Window Tint and Radio Reception
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 82
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From: Sacramento, CA
2005 SL500, Black on Stone
Window Tint and Radio Reception
Greetings,
I have an '05 E320. Planning on installing window tint on rear doors and rear window. I had a '98 528i which I had tinted, and it degraded radio reception, particularly on AM. I am trying to avoid the same thing and have heard that some tint films have metallic particles which interfere with radio reception when the antenna is embedded in the rear window.
Has anyone tinted their windows? Has it affected radio reception (am or fm)? Any recommendations on a specific type of tint film material?
Many thanks....
Dan K.
I have an '05 E320. Planning on installing window tint on rear doors and rear window. I had a '98 528i which I had tinted, and it degraded radio reception, particularly on AM. I am trying to avoid the same thing and have heard that some tint films have metallic particles which interfere with radio reception when the antenna is embedded in the rear window.
Has anyone tinted their windows? Has it affected radio reception (am or fm)? Any recommendations on a specific type of tint film material?
Many thanks....
Dan K.
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I don't think I ever heard of tint using pure metals of any kind. I know someone who has done tints for ten years and I never heard about loosing reception on car with window antennas. He uses a brand called Sun Guard Tints. I'll double check today.
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From: Seattle, WA
'09 911 C4S
There are definitely metallic tints out there that would reduce the reception.
Try the ForumlaOne or Huperoptik films, but expect to pay a little more premium. It should cost about 300-400 for this type of ceramic based tints with felt / moleskin wrap.
Try the ForumlaOne or Huperoptik films, but expect to pay a little more premium. It should cost about 300-400 for this type of ceramic based tints with felt / moleskin wrap.
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Joined: May 2005
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
Originally Posted by Kev04C320
There are definitely metallic tints out there that would reduce the reception.
Try the ForumlaOne or Huperoptik films, but expect to pay a little more premium. It should cost about 300-400 for this type of ceramic based tints with felt / moleskin wrap.
Try the ForumlaOne or Huperoptik films, but expect to pay a little more premium. It should cost about 300-400 for this type of ceramic based tints with felt / moleskin wrap.
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2004 E500
There COULD be an issue (m)
Originally Posted by Cozz
I don't think I ever heard of tint using pure metals of any kind. I know someone who has done tints for ten years and I never heard about loosing reception on car with window antennas. He uses a brand called Sun Guard Tints. I'll double check today.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Seattle, WA
'09 911 C4S
Originally Posted by E55 and 993
I did the Huperoptik 22%. Radio works fine. I need the tint here in AZ.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
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2004 E500
Unfortunately, No, However, since the (m)
Originally Posted by jazzphile
JWS3,
Do you know if your tint is metallic in nature?
Thank you,
DK
Do you know if your tint is metallic in nature?
Thank you,
DK
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Irvine, CA, USA
Tesla
When I got mine tinted I did some extensive research on this. Certain shops will advise you to go with ceramic films, such as the FormulaOne Pinnacle or HuperOptik. Ceramic films have the advantage of metallic films but without the possibility of interfering with radio and smartkey reciption. But at $500-600 I said no thank you. (note not all FormulaOne and HuperOptik are ceramic based, only specific lines within those brands).
Eventually I ended up with a local shop who has specifically tinted W211 before and knows about the problem. I ended up using SolarGard metallic film which didn't affect my radio receiption at all.
The benefit of metallic film is they provide better heat rejection regardless of tint level. You could get a 90% metallic tint (almost clear) and still have better heat rejection than even the darkest dyed tint. Common perception is darker the tint, less heat will pass through. Not true with metallic film.
Eventually I ended up with a local shop who has specifically tinted W211 before and knows about the problem. I ended up using SolarGard metallic film which didn't affect my radio receiption at all.
The benefit of metallic film is they provide better heat rejection regardless of tint level. You could get a 90% metallic tint (almost clear) and still have better heat rejection than even the darkest dyed tint. Common perception is darker the tint, less heat will pass through. Not true with metallic film.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
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2004 E500
Had rear window tint removed - BIG DIFFERENCE
in radio reception. Turns out the film was indeed metallic. Radio reception is significantly better. I'll likely drive around for a few days just to make sure and then have it replaced with a non metallic film as I like the look on a black car.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
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Just reading about this thread now as I need to get our E320 tinted. I am going with the FormulaOne cermaic tint for all 5 windows. Their mobile service here in St. Pete is doing it today for $300 with the lifetime warranty. Thanks all for their input!
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: dfw tx
02 c230 k hatch
i was thinking about tinting my car but i know a place over here that can tint it for under $100 i think i payed $60 or so for my gti a few years back but i am worried about the antena problem. i'm gonna assume they use super cheap tint for that kind of price I would really like to know how to tell if it's metalic or not
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 183
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From: SE Michigan
2006 E500 4matic wagon
I have charcoal 3% film on all the windows and quantum on the windshield. No radio reception issues here. If I applied quantum to the rear side glass (wagon) there may be a possibility of antenna issues.
