CY

OK I am thinking of tinting the SL.

Does it effect the Nav/Radio if I use metal based tint? I understand the metallic tint keeps heat out better.

Will the tint be scratched by the inside of the door if too thick? I've heard claims of this.

"3m" (non-metallic) seems to be high end...what about "solar guard"...?

What is the usual price for the SL being tinted and can anyone recommend a shop in the Southbay or anywhere in LA?


Thanks so much,
Cy

jonnyml500

i had my done for $200.00. After that i noticed that my radio reception got bad. I get statitc on some stations that were clear before in the same area.

anyways read my post here about that

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-r230/138237-window-tinting-reduces-fm-reception.html

CY

Very strange...mine is an 05 and I have that little line all the way down the front windshield....

Jonny: Do you have that line (atenna) down the center your windshield?

Also, do you know what kind of tint the place used and if it was metallic?

jl88

I had all the windows tinted on my SL500 (including front windshield). Make sure they are not using metallic. Just ask for the charcoal color.

You will also need the window linings replaced/lined with a softer substance. In SoCal, most of the tint shops use moleskin. If you don't, the tint will scratch.

Search the forums, this has been beat to death.

So Cal Sam

I don't know if it matters to you but radar detectors wil not work as well if they have to "see" through a metallic tint. I just purchased a Valentine 1 and learned that from their instruction book. I don't have tinting so it's not a problem for me. Also, that fine wire down the middle of the windshield is a radio antenna? I wondered what it was for but I thought the radio antenna was on the top of the left rear quarterpanel.

CY

Jl88: charcoal is a color or a degree of tint? Your SL had limo tint in the pics...

I called 6 shops today and not one of them talked about lining....I even asked.

One guy in West LA said it may be necessary...out of 6?
Do you know anyone in SoCal?

SoCalSam...I read that in the link by jonnyml...but it sounds weird...

jonnyml500

Hi cy0811 i do havethe antenna line in my front shield of my car too. I had the metalic tint on my car.

But to me it still does not make since if the atenna is on the rear window then what happens when its in the trunk with top down.

The mechanic at the dealer showed me that the schematic for the atennea and it states that it is on the rear window. but he could not answer what happens when its in the trunk.

So the front window is the antenna too?

jl88

Charcoal is the color. Degree of tint is a number. 20% means 20% of the light passes through.

Mine was not limo tint. Front windshield was 50%. Remaining windows were 20%.

You need to find a tint shop that will replace the window seals. If not, your tint will scratch.

Search the forums, there are many tint shops in so cal that know about this.

CY

Thanks for the help guys...I will start looking into the window seals.