-Stable window film. Its nano-carbon polyester technology is 100%
guaranteed never to interfere with your on board electronics for an additional $30.00.
So for Color Stable 3m film without metal $250
Every other shop I have talked to in the area does the job for $180-$190 but uses different brands such as SolarGard.
So is 3M worth the additional price, and if so can I get a better deal on 3M itself or does this seem good?
3M FX-High Performance film comes to $220
If your vehicle has a navigation system, we recommend installation of our 3M
Color-Stable window film. Its nano-carbon polyester technology is 100%
guaranteed never to interfere with your on board electronics for an additional $30.00.
So for Color Stable 3m film without metal $250
Every other shop I have talked to in the area does the job for $180-$190 but uses different brands such as SolarGard.
So is 3M worth the additional price, and if so can I get a better deal on 3M itself or does this seem good?
08-04-2011, 05:27 PM
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2011 C300 Sport
08-04-2011, 06:28 PM
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You pay for what you get. The 3m film will keep out more UV rays and keep the car cooler. $250 for the non-metallic film is a pretty good price.
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08-05-2011, 10:09 AM
#9
Super Member
I went with 3M FX-PM (premium) 55% on all windows and still considering the front windshield.... (Search: DCJW WINDOW TINT THREAD)
Good tint, looks a little purple from the INSIDE under direct sunlight, but the outside color is a light tinge of green. Looks good. Let me know if you experience the same purple tinge when looking OUT from the INSIDE under direct sunlight. I paid around 289 before taxes so you aren't getting ripped off. (Unless I got ripped off!)
Good tint, looks a little purple from the INSIDE under direct sunlight, but the outside color is a light tinge of green. Looks good. Let me know if you experience the same purple tinge when looking OUT from the INSIDE under direct sunlight. I paid around 289 before taxes so you aren't getting ripped off. (Unless I got ripped off!)
08-05-2011, 07:20 PM
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04 CL55 (sold), 2012 CLS550 (sold), 2014 S550 (sold), 2015 ES300H (DAILY)
I remember some guy was telling me that 3M tint had like thousands of films pressed into one or something? He then proceeded to block the sun with a piece of film to demonstrate how much "cooler" my face would get in the sun if I had them on. Of course, my face got cooler.
Any truth behind this? He quoted me something ridiculous ($500+ for all around) and I immediately said no thank you since I already have tints.
Any truth behind this? He quoted me something ridiculous ($500+ for all around) and I immediately said no thank you since I already have tints.
08-05-2011, 08:16 PM
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2012 C250 Coupe
A buddy of mine has been tinting car windows for the last 20 years or so now. He has used them all, huper optik, pinnacle, 3M, Llumar, SunGard, SolarGard, Suntek, etc. What he has found, now a days none of the tint brands turn purple or peel or develop bubbles (unless you get the cheapo ones at autozone or pepboys in the DIY section). The only difference is Ceramic vs traditional. The ceramic tints will not appear as "dark" as traditional tint films, but will still keep out the same amount of heat (in laymens terms).
He only charges me $125 for a sedan and usually uses Suntek and SolarGard, but he will use whatever he can get cheapest through his suppliers. I would say unless your going high-end like Huper Optik or Pinnacle, just get the plain jane tints for under $150. Most have lifetime warranties anyway. I have had SolarGard on my w204 for over 2 years now and have had no issues.
He only charges me $125 for a sedan and usually uses Suntek and SolarGard, but he will use whatever he can get cheapest through his suppliers. I would say unless your going high-end like Huper Optik or Pinnacle, just get the plain jane tints for under $150. Most have lifetime warranties anyway. I have had SolarGard on my w204 for over 2 years now and have had no issues.
08-05-2011, 10:07 PM
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Is this correct or did you mix these up? I did 35% on the sides and 20% on the rear...Is this what you meant or no? btw, I had Llumar tint put on, but read very good things about the 3M color stable non - metallic when I was researching and 250 sounds about right...
08-06-2011, 12:38 PM
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c350sport
I don't think the extra thirty is worth it. I don't believe window tint - of any percentage - will interfere with radio strenght since the film is non-metallic. Ask your dealer who they recommend and use them. You should expect to pay $200 or slightly less with a lifetime guarantee.
08-06-2011, 11:02 PM
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covance-let me know who you had install it and your thoughts on the shop and installation. I am in MD too and have been trying to find a reputable shop that installs a quality film.
08-07-2011, 02:34 AM
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2011 C300 Sport
I am getting the $250 one done Monday so will definitely post my review on the shop and whether there is any purpling after that 
And yes I do want 20% sides and 35% rear.
I like the privacy of darker tints on the side (lotta mean muggers out here in DC area!) but don't want to make nighttime driving any harder which is why I am doing the weaker tint on the back.
And yes I do want 20% sides and 35% rear.
I like the privacy of darker tints on the side (lotta mean muggers out here in DC area!) but don't want to make nighttime driving any harder which is why I am doing the weaker tint on the back.
08-11-2011, 10:50 PM
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2011 C300 Sport
Tint Update:
They currently look like ****....but apparently they are supposed to at first look hazy/milky and have bubbles in some areas that will all dry out in the next 2 weeks. so I was advised to not open the windows for 3 days and keep car in sun for few days for everything to dry out and after 2 weeks he said if there are any issues to come back and he will take care of it even if it means redoing the entire car. so i know its supposed to look bad now but it still feels painful inside lol - probably only something a fellow forum member can understand.
on the flip side, the 20s on the sides looks HOT. will prob wash the car tomorrow and maybe upload pics or wait out the 2 weeks before doing a good photoshoot.
They currently look like ****....but apparently they are supposed to at first look hazy/milky and have bubbles in some areas that will all dry out in the next 2 weeks. so I was advised to not open the windows for 3 days and keep car in sun for few days for everything to dry out and after 2 weeks he said if there are any issues to come back and he will take care of it even if it means redoing the entire car. so i know its supposed to look bad now but it still feels painful inside lol - probably only something a fellow forum member can understand.
on the flip side, the 20s on the sides looks HOT. will prob wash the car tomorrow and maybe upload pics or wait out the 2 weeks before doing a good photoshoot.
