Window Tinting Confusion
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2024 S580
You also need to know what your tint's actual VLT is, its not always exactly the same as what is advertised. For instance I just installed SunTek 40% but the actual VLT of that film is 44%, so 44% X 70% = 30.8 VLT, which is what mine should read from a tint meter.
None of this matters as long as you aren't concerned about meeting a legal threshold.
Last edited by SW20S; Jul 12, 2024 at 05:50 PM.
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From: New York
2024 GLE 350
Never said it was a film, its an inherent property of the glass.Its still tinted though, and it still impacts the overall VLT once the windows are tinted. The rear windows on the GLE are tinted inherently in the glass and not in a film...its the same thing they are just darker.
What does the stamp on your window say? Does it say what mine says about the 70% VLT? Its possible the windows on the GLE are not the same factory tint as the S Class.
You also need to know what your tint's actual VLT is, its not always exactly the same as what is advertised. For instance I just installed SunTek 40% but the actual VLT of that film is 44%, so 44% X 70% = 30.8 VLT, which is what mine should read from a tint meter.
Your point doesn't make any sense. Whether the tint is a film or if its within the glass itself, its still a tint that has a VLT and that VLT goes into the overall VLT of that glass once its tinted.
None of this matters as long as you aren't concerned about meeting a legal threshold.
What does the stamp on your window say? Does it say what mine says about the 70% VLT? Its possible the windows on the GLE are not the same factory tint as the S Class.
You also need to know what your tint's actual VLT is, its not always exactly the same as what is advertised. For instance I just installed SunTek 40% but the actual VLT of that film is 44%, so 44% X 70% = 30.8 VLT, which is what mine should read from a tint meter.
Your point doesn't make any sense. Whether the tint is a film or if its within the glass itself, its still a tint that has a VLT and that VLT goes into the overall VLT of that glass once its tinted.
None of this matters as long as you aren't concerned about meeting a legal threshold.
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A window does not have to be tinted with a film to be tinted. Any window that isn't clear with 100% VLT is tinted.
Last edited by SW20S; Jul 12, 2024 at 06:09 PM.
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From: New York
2024 GLE 350
The back is considered Privacy glass. You're confusing OP...
Thread Starter
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Mercedes E63 AMG
Grateful for the exchange. “Illuminating,” pardon the pun. 
My take aways:
1. Any first-row tint approaching factory second-row tint has been applied aftermarket. Can’t come from the factory that way.
2. Factory acoustic glass is a laminated sandwich. No risk applying or removing tinting film to/from it.
3. Lighter interiors, pano roofs, and windshields have understandable effects on tinting perceived from the exterior, differences from front to back, etc.
4. Essential is working with a high-quality service provider to do the work who, if they’re work worth their salt, will be able to figure how to properly stack factory and aftermarket tint densities to achieve the desired result.
5. That includes selecting a film product with the correct color/tone.
6. Choosing to comply, or not, with state tinting laws is a personal decision/risk.
When I get closer to having the work done, I'll work on getting smarter as to product options, e.g. ceramic vs something else.
Meantime, thank you!
My take aways:1. Any first-row tint approaching factory second-row tint has been applied aftermarket. Can’t come from the factory that way.
2. Factory acoustic glass is a laminated sandwich. No risk applying or removing tinting film to/from it.
3. Lighter interiors, pano roofs, and windshields have understandable effects on tinting perceived from the exterior, differences from front to back, etc.
4. Essential is working with a high-quality service provider to do the work who, if they’re work worth their salt, will be able to figure how to properly stack factory and aftermarket tint densities to achieve the desired result.
5. That includes selecting a film product with the correct color/tone.
6. Choosing to comply, or not, with state tinting laws is a personal decision/risk.
When I get closer to having the work done, I'll work on getting smarter as to product options, e.g. ceramic vs something else.
Meantime, thank you!
Last edited by Hammer212; Jul 13, 2024 at 12:18 PM.
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https://thetintguy.com/carbon-vs-ceramic-tints/
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And privacy glass is tinted, that’s what makes it private lol
This exchange is ridiculous. He’s not confused. The original front glass is lightly tinted, and that tint has to be taken into account when you have a specific percentage of overall tint you want to achieve. That’s all.
This exchange is ridiculous. He’s not confused. The original front glass is lightly tinted, and that tint has to be taken into account when you have a specific percentage of overall tint you want to achieve. That’s all.
Last edited by SW20S; Jul 14, 2024 at 08:08 AM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Maryland
2024 S580
in fact the dark rear windows have no more heat rejection than the light front windows. You can tint the darker windows with a clear or very high VLT film (like 70 or 80%) and get the heat rejection of ceramic tint without darkening them.
I would get ceramic tint for sure.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 554
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From: New York
2024 GLE 350
And privacy glass is tinted, that’s what makes it private lol
This exchange is ridiculous. He’s not confused. The original front glass is lightly tinted, and that tint has to be taken into account when you have a specific percentage of overall tint you want to achieve. That’s all.
This exchange is ridiculous. He’s not confused. The original front glass is lightly tinted, and that tint has to be taken into account when you have a specific percentage of overall tint you want to achieve. That’s all.
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GLE 580
The most important thing is that you ask your tint shop to meter the glass before, and then cut small samples of the tint and place them on the glass and meter it again... but also as a way to make sure you are happy with it visually from the inside and outside (preferably outdoors in daylight).
Also reading thru this Tesla reddit post can be very informative for someone who isn't aware of all the brands and quality levels within each brand.
Also reading thru this Tesla reddit post can be very informative for someone who isn't aware of all the brands and quality levels within each brand.
