First off excuse my semi-unclean Mini on the newer photos. It rained the day after I washed it and continued to rain for a week. Bummedddd.

When I joined NAM I had 35% tints on my MC (all around, no windshield), and it was just too light. So I went and got 20% tints (all around, no windshield) and am so much happier.
Even though the pictures might not seem to support this, 20% are drastically different from 35%.

(Former) Type of Tint: 3M Metallic 35%
(Current) Type of Tint: 3M Metallic 20%
(Future...as in when I get another car, because I'm not spending anymore money on tints right now) Type of Tint: 3M Non-Metallic 20%

Here are pictures if you are having trouble deciding which percentage to get. I tried to take the pictures under the same conditions i.e. time of day, same spot. If you ask me, just go with the 20% all around. If it is illegal in your state just don't drive like you're the sh^t, even though we are because we drive minis, and you'll be fine. Hopefully.

Look how you can see through to the other side on the 35%. The cleaner photo makes the 35% seem close to the 20%, but it's not!!!!!
With Flash
20% Tint:


35% Tint:


Without Flash
20% Tint:


35% Tint:


For these next two pictures it might be hard to tell the difference, and you might question why I went and got 20%, but look through the windshield through the back and side windows.
On the 20% Tint you can barely see what's on the other side of the car.
On the 35% Tint you can see right through to the other side of the car.
The sunny weather in the 35% tint photo is not a real factor for the outcome of these photos because the car and the pictures were taken in the shade.

20%Tint:


35% Tint:


20% Tint:


Hope this comparison helped for people facing the same dilemma.
Keep in mind that any tint will look different in person, most likely it will be slightly lighter. IMO stay the same percentage all around unless you're going for something like 10% in the front and 5% in the back. Most likely you're not looking to do that, so stay consistent.

Let's Motor.
SlyCooper

 

Looks great. And keeping the tint even on all windows is great idea. I have seen some cars with huge differences of tint grade, and even some who used different tint companies. But ultimately doing it that way you will see the difference between those windows on a sunny day.

But, unfortunately, the 20 percent tint is more than likely gonna get anyone here a fix it ticket or possibly a fine in at least 50 states. But it does work pretty good for the overhead sun roof glass if you don't have a Zippy Shade.

And the 35 percent is illegal in about 30 states.

Check local laws. My 2 cents

 

Thank you, and you are exactly right. Looks better to stay the same tint all around.

The legal limit in my state is 35%, so I went out on a limb with the 20%, but it's rare that you'll get pulled over for solely tints. Usually you've done something else to get pulled over and they might tag tint fines along to whatever they pulled you over for. However, any time you willing break the law, it's a risk. But honestly, so many people have 20% all around, I just went ahead and did it.

 

My Daily driving MINI actually has 20% rear and 35% on the front and it works great. But I've done a little research lately and if I was to do it again I'd do Ceramic window tint. I have a tint guy that has done some test peices to show the difference and I think the ceramic is much better now. Downside is that it does cost more. Just a little FYI

 

I have 20% all around - had it since a couple months after we bought the car. I've been thinking about having it removed and doing 35% instead, especially since I now live in a less "urban" area. I've found it's more difficult to live with the 20% at night (fewer street lights and more long, dark stretches of road). However, as mentioned before different brands vary... the 20% that's on my MINI seems way darker than the 20% that was on the Altima I had before. I guess the amount of night-time driving you do and how much light you can count on from streetlights and businesses is something to consider as well.

 

I miss my 20% tint....
Dang cops.


Its getting retinted this spring though.

 

I got 27% thats the law here, and I do like it...

Art

 

I think Im rocking 10% all the way around

Either 10 or 15, I cant remember

Dark tint FTW. It keeps the interior temps waaaay down.

 

^True about the temperature being cooler.

Yeah I've heard a few people mention this ceramic tint. I still don't know exactly what it is, but I'm going to research it. Why is it supposed to be so much better?

 

I have ceramic film on every single window on my MINI
15% for the side and rear windows, 60% for the front windshield and the sunroof (I like a whole bunch of light coming in through my sunroof)

On a bright sunny day, I don't even notice the heat from the sun.
Ceramic film is indeed worth it.

It is expensive though, but I work at my dad's tint shop so ya know..