You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!
Hey all. Looking for some advice here. Based on alll that I have read reviews wise, I think it would be a good idea to tint my sunroof (when it and the car get here)
Has anybody done this already, were the results worth it and does anybody know a REALLY GOOD window tinting place in the Los Angeles area?
THX!
Kevin, Have read many comments about tinting the sunroof, and some folks are concerned that the tint might cause cracking or damage to it. Maybe someone on here knows more about this... Good luck!
Kevin, I was seriously considering tinting my sunroof as well. I spoke to 3 different tinters, who have been tinting for over 15 yrs each, they all said "DO NOT TINT THE SUNROOF!!!" Their reasoning is this...
Todays tint films are metalized to reflect the suns rays. The windows on your car are verticle and for the most part do not receive direct sunlight. The sunroof is a horizontal plane and receives more direct sunlight. Next time your car sits in the sun all day feel your windows and then your sunroof, big difference. The metalized film will increase the temperature of the sunroof glass by many, many times. This can cause the glass to shatter from the heat or if anything were to hit it (say a small stone thrown up from another car) or even just the minor flex of the roof while driving.
I opted not to tint my sunroof!
I DO recommend tinting the front sunroof! Go with the lighter 20-22% tint from 3M.
The MINI sunroof is much higher quality glass than sunroof glass used on other cars (and older cars especially, which is what the Tint installers that told you this are probably basing their opinion on - ask them if they know of a tinted BMW or MINI sunroof that cracked!).
It has been three months since I had mine done, and in this murderous Florida summer heat I haven't had any problems.
(do I need a disclaimer? I am not a professional Tinter, and I take no responsibility for the results of any modifications you make to your MINI - usually an increase in the Fun factor! )
Newkevin - You can also go with the 3M Scothchguard product that would only cover your sunroof. The material is perforated and would fit directly on the 2 pieces of the sunroof. The product would cut down on the glare and could easliy be removed if at some point you wanted to sell the car. We've provided this application on several cars and it works great. If you are interested I can send you more details.
Although it might be totally true, it still seems like one of thoes really rare situations. My wife's Chevy Cav. has a tinted sun roof, the car is 4 years old, and there's yet to be any problems. And her car sits in the driveway all day long...
Just making sure you're aware that the sunroof glass is specially treated/tinted dark from the factory. If anything, I would take apart the perforated rolling screen shade and replace it with solid fabric to block out light. I have a perforated roof decal over part of the sunroof glass and it cuts down on light just a bit. The solid screen shade is still a good idea though, I think.
Get a car decal for the sunroof. CarVogue has one that is perforated so you can still see out and let the sun in. The sun in Denver is intense and I am glad I got the decal on the roof.
>>I DO recommend tinting the front sunroof! Go with the lighter 20-22% tint from 3M.
>>
>>The MINI sunroof is much higher quality glass than sunroof glass used on other cars (and older cars especially, which is what the Tint installers that told you this are probably basing their opinion on - ask them if they know of a tinted BMW or MINI sunroof that cracked!).
>>
>>It has been three months since I had mine done, and in this murderous Florida summer heat I haven't had any problems.
Bringing this thread back to life. I think I'm gonna go ahead and get my sunroof tinted when I'm having my windshield done. That mesh thing just isn't cutting it. My nuts are roasting while i drive ... lol
that whole sunroof glass shattering seems kinda crazy!! Although I'm sure you guys didn't pull that one out of your ass.
JohnW, does the tint make a huge diff? did you go pretty dark on it?
I found an easy solution, I have my "sunroof" tinted a solid Velvet Red
Though a lot of today's high end tint are metalized, there are still film that are dyed......no metal particles.
These "cheaper" dyed film are used on sunroofs (usually 5%) and they seem to work well. The only down side is it has a tendency to fade over time (usually 5 yrs.)
The day I took delivary of MINIhune, the dealership was recommending having the sunroof tinted to a customer, which they said they do all the time because the perforated screen wasn't adequate shade for Hawaii's blazin' sun.
Again, my easiest solution, NO SUNROOF!! Hang Loose!!!
__________________
'03 MC 2004 2nd Place HS
'03 MC 2005 HAWAII Region HS Champ
'05 MC Convertible 2006 #2 HS
'07 MCS 2007 #2 GS
'07 MCS 2008 #2 DSP
See you tomorrow at the Santa Paula MINI Meet! 
