I have a 2005 MINI Cooper and I am planning on getting my windows tinted, but i have no idea what to expect. I'm interested in getting my rear windows tinted very dark past the legal limit (which doesn't matter for the rear window in my state) and all of my side windows legally dark, but they will still be dark just lighter than the rear. Does anyone have an opinion on whether this will look good or should i just get all the same tint. Thanks

 

It is personal preference, but I Like to keep the windows the same. I will be doing all of mine the same just slightly darker than legal

 

I've never like Very dark tint (Difficult to see at night)in any of my cars and like them all the same shade.
Tint is not all about how dark it's going to be.
It's about heat rejection and UV protection.
Quality tints are the way to go.
Llumar is my favorite brand to use, maybe cause my buddy owns a shop and takes care of me. But they do make a very nice product.
Do some more research.

 

I know what you mean, I can't decide between 20% and 35% on everything but the sunroof and windshield.

I have to drive down to the desert to get groceries, and when I come out my car is extremely hot, which makes me lean towards the 20%. But, I drive to work a majority of the year very early in the morning when it's still dark out and the road I drive on is 16 miles of twisty, windy, deer and elk lined roads, which makes me lean towards nothing darker than 35%.

Who knows what I'll end up with, this will be my first vehicle that I've tinted and I might just end up leaving it the way it is (with nothing).

Good luck in your decisions!

 

I have been tinting windows for a little over 5 years if you want it to look nice without being to dark I would go between 5 to 15% on rear window and 20% on sides and sunroof. Are you wanting to put a visor strip on it as well ( strip of tint across the top of the windshield) if you do the visor be sure not to go more than 6 inches down from the top unless you like getting pulled over lol

 

sorry and make sure they use at least charcoal film no dyed junk dyed film turns purple after a while.

 

Does 3M use any dyed film? There's only 1 tinter within 2 hours of me, and their sign says they are a 3M certified dealer/installed. I'm fine with that brand as it'll be my first tint.

Which in your opinion is better: 3M Color Stable, 3M Crystalline or 3M Ceramic? Or is there a better (read higher quality, longer lasting, better IR reduction) line that 3M makes?

I need to call them and get a quote and see what they've got, but just got back from a week long vacation and work is absolutely hectic right now, apparently no one did anything while I was gone, lol

edit: I take that back, there are 2 installers. The first one (CJs) uses XSun film only (even though their sign says they are a 3M Certified Dealer/Installer. I can't find much info on XSun at all, but I was quoted $140 for all side windows and back window at either 20% or 35%, which seems reasonable but not being able to find much on the XSun brand is making me a little nervous. I'll be calling the other place (Oscars) tomorrow and hoping they have a brand I recognize. I'm leaning towards 35% just because I don't want to go too dark and regret it, or worse yet move to another state years down the road and find out 20% is illegal there.

 

3M is good I prefer the fx premium line though, its non-metallized so no cell phone interruption which can be annoying but I agree with Eclipse11S Llumar is one of the best films you can go to their web site and order it from there and have any tint shop put it on you can also try global films I use them alot

 

If I recall, Ceramic tints were the Best.
I don't know if they have something newer now.

 

See my sig - anything darker is tough to see out of the driver and passenger side windows at night and dark winter mornings - and not legal....