R56 Tint Time!
4th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 469
Likes: 0
From: Twin Cities, MN
Welcome to NAM! Congrats on your MINI! 
I have 35% all around and 15% on the sunroof. Looks good keeps the car cool. Easier on the eyes.
Be sure you stick with a nonmetallic film as the metallics can interfere with the flat tire monitor and GPS if you have it.
Check out tintdude.com they've got lots of good info and also list state laws which you might want to check out before deciding what percent to go with.
I have 35% all around and 15% on the sunroof. Looks good keeps the car cool. Easier on the eyes.
Be sure you stick with a nonmetallic film as the metallics can interfere with the flat tire monitor and GPS if you have it.
Check out tintdude.com they've got lots of good info and also list state laws which you might want to check out before deciding what percent to go with.
Last edited by MiniBella; Jun 19, 2008 at 09:14 AM.
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 680
Likes: 0
From: Brighton, MI
My personal preference is always for something in the 18-25% range on all the windows (not windsheild). I have 18% on the MINI and it looks good with the sunroof letting in a little light. On my last car (red Alero coupe) I had 20% which I thought looked good but my brother now thinks is too dark (but I think he'll appreciate now that he's moved to Texas).
Anyway... it's always a balance between aesthetics, The Law, safety, and comfort. Too dark and you're more likely to get hassled by The Law, and it's hard to see out past dusk. But it looks really cool. Too light and it's like why bother, but you won't get hassled, and it'll be safer for everyone (neighborhood kids, cops who pull you over, etc). And of course darker tint blocks more light so your stuff won't fade and your car will stay cooler. And theives won't see as much of your stuff and want to steal it. Or they'll just assume you have something worth hiding and break in anyway - probably not worth considering.
Best bet is to see a few cars and talk to people who have it on their MINI and see how it actually works for them in your area.
And welcome to the MINI family!
Anyway... it's always a balance between aesthetics, The Law, safety, and comfort. Too dark and you're more likely to get hassled by The Law, and it's hard to see out past dusk. But it looks really cool. Too light and it's like why bother, but you won't get hassled, and it'll be safer for everyone (neighborhood kids, cops who pull you over, etc). And of course darker tint blocks more light so your stuff won't fade and your car will stay cooler. And theives won't see as much of your stuff and want to steal it. Or they'll just assume you have something worth hiding and break in anyway - probably not worth considering.
Best bet is to see a few cars and talk to people who have it on their MINI and see how it actually works for them in your area.
And welcome to the MINI family!
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
I live in California and it feels like we have some of the strictest rules about tint. I opted for 35% front 30% rear and 15% back window. I live right by a police station so I feel its dark enough for me. Plus I like that it fades so there isn't a drastic difference between the rear and the front.
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 609
Likes: 1
From: Woodbridge VA
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5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
Unless it's recently changed,
it's been 35% for years in the state of Virginia. I've seen police with people pulled and they actually have a hand held device that measures this.
My tax dollars at work.
it's been 35% for years in the state of Virginia. I've seen police with people pulled and they actually have a hand held device that measures this. My tax dollars at work.
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 609
Likes: 1
From: Woodbridge VA
sorry. I am a LEO in northern VA. 50% for over 10 years on driver/passenger.. 35% for rear windows...
Section 46.2-1052 states:
Tinting films, signs, decals, and stickers on windshields, etc.; penalties.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this article or permitted by federal law, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate any motor vehicle on a highway with any sign, poster, colored or tinted film, sun-shading material, or other colored material on the windshield, front or rear side windows, or rear windows of such motor vehicle. This provision, however, shall not apply to any certificate or other paper required by law or permitted by the Superintendent to be placed on a motor vehicle's windshield or window.
The size of stickers or decals used by counties, cities, and towns in lieu of license plates shall be in compliance with regulations promulgated by the Superintendent. Such stickers shall be affixed on the windshield at a location designated by the Superintendent.
2. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, whenever a motor vehicle is equipped with a mirror on each side of such vehicle, so located as to reflect to the driver of such vehicle a view of the highway for at least 200 feet to the rear of such vehicle, any or all of the following shall be lawful:
1. To drive a motor vehicle equipped with one optically grooved clear plastic right-angle rear view lens attached to one rear window of such motor vehicle, not exceeding eighteen inches in diameter in the case of a circular lens or not exceeding eleven inches by fourteen inches in the case of a rectangular lens, which enables the driver of the motor vehicle to view below the line of sight as viewed through the rear window;
2. To have affixed to the rear side windows, rear window or windows of a motor vehicle any sticker or stickers, regardless of size; or
3. To drive a motor vehicle when the driver's clear view of the highway through the rear window or windows is otherwise obstructed.
3. Except as provided in § 46.2-1053, but notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, no sun-shading or tinting film may be applied or affixed to any window of a motor vehicle unless such motor vehicle is equipped with a mirror on each side of such motor vehicle, so located as to reflect to the driver of the vehicle a view of the highway for at least 200 feet to the rear of such vehicle, and the sun-shading or tinting film is applied or affixed in accordance with the following:
1. No sun-shading or tinting films may be applied or affixed to the rear side windows or rear window or windows of any motor vehicle operated on the highways of this Commonwealth that reduce the total light transmittance of such window to less than thirty-five percent;
2. No sun-shading or tinting films may be applied or affixed to the front side windows of any motor vehicle operated on the highways of this Commonwealth that reduce total light transmittance of such window to less than fifty percent;
3. No sun-shading or tinting films shall be applied or affixed to any window of a motor vehicle that (i) have a reflectance of light exceeding twenty percent or (ii) produce a holographic or prism effect.
Any person who operates a motor vehicle on the highways of this Commonwealth with sun-shading or tinting films that (i) have a total light transmittance less than that required by subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection, (ii) have a reflectance of light exceeding twenty percent, or (iii) produce holographic or prism effects shall be guilty of a traffic infraction but shall not be awarded any demerit points by the Commissioner for the violation.
Any person or firm who applies or affixes to the windows of any motor vehicle in Virginia sun-shading or tinting films that (i) reduce the light transmittance to levels less than that allowed in subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection, (ii) have a reflectance of light exceeding twenty percent, or (iii) produce holographic or prism effects shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor for the first offense and of a Class 2 misdemeanor for any subsequent offense.
4. The Division of Purchases and Supply, pursuant to § 2.1-446, shall determine the proper standards for equipment or devices used to measure light transmittance through windows of motor vehicles. Law-enforcement officers shall use only such equipment or devices to measure light transmittance through windows that meet the standards established by the Division. Such measurements made by law-enforcement officers shall be given a tolerance of minus seven percentage points.
5.
No film or darkening material may be applied on the windshield except to replace the sunshield in the uppermost area as installed by the manufacturer of the vehicle.
6.
Nothing in this section shall prohibit the affixing to the rear window of a motor vehicle of a single sticker no larger than twenty square inches if such sticker is totally contained within the lower five inches of the glass of the rear window, nor shall subsection B of this section apply to a motor vehicle to which but one such sticker is so affixed.
7.
Nothing in this section shall prohibit applying to the rear side windows or rear window of any multi-purpose passenger vehicle or pickup truck sun-shading or tinting films that reduce the total light transmittance of such window or windows below thirty-five percent.
8.
As used in this article:
"Front side windows" means those windows located adjacent to and forward of the driver's seat;
"Holographic effect" means a picture or image that may remain constant or change as the viewing angle is changed;
"Multipurpose passenger vehicle" means any motor vehicle that is (i) designed to carry no more than ten persons and (ii) constructed either on a truck chassis or with special features for occasional off-road use;
"Prism effect" means a visual, iridescent, or rainbow-like effect that separates light into various colored components that may change depending on viewing angle.
"Rear side windows" means those windows located to the rear of the driver's seat;
"Rear window" or "rear windows" means those windows which are located to the rear of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and which are approximately parallel to the windshield;
9. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, sun-shading material which was applied or installed prior to July 1, 1987, in a manner and on which windows not then in violation of Virginia law, shall continue to be lawful, provided that it can be shown by appropriate receipts that such material was installed prior to July 1, 1987.
10.
Where a person is convicted within one year of a second or subsequent violation of this section involving the operation of the same vehicle having a tinted or smoked windshield, the court, in addition to any other penalty, may order the person so convicted to remove such tinted or smoked windshield from the vehicle.
11.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to law-enforcement vehicles.
12.
The provisions of subdivision C(1.) of this section shall not apply to sight-seeing carriers as defined in § 46.2-2200 and limousine and executive sedan carriers as defined in § 46.2-2500.
Section 46.2-1052 states:
Tinting films, signs, decals, and stickers on windshields, etc.; penalties.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this article or permitted by federal law, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate any motor vehicle on a highway with any sign, poster, colored or tinted film, sun-shading material, or other colored material on the windshield, front or rear side windows, or rear windows of such motor vehicle. This provision, however, shall not apply to any certificate or other paper required by law or permitted by the Superintendent to be placed on a motor vehicle's windshield or window.
The size of stickers or decals used by counties, cities, and towns in lieu of license plates shall be in compliance with regulations promulgated by the Superintendent. Such stickers shall be affixed on the windshield at a location designated by the Superintendent.
2. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, whenever a motor vehicle is equipped with a mirror on each side of such vehicle, so located as to reflect to the driver of such vehicle a view of the highway for at least 200 feet to the rear of such vehicle, any or all of the following shall be lawful:
1. To drive a motor vehicle equipped with one optically grooved clear plastic right-angle rear view lens attached to one rear window of such motor vehicle, not exceeding eighteen inches in diameter in the case of a circular lens or not exceeding eleven inches by fourteen inches in the case of a rectangular lens, which enables the driver of the motor vehicle to view below the line of sight as viewed through the rear window;
2. To have affixed to the rear side windows, rear window or windows of a motor vehicle any sticker or stickers, regardless of size; or
3. To drive a motor vehicle when the driver's clear view of the highway through the rear window or windows is otherwise obstructed.
3. Except as provided in § 46.2-1053, but notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, no sun-shading or tinting film may be applied or affixed to any window of a motor vehicle unless such motor vehicle is equipped with a mirror on each side of such motor vehicle, so located as to reflect to the driver of the vehicle a view of the highway for at least 200 feet to the rear of such vehicle, and the sun-shading or tinting film is applied or affixed in accordance with the following:
1. No sun-shading or tinting films may be applied or affixed to the rear side windows or rear window or windows of any motor vehicle operated on the highways of this Commonwealth that reduce the total light transmittance of such window to less than thirty-five percent;
2. No sun-shading or tinting films may be applied or affixed to the front side windows of any motor vehicle operated on the highways of this Commonwealth that reduce total light transmittance of such window to less than fifty percent;
3. No sun-shading or tinting films shall be applied or affixed to any window of a motor vehicle that (i) have a reflectance of light exceeding twenty percent or (ii) produce a holographic or prism effect.
Any person who operates a motor vehicle on the highways of this Commonwealth with sun-shading or tinting films that (i) have a total light transmittance less than that required by subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection, (ii) have a reflectance of light exceeding twenty percent, or (iii) produce holographic or prism effects shall be guilty of a traffic infraction but shall not be awarded any demerit points by the Commissioner for the violation.
Any person or firm who applies or affixes to the windows of any motor vehicle in Virginia sun-shading or tinting films that (i) reduce the light transmittance to levels less than that allowed in subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection, (ii) have a reflectance of light exceeding twenty percent, or (iii) produce holographic or prism effects shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor for the first offense and of a Class 2 misdemeanor for any subsequent offense.
4. The Division of Purchases and Supply, pursuant to § 2.1-446, shall determine the proper standards for equipment or devices used to measure light transmittance through windows of motor vehicles. Law-enforcement officers shall use only such equipment or devices to measure light transmittance through windows that meet the standards established by the Division. Such measurements made by law-enforcement officers shall be given a tolerance of minus seven percentage points.
5.
No film or darkening material may be applied on the windshield except to replace the sunshield in the uppermost area as installed by the manufacturer of the vehicle.
6.
Nothing in this section shall prohibit the affixing to the rear window of a motor vehicle of a single sticker no larger than twenty square inches if such sticker is totally contained within the lower five inches of the glass of the rear window, nor shall subsection B of this section apply to a motor vehicle to which but one such sticker is so affixed.
7.
Nothing in this section shall prohibit applying to the rear side windows or rear window of any multi-purpose passenger vehicle or pickup truck sun-shading or tinting films that reduce the total light transmittance of such window or windows below thirty-five percent.
8.
As used in this article:
"Front side windows" means those windows located adjacent to and forward of the driver's seat;
"Holographic effect" means a picture or image that may remain constant or change as the viewing angle is changed;
"Multipurpose passenger vehicle" means any motor vehicle that is (i) designed to carry no more than ten persons and (ii) constructed either on a truck chassis or with special features for occasional off-road use;
"Prism effect" means a visual, iridescent, or rainbow-like effect that separates light into various colored components that may change depending on viewing angle.
"Rear side windows" means those windows located to the rear of the driver's seat;
"Rear window" or "rear windows" means those windows which are located to the rear of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and which are approximately parallel to the windshield;
9. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, sun-shading material which was applied or installed prior to July 1, 1987, in a manner and on which windows not then in violation of Virginia law, shall continue to be lawful, provided that it can be shown by appropriate receipts that such material was installed prior to July 1, 1987.
10.
Where a person is convicted within one year of a second or subsequent violation of this section involving the operation of the same vehicle having a tinted or smoked windshield, the court, in addition to any other penalty, may order the person so convicted to remove such tinted or smoked windshield from the vehicle.
11.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to law-enforcement vehicles.
12.
The provisions of subdivision C(1.) of this section shall not apply to sight-seeing carriers as defined in § 46.2-2200 and limousine and executive sedan carriers as defined in § 46.2-2500.
Last edited by MINIspud; Jun 20, 2008 at 05:29 AM.
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
I have Hüper Optik Ceramic 30 tint. It's actually 34%, not 30%. Here is the specs page for their ceramic tints:
http://www.huperoptik.com/CeramicCompare.asp
http://www.huperoptik.com/CeramicCompare.asp
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
Thanks for that info!!!
I stand corrected and please accept my "Sorry" for stepping on your info.So now I have a decision to make.
Do I change mine out or what? I'd really like less heat
all around when the car is sitting in the sun day in and day out.
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 680
Likes: 0
From: Brighton, MI
Yeah, I should have mentioned... mine is legal. Michigan allows for window tint to any % as long as it isn't more than 35% reflective (no mirror) with a prescription. As I have a valid reason for one (migraines very affected by driving in the sunlight, and I have to get to/from work), my neurologist was glad to write it for me.
Without the Rx, you can have a 4" strip at the top of the front windows (nothing below that) and anything you like on the back windows, AS1 line and above on the windshield.
I couldn't find the law that made it legal for the cop to pull me over soley for having tint on my Alero, but whatever...
Without the Rx, you can have a 4" strip at the top of the front windows (nothing below that) and anything you like on the back windows, AS1 line and above on the windshield.
I couldn't find the law that made it legal for the cop to pull me over soley for having tint on my Alero, but whatever...
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
2nd Gear newb here... didn't mean to cut in on the thread, but it appears that our windows have a slight tint (green) on it already. is that just for UV protection and anyone know the exact % tint, probably 85%??? Thanks.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 591
Likes: 0
I got quoted 229.95 for Onyx by Madico, tint for my MCS is that overpriced? He said its the best tint on the market. Or 169.95 for regular tint. All windows except the front.
Any suggestions its at a local Tint Master shop.
Any suggestions its at a local Tint Master shop.
Coordinator :: Upstate MINIs
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 0
Key thing to look for is what kind of tint (every shop sells the "best" on the market, that's just how things work), i.e. simple dyed, metallic, carbon, ceramic. I think you're going to see a price increase in that order as well. If he's wanting to charge that much for something that's not in the last two categories, I'd look elsewhere.
BTW, tintcenter.com reports Onyx as a metallic film. This MAY cause issues with GPS, Cell phones, Comfort Access, etc. No guarantee one way or another unless you go for a non-metallic tint.
http://www.tintcenter.com/films/madico/m_on/
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 635
Likes: 1
From: Danville
Coordinator :: Upstate MINIs
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 0
I believe almost all auto glass comes with some tint, and I believe it's usually 95%, which of course causes your VLT to be slightly lower when you apply film. My carbon which I claim is 27% only because my interior makes it look darker is actually 35% on the roll, and probably about 32% when applied to the window.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Here in TN I was told by the local sheriff that as long as you could read a printed page held behind the glass it was legal. I have 15% and can read a printed page easily. So when I get a ticket I will go to him to have him sign it off! See gallery
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
This is my SS/SS with Johnson 30% all ceramic tint on all windows (including sunroof), I love it, not too dark/not too light. All ceramic suppossedly blocks 85% of heat generating UV light while still letting in visible light for night time. Is quite expensive but comes with lifetime nationwide quarantee from peel and fade. All others block light but radiat alot of the heat into the car.
Touch a non ceramic tint on a 90% day and see how hot it is. Ceramic is cool (well maybe warm) to touch.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...6&d=1219531522
MCm, SS/SS, premium, sport seats, gotham grey, MFW/bluetooth
Touch a non ceramic tint on a 90% day and see how hot it is. Ceramic is cool (well maybe warm) to touch.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...6&d=1219531522
MCm, SS/SS, premium, sport seats, gotham grey, MFW/bluetooth
Last edited by Evanskarma; Aug 26, 2008 at 05:09 PM.
IMO 35% is a waste. You can see right in during the day. Go 20% if you'd like it to be a little fuzzy looking in but you're still visible....just not easily identifiable. Oh and make sure you do 5% on the sunroofs! It's limo tint but not nearly as dark as it is on windows b/c the glare always come down from above!
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,201
Likes: 8
From: Norfolk, VA
I've always preferred 35% all the way around. Sure, you can see through it, but it still blocks a huge amount of the UV light, and making myself unrecognizable inside my car has never been one of my priorities.
At one time, I had 20% on the back window of one of my cars, and if it was past dusk (especially if it was raining), I couldn't see anything through the back window unless it had lights on it.
At one time, I had 20% on the back window of one of my cars, and if it was past dusk (especially if it was raining), I couldn't see anything through the back window unless it had lights on it.
Last edited by ScottRiqui; Aug 28, 2008 at 09:11 PM.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
I've always preferred 35% all the way around. Sure, you can see through it, but it still blocks a huge amount of the UV light, and making myself unrecognizable inside my car has never been one of my priorities.
At one time, I had 20% on the back window of one of my cars, and if it was past dusk (especially if it was raining), I couldn't see anything through the back window unless it had lights on it.
At one time, I had 20% on the back window of one of my cars, and if it was past dusk (especially if it was raining), I couldn't see anything through the back window unless it had lights on it.
I could maybe see 20% on sunroof (I stuck with 30%) but not 5%. Part of having a sunroof is to lighten up interior with natural light. Why have a sunroof if your going to block 95% of it.
What helps heat buildup best is not necessarily % but material used. Ceramic is best. absorbs least amount of heat.
MCm, SS/SS, premium, sport seats, gotham grey, MFW/bluetooth