So before I go and get my windows tinted, I thought I would ask the group their advice:

The two options that I am considering:

1. Darkest legal for all windows (ie. Darker on the boot and rear windows).

2. Darkest legal on the front, with matching on the rear (same % all round).

Anybody with any preference either way? Option #1 would presumedly keep more sun/heat out of the car, but I wonder about visibility.

I am especially curious to hear from those who have darker on the boot, AND have the self adjusting/darkening mirror option. How is your rear visibility at night through the mirror?

I live in North Texas, so it gets pretty sunny/hot here in the summer.

Thanks in advance.

Jay

 

Hey MrV.

I have a darker tint on the rear windows, which is one step below limo tint, and one step below the rears on the drivers and passenger windows. I don't have the auto-dimming mirror but the visibility is not bad at all. The mini has very few blind spots so you should be good with this set up.

 

Neither? Check this out. If you're looking to cut HEAT, it's the best!
Comes in 4 densities. Even with the darkest you can still see out your back window.

http://huperoptikusa.com/consumer_auto.cfm

 

I have seen this stuff before and it looks good! But there doesn't seem to be a dealer locator on there website....anybody know where to get this stuff applied in Texas?

 

Their HQ is in Houston I think . Their site is really intricate and kind of klunky. Use this link to get info on a dealer. They answer withing a day.

http://huperoptikusa.com/automotive_formpage.cfm

 

I've got Limo on both of mine all the way around, I guess I'm so used to it from my other cars I don't have much of a visibilty problem. At night you'll just have to look close so you don't get too close to anything on the sides.

On my buddy's MINI he has limo on the three back and "legal" on the sides. (it's about 3% darker than legal) and he likes it, makes the car look a little different with the contrasting window tint but all and all it's a good mix.

Personally, I like the darker, and also, don't forget the sunroof! I always have them put at least one layer of Limo on the roof to keep the sun off my bald head.

 

I bought a car in New York with tint and had to have it removed in Maryland. Cost me $125.00 and that was a bargain. If you ever sell the car, keep in mind that it may go to another state where it won't pass inspection. Most people who think they are buying a car forever are unrealistic.

 

I just had my Jet Black S tinted 35% in the rear and 50% on the drivers and passengers window. It looks great, not too dark, but enough. It looks real dark as the sun goes down.

I have to keep it legal! The cops in the Fairlawn/Copley area do not seem to have anything better to do.

 

Anyone have this on their Mini? The way the website reads, it offers all of the protection, without sealing you off from the world. I don't want to have to roll my windows down to pull out of my neighborhood. I would appreciate any feedback.

 

I have darker tint on my back windows and have the auto dimming mirror. I haven't had any issues with visibility. I don't have the 5% limo tint, I think mine is 20% on the back windows, which is dark enough to keep things private without feeling unsafe at night. My front windows are either 35% or 50%, I can't remember - whatever is legal here in Utah, which has relatively strict laws on tinting windows. I like the look. You can tell a difference, but it doesn't look bad. Since my interior is as black as it can get, I wanted the maximum legal tint without hindering visibility at night too much.

 

I have 50% 3M carbon fiber all around. I would like to have it a little darker, but the 50% is legal. I like the look of the same tint all around.