jazzphile

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.

gdestiny

Just make sure you get non metallic tint. Just the regular dyed or ceramic tint should work.

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.

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.

benzboy

I'd stay away from the silver color mirror-like tints. Others should be fine.

E55 and 993

I did the Huperoptik 22%. Radio works fine. I need the tint here in AZ.

jazzphile

Thanks to all who replied. You have confirmed my suspicions. Non-metallic film it is.

JWS3

I have an '04 E500 w/ rear window tint and the FM reception is rather poor. The dealer says they won't do any more warranty checking on it till the tint is removed as their "senior tech" is "absolutely sure" the tint reduces reception. So, off I go tomorrow to have it removed. If its better then they are right. If not, then back to the drawing board we go.......

Kev04C320

You definiitely need as much protection from the IR as possible since you're in the desert. Good to know that it does not interfere with you reception!

jazzphile

JWS3,

Do you know if your tint is metallic in nature?

Thank you,

DK

JWS3

dealer is "convinced" its the problem I have to remove it. I am not sure there is a way to tell if its metallic or not, but I will certainly ask this afternoon.

steph280

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.

JWS3

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.

DJTALLMO

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!

nyrussiandrift

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

jaisonline

No issues in my car with smoke 35% tint. Same nice quality HD radio reception as before the tint was applied.

XLR82XS

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.