Window tint
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Bucks County PA not far from the Delaware River North & East of Philly by an hour.
‘68 Pontiac convertible, ‘71 Corvette 4 spd, ‘20 Accord Touring, 06 Duramax crew-c
Window tint
I’m sure this had to be discussed before. I searched around here, can’t find anything so please let me ask now. On the W223, what level of tint is commonly used? - what kind is very good? Which windows - all (windshield?) is there any trouble seeing at night? And finally, what can I expect it to cost?
I figured I would ask everything now rather than stretch it out.
Rich
I figured I would ask everything now rather than stretch it out.
Rich
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S65
What is this "tint" you speak of? Sounds like witchcraft.
I'd say, most people will go with the legal limits for their areas. Usually 35% for two front doors and darker for rear doors and rear window.
Which women ar emore fun? Blondes? Brunettes? Red Heads (ok, some red heads are scary).
Same goes for tint. Lots of people will argue their favorite brand is very good. Personally, I used to use 3M exclusively, and thought it was the best. Then I was introduced to LLumar tint. Specifically, the Formula One Stratos, and have been using that on my last 5 or 6 vehicles. It's non metallic, and also block infrared.
For me, I'm at 5% for all windows and 40% for windshield. If anything night time clarity is improved, as the tint blocks some of the glare from those asshats who are too stupid or too ignorant to know what that bright blue headlight looking icon is on their dash cluster.
Depends on the installer and market, obviously. Expect to pay more where there are less authorized installers for the filmm you're after, and less in larger markets where there are more. I remember paying about 900 for a 24 GLE coupe in my area, and about 550 for a different vehicle (still 6 windows), in Las Vegas.
On the W223, what level of tint is commonly used?
what kind is very good?
Same goes for tint. Lots of people will argue their favorite brand is very good. Personally, I used to use 3M exclusively, and thought it was the best. Then I was introduced to LLumar tint. Specifically, the Formula One Stratos, and have been using that on my last 5 or 6 vehicles. It's non metallic, and also block infrared.
Which windows - all (windshield?) is there any trouble seeing at night?
And finally, what can I expect it to cost?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Bucks County PA not far from the Delaware River North & East of Philly by an hour.
‘68 Pontiac convertible, ‘71 Corvette 4 spd, ‘20 Accord Touring, 06 Duramax crew-c
Thank you. If you have the front windshield tint covered - what happens with the state safety inspection stickers many states must have , PA has 2 of them stuck on the inside lower left.
How long does tint stay looking good?
And before someone says this, yes, I have called a few places that do tinting and I got 3 different answers but mostly I got “I don’t know” for an answer. That eliminates them working on my car. One was smart enough to say “Ask someone with your type of car). Since Covid, many small businesses seem to be run by people who are belligerent and cocky.
How long does tint stay looking good?
And before someone says this, yes, I have called a few places that do tinting and I got 3 different answers but mostly I got “I don’t know” for an answer. That eliminates them working on my car. One was smart enough to say “Ask someone with your type of car). Since Covid, many small businesses seem to be run by people who are belligerent and cocky.
Last edited by MrMischief; Jul 26, 2025 at 02:31 PM.
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S65
How long does tint stay looking good?
And before someone says this, yes, I have called a few places that do tinting and I got 3 different answers but mostly I got “I don’t know” for an answer. That eliminates them working on my car. One was smart enough to say “Ask someone with your type of car). Since Covid, many small businesses seem to be run by people who are belligerent and cocky.
I've found that if you're at the car's bumper (or thereabouts), you can see the driver's face even with 40% tint. In the daytime, anyways.
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S65
I also carry several firearms and several hundred rounds of lethal ammunition most everywhere I go. Just like my "lethal" car, they behave when they're under my control.
I think you're getting worked up over a nothingburger. But let me ask you, is it 100% my responsibility to make sure you don't get ran over / injured / killed when you're out and about? I believe in this little thing called "personal responsibility". Obviously, I'm not going to run someone over just because I have tint, and certainly not because they didn't look at me for an "all clear" before stepping onto a motorway.
Let's say I don't have tint on the windshield and I make eye contact with the pedestrian with the innocent baby in a stroller, acknowledge their presence, and they start crossing in front of my car without bothering to look again as they're passing my car's corner only to be plowed into by some schmuck who's turning in the lane next to me, or who just ran that red light. Would a non tinted windshield have solved this problem, you think? I like how you threw a kid in there too, because "What about the children!!?!?!?!". Seriously, I'll keep my windshield tint on, and you can look both ways before crossing... kinda like they used to teach my generation in kindergarten. You don't need to see my pearly whites to cross a damned road. Well, not "you" specifically, but "you" in general.
I think you're getting worked up over a nothingburger. But let me ask you, is it 100% my responsibility to make sure you don't get ran over / injured / killed when you're out and about? I believe in this little thing called "personal responsibility". Obviously, I'm not going to run someone over just because I have tint, and certainly not because they didn't look at me for an "all clear" before stepping onto a motorway.
Let's say I don't have tint on the windshield and I make eye contact with the pedestrian with the innocent baby in a stroller, acknowledge their presence, and they start crossing in front of my car without bothering to look again as they're passing my car's corner only to be plowed into by some schmuck who's turning in the lane next to me, or who just ran that red light. Would a non tinted windshield have solved this problem, you think? I like how you threw a kid in there too, because "What about the children!!?!?!?!". Seriously, I'll keep my windshield tint on, and you can look both ways before crossing... kinda like they used to teach my generation in kindergarten. You don't need to see my pearly whites to cross a damned road. Well, not "you" specifically, but "you" in general.
Last edited by Sathinas; Jul 26, 2025 at 04:03 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 480
Likes: 305
2014 S63 2010 ML350 Bluetec 2009 SL550
Driving around wirh an arsenal on-board? Check
Unwilling to acknowledge that dark tint is illegal for valid reasons ? Check
Insisting this is a 'right' and that we are not 'free' otherwise? Check
Dude get OVER yourself. We all live in a society and the increasing ignorant and entitled attitudes like yours serve nothing other than your fragile ego and paranoid fantasies.
Unwilling to acknowledge that dark tint is illegal for valid reasons ? Check
Insisting this is a 'right' and that we are not 'free' otherwise? Check
Dude get OVER yourself. We all live in a society and the increasing ignorant and entitled attitudes like yours serve nothing other than your fragile ego and paranoid fantasies.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 459
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From: SD
Various
Thank you. If you have the front windshield tint covered - what happens with the state safety inspection stickers many states must have , PA has 2 of them stuck on the inside lower left.
How long does tint stay looking good?
And before someone says this, yes, I have called a few places that do tinting and I got 3 different answers but mostly I got “I don’t know” for an answer. That eliminates them working on my car. One was smart enough to say “Ask someone with your type of car). Since Covid, many small businesses seem to be run by people who are belligerent and cocky.
How long does tint stay looking good?
And before someone says this, yes, I have called a few places that do tinting and I got 3 different answers but mostly I got “I don’t know” for an answer. That eliminates them working on my car. One was smart enough to say “Ask someone with your type of car). Since Covid, many small businesses seem to be run by people who are belligerent and cocky.
Definitely get the windshield done, 70 - 80% and no one will know. Pick a reputable shop with a top brand, don't go too dark, at night it raally reduces your ability to see out. The darkness doesn't affect its specs on reducing heat, UV, etc. Dark is just dark.
Last edited by NbyNW; Jul 26, 2025 at 05:53 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 266
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From: Alien Town Roswell NM
2014 S550
Has anyone here used the transition tint on the windshield? I like the idea of tinting the windshield but live in a remote area with few street lights and not sure if regular tinting would affect night time driving here.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 357
Likes: 56
From: Bucks County PA not far from the Delaware River North & East of Philly by an hour.
‘68 Pontiac convertible, ‘71 Corvette 4 spd, ‘20 Accord Touring, 06 Duramax crew-c
Haven't used them but this appears to be what you need to put on a sticker.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...OFPYFCG9D&th=1
Definitely get the windshield done, 70 - 80% and no one will know. Pick a reputable shop with a top brand, don't go too dark, at night it raally reduces your ability to see out. The darkness doesn't affect its specs on reducing heat, UV, etc. Dark is just dark.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...OFPYFCG9D&th=1
Definitely get the windshield done, 70 - 80% and no one will know. Pick a reputable shop with a top brand, don't go too dark, at night it raally reduces your ability to see out. The darkness doesn't affect its specs on reducing heat, UV, etc. Dark is just dark.
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S65
Nothing illegal with that...
Where did I not acknowledge dark tint is illegal?
Do you even comprehend the written English language? Where did I say dark tint is a right? Where did I say we're not free if we don't have dark tint?
If you say so. Make sure you look both ways before you cross. And go get boosted.
Unwilling to acknowledge that dark tint is illegal for valid reasons ? Check
Insisting this is a 'right' and that we are not 'free' otherwise? Check
Dude get OVER yourself. We all live in a society and the increasing ignorant and entitled attitudes like yours serve nothing other than your fragile ego and paranoid fantasies.
Super Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 975
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From: Fort Worth TX
2020 S560, 2014 SLK55 (Prev. 2016 S65, 2013 SLK350, 2008 CLS63, 2006 E350, 2006 CLS500, 2005 C230K)
Here in the not free Texas, make sure you remove stickers first and then use vinyl cling to avoid damage during annual changes.
Visible % min depends on your state (25% here IIRC) , I like 35% for day/night balance.
Think of tint as a permanent modification, removal from rear window will damage defroster lines and likely ruin headliner if steam is used (so avoid the cheap tinted films).
Visible % min depends on your state (25% here IIRC) , I like 35% for day/night balance.
Think of tint as a permanent modification, removal from rear window will damage defroster lines and likely ruin headliner if steam is used (so avoid the cheap tinted films).
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2019
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From: Half Moon Bay, CA
2016 S550e, 2005 Nissan Xterra 4x4, 1984 300ZX
Window tinting can go horriblely wrong and also can be done right. You really need to pick an installer who knows what they are doing. I had my old 84 300ZX done in the mid-90s and it has not ever shown any bubbles and looks very stock. I have been pulled over and warned once since installation but he didn't write me up for it. My dad had a 2005 Caddy done, and within 5 years, it was horrible and was expensive to remove.
Personally, I wouldn't go totally blackout, even just darker can get you some trouble with the law, and personally I would never tint the windshield unless you live in a high heat area, and even then, your vision in the dark has to be more limited.
For me the factory tint is plenty but I live in an area that is cool all year long (it is 62 degrees and overcast today in Half Moon Bay) so no need. If I lived in Phoenix or Las Vegas then maybe.
Personally, I wouldn't go totally blackout, even just darker can get you some trouble with the law, and personally I would never tint the windshield unless you live in a high heat area, and even then, your vision in the dark has to be more limited.
For me the factory tint is plenty but I live in an area that is cool all year long (it is 62 degrees and overcast today in Half Moon Bay) so no need. If I lived in Phoenix or Las Vegas then maybe.
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3M Crystalline tint is the best. I would use the 3M website to find an authorized dealer in your area to make sure you're getting high quality service. That's what I use in all my cars. If it's an older car, then 3M Ceramic is ok too.
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Joined: Mar 2022
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From: Mt. Horeb, WI
W222 S560 4MATIC Sedan
I just had my car tinted and went with 15% on the sides & back, and 56% on the windshield. Very happy with these choices as I would say it's not too dark and not too light, but "goldilocks" for me at least. Is it legal? No, not in my state and probably not in yours (if you're in the US 
anyway). I've had tinted windows in my vehicles for DECADES and never had a problem. I don't drink or do any drugs so if Johnny Law wants to pull me over and write me a ticket for having tinted windows then so be it, I will just pay the ticket and continue to maintain the car the way that I like it.
Something to consider on these MBZ cars is the factory blue hue that is inside the glass. I wanted to try a chameleon type film on my windshield (sunset red/orange) because I felt it would compliment my exterior paint color (Selenite Gray) well and look cool. My tinter talked me out of it because he advised in his experience it did not show through the blue tinted factory glass well, and that I would be disappointed. I took his advice. YMMV of course.
In the end tint darkness is really a matter of personal preference. It comes down to what you like and what's best for you.
anyway). I've had tinted windows in my vehicles for DECADES and never had a problem. I don't drink or do any drugs so if Johnny Law wants to pull me over and write me a ticket for having tinted windows then so be it, I will just pay the ticket and continue to maintain the car the way that I like it.Something to consider on these MBZ cars is the factory blue hue that is inside the glass. I wanted to try a chameleon type film on my windshield (sunset red/orange) because I felt it would compliment my exterior paint color (Selenite Gray) well and look cool. My tinter talked me out of it because he advised in his experience it did not show through the blue tinted factory glass well, and that I would be disappointed. I took his advice. YMMV of course.
In the end tint darkness is really a matter of personal preference. It comes down to what you like and what's best for you.
Last edited by Riv_Bluesman; Aug 10, 2025 at 10:47 AM.
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 975
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From: Fort Worth TX
2020 S560, 2014 SLK55 (Prev. 2016 S65, 2013 SLK350, 2008 CLS63, 2006 E350, 2006 CLS500, 2005 C230K)
Not very common to be stopped for tint but I was stopped once for going 7 over as an excuse to check my tint (tint was legal).
Do note that with an illegal tint you are exposed to liability complications in the event of a serious accident.
Do note that with an illegal tint you are exposed to liability complications in the event of a serious accident.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2025
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I’m sure this had to be discussed before. I searched around here, can’t find anything so please let me ask now. On the W223, what level of tint is commonly used? - what kind is very good? Which windows - all (windshield?) is there any trouble seeing at night? And finally, what can I expect it to cost?
I figured I would ask everything now rather than stretch it out.
Rich
I figured I would ask everything now rather than stretch it out.
Rich
