"Moleskin" required when tinting W211?
 

I know that "moleskin" needs to be installed on certain Mercedes to prevent tint from scratching (the W203 C-Classes come to mind), but I haven't heard/read of any other Mercedes that NEEDS this to be done to prevent scratches on tint (C-Class forums have tons of threads about "moleskin", other forums have virtually zero).

Does anyone know if "moleskin" is required when tinting other recent-model Mercedes (specifically 2009 W211 E-Classes)? I've read things that said ALL Mercedes need it, and others that said only certain model Mercedes need it. It also seems that the answer depends on which tinter you ask, since some of them say it's not needed on W211 E-Classes, and others say it is (especially the ones that charge separately for it). I'm just curious... since there doesn't seem to be a unanimous answer anywhere (except for the W203 C-Class)! :confused:

I had the same question for my tint shop. They said no, went with the 3M non metallic and it's been working well (no streaking, scratches etc.). The only gripe I have was the rear glass' dot matrix wasn't 100% perfect, should've gone with the vinyl on that.

Ok, just making sure. The tinter I went to said he inspected it and the 2009 W211 doesn't need it (although it can be different for each car). My tint hasn't been streaked or scratched either... but after reading the W203 and W204 forums, I just wanted a second (or third) opinion. :y

Has anyone else been told differently about the 2009 W211?

As for the "dot matrix" part, yeah, it doesn't stick as well as plain glass (especially since I went with Huper Optik, and apparently that is a very thick film). But after letting it dry for a couple weeks, I went back to the tint shop and they pressed the tint down over the "dot matrix" part. It sticks better now, and doesn't look as "white borderish", but since the dots are there, it's always going to look "different" than plain glass.

the tint guys that i used had some apparatus attached with bungy cords that they inserted into the window track to give them enough room to put the tint in. Turned out good from what i see.

So then I take it that they didn't think your car needed "moleskin" installed either, is that correct?

I don't have any moleskin

Thanks for replying! So based on all the answers I've received so far, the W211 E-classes do not need moleskin installed with tint... which I guess would explain the lack of threads... :p:

Guess not,I recently had my tint removed for NJ State inspection,and then replaced after my car passed. Neither installation did the guy have to do anything but apply the tint....

i know 203 and 220 require moleskins...
no scratches on my 211 without moleskin...

Nice! That's good to know!

Love your sig btw! :y

You don't really need the moleskin, if there is a felt option just take it it will cost nothing.

The only scratches I have seen on my 3M non metallic tint, are scratches made by a n00b car washer in a garage.