BMW M3 and M4 - The Icons
R44 Performance
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
home
BIMMERPOST Universal Forums General BMW News and Cars Discussion

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      04-17-2022, 11:31 PM   #1
Grandie
New Member
6
Rep
19
Posts

Drives: 2022 X5 45e
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

Help With Window Tinting

Hello!

I am new to Bimmerpost and recently bought a new 2022 BMW X5 45e. I live in South Florida and soon the summer heat and humidity will be upon us. But, even now, with temps in the low 80's and the sun beating down, I can feel the heat coming through the front windows.

So, I've decided it would be best to get the driver and front passenger windows professionally tinted, but after a bit of research, I have questions that remain unanswered and need some advise from those of you in the know.

FYI...In Florida, the tinting law is as follows: The front side windows must have a VLT of at least 28% and the back-side windows must have a VLT of at least 15%. I want to abide by those specs and not risk a ticket and/or having to remove after market tint.

1. Does anyone know what the factory tint is on the rear passenger windows and the front windows?

2. What percentage tint would you recommend for the front windows? I want to keep the tint legal. I am concerned about a dark tint that would make driving at night difficult, even though matching the front window tint to the rear might be more aesthetic.

3. Would you recommend a 'Standard' Tint or Ceramic or something else, and does the brand of tint matter? I'm thinking Ceramic, as I've read that that is 2-3 times better at keeping the heat out, but I'm not sure. I do know that Ceramic will cost more, but I want to do this right.

4. Should I go to an independent window tint shop or just have the Dealer do it? My guess is that the Dealer subs it out, but I would also think that it would make them totally responsible/reliable if there were any issues down the road.

ANY guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance ;-)
Appreciate 0
      04-18-2022, 05:36 AM   #2
Th3Walrus
Lieutenant
Canada
432
Rep
548
Posts

Drives: 2020 X3MC Alpine White/Sahkir
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Ontario

iTrader: (1)

Generally the back is 20%
Appreciate 1
      04-18-2022, 06:41 AM   #3
wtwo3
Major General
wtwo3's Avatar
18744
Rep
5,595
Posts

Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: IL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
1) 20% in the rears, front windows typically don't have any tint
2) I would recommend going with as dark as you want as long as it's legal. If you get a good high quality tint, you shouldn't have any issues seeing out at night, especially if you keep it legal.
3) Ceramic definitely, will provide much better heat protection.
4) I would ask the dealer which tint shop they use, and if they're a good tint shop based on reviews then might as well go with them (as long as the dealer isn't charging a premium on top). My dealer handled the tint for me by taking the car to a local tint shop prior to me taking delivery of it, but I paid the shop directly, so it was very convenient.
__________________
2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
2023 BMW M3 6MT
2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible

'20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima
Appreciate 2
      04-18-2022, 09:40 AM   #4
Grandie
New Member
6
Rep
19
Posts

Drives: 2022 X5 45e
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

Thanks so much for your replies. I will definitely go ceramic and keep the two front windows at 28% to abide by Florida law. As for where to do it, the service guy at my dealership recommended matching the rear windows (so, 20%, which is illegal) and a standard tint. I know they can do the ceramic at 28%, but now I'm hesitant to use them because of their very poor recommendations.

If any of you are in South Florida and can recommend a great tint shop, please let me know.

Again, many thanks, as always, for your help.
Appreciate 0
      04-18-2022, 10:07 AM   #5
DocL
Captain
DocL's Avatar
United_States
2052
Rep
928
Posts

Drives: 2018 M3 Comp 6spd
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Delray Beach

iTrader: (2)

Don't worry about the Florida law. I've tinted 50 cars at 18-20% all around and have never been stopped because of it. And I've never been cited having it when pulled over for speeding. If you are in the Boca area, Tint & Tunes on Dixie just north of Yamato is great. I know there is a new owner there now, but he does fantastic work. I also put a clear tint on my front windshield to block out the UV. It also keeps the car cooler with using a sun shade.

Don't let the dealer do it. You are better off going to an independent shop.

https://www.bocatintandtunes.com/
__________________
2018 F80 M3. YMB/BLK. ZCP. Three Pedals.
"Education will never be as expensive as ignorance."

Last edited by DocL; 04-18-2022 at 10:12 AM..
Appreciate 3
      04-18-2022, 11:43 AM   #6
Piper1
Lieutenant
Piper1's Avatar
United_States
591
Rep
598
Posts

Drives: E85
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Here and there

iTrader: (2)

Better than Michigan laws. Any darkness can be used on back and rear sides. Front windshield and front sides max is 4” from the top of glass in any darkness. Never in my life have I seen anyone only tint the top 4” of the side glass.
Appreciate 0
      04-20-2022, 07:30 AM   #7
Westside Guy
Major General
Westside Guy's Avatar
United_States
6863
Rep
5,050
Posts

Drives: 2022 Z4 M40i, 2021 228i GC
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Hallandale Beach, FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Only go with ceramic and don't waste your money on the cheaper stuff!

The dealers sub out the work and add a markup so save some money and go to an independent shop. The shop that put Xpel PPF on my Z4 also does window tinting and only uses top quality ceramic products so don't limit yourself to shops that only do tinting and also check out shops that do PPF.

Finally, the people that install window tint should tell you not to roll down the windows for a day or so after they apply the ceramic tint. Don't roll down your windows as soon as you pickup the car from the tint shop.
Appreciate 4
      04-20-2022, 09:14 AM   #8
RM7
Brigadier General
RM7's Avatar
3013
Rep
3,611
Posts

Drives: Camaro SS 1LE
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Alaska

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grandie View Post
? I'm thinking Ceramic, as I've read that that is 2-3 times better at keeping the heat out, but I'm not sure. I do know that Ceramic will cost more, but I want to do this right.
2-3 times cooler eh, so in Florida that keeps your car what, at 30F?
Appreciate 1
      04-20-2022, 09:24 AM   #9
Grandie
New Member
6
Rep
19
Posts

Drives: 2022 X5 45e
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

Westside Guy: I'm not too far from Hallandale Beach, so might you share the name of the shop you are referring to? I assume you would highly recommend them, right?
BTW, I'm also not familiar with Xpel PPF (Googled it!), so can you provide a bit of detail and cost?

I'm still looking for a good, reliable, honest tint shop in South Broward/North Dade, so if anyone has a recommendation, please chime in. THANKS.
Appreciate 0
      04-20-2022, 03:59 PM   #10
DocL
Captain
DocL's Avatar
United_States
2052
Rep
928
Posts

Drives: 2018 M3 Comp 6spd
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Delray Beach

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grandie View Post
Westside Guy: I'm not too far from Hallandale Beach, so might you share the name of the shop you are referring to? I assume you would highly recommend them, right?
BTW, I'm also not familiar with Xpel PPF (Googled it!), so can you provide a bit of detail and cost?

I'm still looking for a good, reliable, honest tint shop in South Broward/North Dade, so if anyone has a recommendation, please chime in. THANKS.
You don't want to come all the way up to Boca lol?
__________________
2018 F80 M3. YMB/BLK. ZCP. Three Pedals.
"Education will never be as expensive as ignorance."
Appreciate 0
      04-20-2022, 08:21 PM   #11
cbpip
Second Lieutenant
cbpip's Avatar
253
Rep
253
Posts

Drives: BMW Z4C 3.0si 3 pedal
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: MD

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2007 BMW E86C  [10.00]
Need use ceramic tints, much better quality and life span with whoever installs it. For front windshield have this installed, it is nearly invisible as a tint and will save your dash and lower internal Temps considerably. The entire windshield should be tinted , and no one will be able to tell it has been tinted if done correctly :

https://www.forcefieldfilm.com/lluma...ndshield-film/

Last edited by cbpip; 04-20-2022 at 08:32 PM..
Appreciate 0
      04-20-2022, 08:47 PM   #12
bvrider1
Captain
359
Rep
805
Posts

Drives: e90 m3 + f80 zcp
Join Date: May 2016
Location: 3rdCoast

iTrader: (4)

No one follows this and law enforcement doesn't care.

I am on the west side and I would guess about 30% off cars have tint on the front windows and even on the windshield.

I use to ride motorcycles and I would use people's heads to determine if they see me. With tinted windows, I never knew.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Piper1 View Post
Better than Michigan laws. Any darkness can be used on back and rear sides. Front windshield and front sides max is 4” from the top of glass in any darkness. Never in my life have I seen anyone only tint the top 4” of the side glass.
Appreciate 1
      04-20-2022, 11:43 PM   #13
to_riffic
Lieutenant General
to_riffic's Avatar
United_States
3057
Rep
13,777
Posts

Drives: rwd
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (38)

I have Prestige Spectra PhotoSync 70 F/R, 55 on the sides.

98% IRR blocking and 99% UV
__________________
~loud noises~

Appreciate 0
      04-21-2022, 12:58 AM   #14
Namelss
Lieutenant
Namelss's Avatar
United_States
785
Rep
453
Posts

Drives: 2007 Volvo XC90 V8 Sport
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Texas

iTrader: (0)

I had Spectra PhotoSync 35% all around with clear Solar Gard on the windshield on my last car. Highly recommend Prestige tint. I’m going to call the shop tomorrow and get a quote for my new M5.

I’m also considering Autobahn i3 ceramic if anyone has any opinions on that.
Appreciate 1
to_riffic3057.00
      04-21-2022, 08:59 AM   #15
Grandie
New Member
6
Rep
19
Posts

Drives: 2022 X5 45e
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

@DocL...LOL. Yes, I can go 'all the way' to Boca ;-). Just concerned a bit because you said the tint shop was recently sold. I saw many great 'older' reviews online, but nothing of late. Do you know the new owner???
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2022, 10:01 AM   #16
Westside Guy
Major General
Westside Guy's Avatar
United_States
6863
Rep
5,050
Posts

Drives: 2022 Z4 M40i, 2021 228i GC
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Hallandale Beach, FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grandie View Post
Westside Guy: I'm not too far from Hallandale Beach, so might you share the name of the shop you are referring to? I assume you would highly recommend them, right?
BTW, I'm also not familiar with Xpel PPF (Googled it!), so can you provide a bit of detail and cost?

I'm still looking for a good, reliable, honest tint shop in South Broward/North Dade, so if anyone has a recommendation, please chime in. THANKS.
I tried to send you a private message with the information but you have that feature disabled in your settings.

Call Custom Wrap design which is located at 1962 NE. 151st St. North Miami. Ask for Rivan who is one of the owners and tell him you were referred by one of his favorite customers who owns a bright blue Z4 that he put both PPF and ceramic coating on.

If you want any additional information please enable the private messaging feature in your settings.
Good luck!

Last edited by Westside Guy; 04-21-2022 at 03:13 PM.. Reason: corrected a typo
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2022, 02:47 PM   #17
TAZ007
Colonel
TAZ007's Avatar
1851
Rep
2,760
Posts

Drives: 2021 Z4 M40
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Texas

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2021 Z4 M40  [5.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by DocL View Post
You don't want to come all the way up to Boca lol?
Not from Kendall.
Appreciate 1
DocL2051.50
      04-21-2022, 03:05 PM   #18
based_novaM3
New Member
based_novaM3's Avatar
18
Rep
8
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 Base
Join Date: Apr 2022
Location: Northern VA

iTrader: (0)

I lived in South Florida for a while, tint is crucial. The way the roads are lit pretty well, it makes it easy to drive at night with tint than up north. I had 5% (limo dark) tint on mine and never had an issue with police even if i pulled up right next to them. 20% is what i would recommend, just slightly darker than legal, but usually if you want to keep it legal you'll have to go up to 35%

If heat is a main concern, there is a clear tint they can put on your windshield that blocks the heat but not the light, i was skeptical but got it done, and it worked pretty amazing, so maybe ask about that. I forget what it was called.
Appreciate 1
      04-21-2022, 08:26 PM   #19
DocL
Captain
DocL's Avatar
United_States
2052
Rep
928
Posts

Drives: 2018 M3 Comp 6spd
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Delray Beach

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grandie View Post
@DocL...LOL. Yes, I can go 'all the way' to Boca ;-). Just concerned a bit because you said the tint shop was recently sold. I saw many great 'older' reviews online, but nothing of late. Do you know the new owner???
The new guy has done work for me and friends of mine. He is very detail oriented. However it is a bit of a drive for you. I'm sure there are good places down there.
__________________
2018 F80 M3. YMB/BLK. ZCP. Three Pedals.
"Education will never be as expensive as ignorance."
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2022, 10:26 PM   #20
Grandie
New Member
6
Rep
19
Posts

Drives: 2022 X5 45e
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

Thanks to you all. Such amazing advice and direction! Very appreciative ;-)
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2022, 10:32 PM   #21
Grandie
New Member
6
Rep
19
Posts

Drives: 2022 X5 45e
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

@DocL: Just an FYI that I have to await my account upgrade to receive a PM ;-(. I do thank you for the great advice...
Appreciate 0
      04-22-2022, 08:37 AM   #22
Westside Guy
Major General
Westside Guy's Avatar
United_States
6863
Rep
5,050
Posts

Drives: 2022 Z4 M40i, 2021 228i GC
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Hallandale Beach, FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grandie View Post
@DocL: Just an FYI that I have to await my account upgrade to receive a PM ;-(. I do thank you for the great advice...
FYI, I believe that you can enable private messages at any time in your user settings.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:53 PM.




g80
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST