M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

Getting windows tinted...whats factory tint?

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Old Jul 14, 2004 | 10:42 AM
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Getting windows tinted...whats factory tint?

I decided I want my two front side windows tinted. I want them to match the rear windows that come tinted from the factory. When I go to the shop, what do I tell the guy? My buddy said the rear windows are probably 35%. Anyone know what % they really are?
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Old Jul 14, 2004 | 11:17 AM
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They probably are but it would be easier to tell with pics. In any case, who ever puts the tint on will be able to see w/o you telling them.
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Old Jul 14, 2004 | 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Stiggs
... My buddy said the rear windows are probably 35%.
The rear windows are darker than that. My front windows are 35% ...



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Old Jul 14, 2004 | 11:41 AM
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Smile I wish it was legal in Illinois to do the fronts...

You guys are lucky to have the 32% or 35% limit at least or the fronts. I did tint my old '98 E36 but with the black leather interior on an overcast afternoon or at night it looked almost limo so I was pulled over and ticketed too many times. On a bright sunny day you could hardly tell and I was never pulled over. It's a B.S. law for revenue generation only and the criminals and gang bangers with guns tint them anyway--as they don't typically follow the laws anyway. Enjoy the tint Stiggs! Post some pictures when you get it back
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Old Jul 14, 2004 | 11:42 AM
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I did some searching in the other forums and found the biggest worry for me would be the scartches. Alot of people have had some sort of felt put on the window brushes.

This also scares me. The place where my buddy had his truck done (2004 dodge ram 1500) did it for 30 bucks a window...cash, out the door. I guess the tint he got was illegal but the guy did it anyway because he was paying cash....no paper trail. My buddy says the place did an awesome job, but how good can it be for $60?? I doubt he got any kind of warranty.

I guess I'm afraid to get it done and then have scartches. Maybe I should call around.
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Old Jul 14, 2004 | 11:52 AM
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Originally Posted by Stiggs
I did some searching in the other forums and found the biggest worry for me would be the scartches. Alot of people have had some sort of felt put on the window brushes.

This also scares me. The place where my buddy had his truck done (2004 dodge ram 1500) did it for 30 bucks a window...cash, out the door. I guess the tint he got was illegal but the guy did it anyway because he was paying cash....no paper trail. My buddy says the place did an awesome job, but how good can it be for $60?? I doubt he got any kind of warranty.

I guess I'm afraid to get it done and then have scartches. Maybe I should call around.
If you wipe the inside with a typical cotton towel you will get scratches over time. However in my experience they were minor and not seen from outside the vehicle. There are also really good tint shops and then there are marginal ones. Don't trust just anyone--shop around. You get what you pay for...
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Old Jul 14, 2004 | 12:32 PM
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Yeah, that's a nuisance to get ticketed. The window is already tinted and it's not just like you can just easily mosey on over to untint it. Or that you want to.
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Old Jul 14, 2004 | 01:11 PM
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Originally Posted by ruperto
Yeah, that's a nuisance to get ticketed. The window is already tinted and it's not just like you can just easily mosey on over to untint it. Or that you want to.
Exactly--they know I'm not going to remove the tint so the purpose of the law as a potential protection to police on traffic stops is irrelevant. Police can see in the car with the strong lights they have and if they can't do you think they would mosey on up to the window and knock on it and see please open your window so I can see if you have a gun in there? I could actually limo tint the rear and rear sides and rear passenger windows but no tint on the fronts. I guess there isn't a strong lobby to change the law...nor will there be. So many people have the front windows tinted here in Illinois that if I moved here from another state I would assume it's legal.

It looks cool. It diminishes the effect of sun rays. It may keep the cabin "cooler" in summer--I've heard this but don't know if it is true. BUT it is illegal so I won't do it. Bummer.
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Old Jul 14, 2004 | 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Stiggs
I did some searching in the other forums and found the biggest worry for me would be the scartches. Alot of people have had some sort of felt put on the window brushes.
I haven't had any problems with scratches ... but I take good care of'em. I had the tint installed by a reputable shop with a guarentee, kept the tint % "legal", followed the installer's post-install and maintenance tips, etc.

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Old Jul 14, 2004 | 01:29 PM
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[QUOTE=UncAl]I haven't had any problems with scratches ... but I take good care of'em. I had the tint installed by a reputable shop with a guarentee, kept the tint % "legal", followed the installer's post-install and maintenance tips, etc.

UncAl--what window cleaner do you use? I've heard of having to avoid ammonia or vinegar or something to prevent purple discoloration...is that true?
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Old Jul 14, 2004 | 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by LOCHS 2
UncAl--what window cleaner do you use? I've heard of having to avoid ammonia or vinegar or something to prevent purple discoloration...is that true?
Yes, it is true! I don't remember if they turn purple - I just remember the installer saying it was bad for tinted windows. Get the type specifically made for tinted windows - it will say on the label. It won't have any ammonia. WallyWorld or any Auto Parts store will have it! I like the "moist towelettes in the plastic container" type - great for the windshield upper-edge tint!




Last edited by UncAl; Jul 14, 2004 at 01:40 PM.
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