I did a quick search and did not find anything specifically on window tinting on Cabrios. Is it a problem or is it a common mod? Are there any special considerations? Thanks for any info.

 

I was thinking about the same thing- I have a black MCSc...I wonder how tints would look...

 

I don't know anyone who's done this. In my case, the top is down so much, it seems a little silly. And Blimey doesn't do the "dark" look, anyway...

 

I got my windows tinted last year before a crosscountry roadtrip. I was extremely happy that I got it done, as it made a HUGE difference as we crossed through the southwest when temps crested 105+. Normally here in Florida I could feel the sun beating down on us through the glass, but with the tinting we no longer baked with the sun coming through the windows. We could still feel the heat radiating through the roof though. The interior remained MUCH cooler than it normally would have without the tint.



I asked around for a few different shops and found that a lot of places wouldn't do the back window due to the workspace around the rollbars being incredibly tight. Even the guys who did the tintwork for my dealership refused to do the back window. I found a place (Flying Window Tint) in Longwood, FL that had no problem working on the back window and they did a fantastic job too. No quality issues a year later....highly recommend

One issue I am having is with the etching on the small side windows when the roof retracts. The etching is on the outside so it isn't bothering the tint, but if I ever have MINI replace the windows I'll have to get the tinting done again

I never would have thought tinting windows on a convertible was necessary, but it's probably one of the best things I've done to my car. I think it looks pretty dang sharp too.

 

I bought my cabrio used and it came with tinted window. Not nearly as dark as 2phun's (only like 40% or so). I do like the look better than others without it. And it does help with the radiant heat during the few occasions the top is up.

I did have my top replaced back in march and the dealer had the new window retinted for free, which was nice of them.

 

Don't have a great pic, but here's one from MOTD.

I've never been a tinted-windows-guy, but my car had tint when I bought it. I had to have it removed 'cause the FL tint did not meet NC law -- but I liked the way it had looked so much that I had the FL tint replaced with the allowable NC tint (as pictured above).
Is it really needed? no, primarily like the way it looks on black . . . Although if you leave the car out on a hot day (with the top up), the tint does help keep the interior (especially the black leather) a little cooler . . . and with a tinted back window, I've never needed a self-dimming rearview mirror (though I haven't driven with the top up in a long time anyways).

However, my one concern:
Experiencing exactly the same here.

 

Ahhhh yes...I too have wondered about tinting the windows on my 'vert. I may have to consider this...headed through the desert up to MITM in August - it's going to be extremely warm.

 

2phun: "One issue I am having is with the etching on the small side windows when the roof retracts. The etching is on the outside so it isn't bothering the tint, but if I ever have MINI replace the windows I'll have to get the tinting done again"

Am I correct in interpreting that there is not an ongoing problem, but only the anticipation of one if you have to replace the windows? If anybody replaces any window, doesn't it have to be tinted again ? What am I missing here?

All that said, I never even thought about tinting until I read some of the above. It just didn't seem right for a convertible. however, it is VERY hot here mid-April - September, and at work, I can park in the sun or under a tree that drips . Of course, we ARE talking about building a new office that would have covered parking , so maybe I should check the timeline on that.

 

Yeah, I guess if I had (a) a black or DS car and (b) a black top and (c) lived in a hotter climate, I might do this. The DS/Bk car above with the limo tint does look GREAT.

 

Blimey- If I had your car I wouldn't tint it either. It just wouldn't look right.

 

I can't WAIT till I get my Fl plates in (bought the car in MD..temp tags) because I can't WAIT to get Cecilia tinted!
Call me crazy, but I like having tinted windows. now, I don't ride with the top up a lot, but when I do, I like having the less sun on me. That is mostly the resason why I put the top up, it gets just too hot.
Of course both my other cars have 5% tint, so I am just used to it I guess

 

In my case, the small side windows are already etched - so it's a current problem which I anticipate having fixed before warranty expires.
Yes, any window would have to be retinted if replaced -- but I don't anticipate/know that I'm going to have to replace the back or main side windows -- whereas the etching is a common problem and, even if not experienced yet, 2phun is correct in pointing out that likelihood of it happening is a concern/consideration.
Having said all that, i don't think the cost of retinting those 2 small windows will be much. . . the whole car was only $140.

 

Nothing special.. Had on our vert since it was new...
Same tinting I have on my truck....

 

Actually as was mentioned, the etching in the windows is a known issue, but as far as I know (please correct me if I am wrong) there isn't a fix for it yet. Every cabrio that I have seen/inspected has these etching marks...looks like an arc on the edge of the window. I didn't even know it was there until I saw a thread about it. I'm sure that when the time comes, MINI won't have any problem replacing them, but they aren't going to tint the windows. I'll have to do that on my own dime.

Hey Blimey, mine does look dark in that photo, doesn't it. It actually isn't limo tint...the front windows are done in the legal limit in FL (don't remember the % offhand). The smaller ones and the back one are a bit darker, but not much. I didn't want to hamper my night vision and definitely didn't want some cop telling me to pull it off while he watched.

 

That's cool - they look pretty darn dark in the photo.

I really do like the way tint looks on the cabrios on most colors (including PW) - but just doesn't work with cool blue...

The other thing is, I ride top down / windows up A LOT - I can talk on conference calls with my headset on and there's not too much noise. I think that would look even MORE goofy than it already does if I had tint...

 

Just as a general nonsense type question...do you guys not drive your car for a few days after tinting? I've had other cars done and they state specifically not to roll the windows down for a few days...however, the windows go down some when opening the door. I would think that would cause the tint to peel on the bottom

 

The rule is still true -- but the 1/4" auto-rolldown doesn't affect the tint.

But it was nice to have the tint done in January -- so I didn't mind being unable to put the top down for 3 days as much.

 

Same question? I find the air conditioning in the AB cabrio leaving a lot to be desired and wondering if tinting would help. I do use a sunshield in the front window or put the whole car cover on, but.

Ok see the answer, three days..............Yuk.

 

You know for those that are in really sunny, hot places, you can get your windshield "tinted" in a clear UV film that helps with the heat. Alot of businesses in FL use that and it helps alot.

 

Oh ya, I forgot that Basil has windows....