F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > BIMMERPOST Universal Forums > General Automotive (non-BMW) Talk + Photos/Videos > Window tint - best quality brand?
proTUNING Freaks
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-29-2019, 01:17 PM   #1
FTP20
Private
FTP20's Avatar
34
Rep
87
Posts

Drives: Four door ///M
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: North

iTrader: (0)

Window tint - best quality brand?

I want to tint my car with high quality tint that cuts down on UV entering the cabin (leather damage) and that won't discolor over time. I want tint with a grey tone not one of the blue or purple hue tints I've seen on some cars.

Is there any accepted hierarchy of tint brands or ones to avoid?
Appreciate 0
      06-29-2019, 02:14 PM   #2
GivRoF36
New Member
GivRoF36's Avatar
2
Rep
8
Posts

Drives: M5 (F90)
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Atlanta

iTrader: (0)

I'm sure you're going to end up with tons of replies and varying opinions, but I believe if you are looking for the best film at rejecting heat, you're going to want to look at crystalline film.

However, crystalline can have a somewhat bluish hint or if you have a color interior (i.e. I had red seats in my 435) it can sometimes pull from that in different lighting which was fine with me may not be satisfactory for you. (See the photos, side view is pretty standard but the angle view picks up some of the red from the interior - 40% Crystalline 3M)

I now have 50% crystalline (3M brand) on my M5 and that interior is Aragon Brown. The 50% seems to come off like a standard color tint. Though the car is blue so not sure if that has anything to do with it.

Next best option is ceramic tint from a heat rejection standpoint. No knowledge-base however on whether or not it as any colored hue to it though.

Best bet is to probably visit a tint shop or a few and get their advice/opinions on the best film that fits what you are looking for.

Good luck.
Attached Images
  

Last edited by GivRoF36; 06-29-2019 at 02:15 PM.. Reason: Forgot to add photos
Appreciate 1
clee1982796.00
      06-29-2019, 02:25 PM   #3
MADBMWX5MC
Captain
MADBMWX5MC's Avatar
United_States
423
Rep
698
Posts

Drives: 2023 BMW X5MC
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Northern Virginia

iTrader: (0)

I have FormulaOne – Pinnacle Series on my X3 now...have had same since 2006 on my Mustang GT...and 13 yrs later is still looks like new.
__________________
2023 BMW X5MC Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Black
2006 Ford Mustang GT Convertible (car-show car)
Appreciate 0
      06-29-2019, 03:44 PM   #4
CigarPundit
On the road to serfdom
CigarPundit's Avatar
United_States
1392
Rep
673
Posts

Drives: 2018 F80 M3 DCT, 2019 Raptor
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2018 F80 M3 DCT  [0.00]
I got Presige Spectra PhotoSync 35% all around. Good stuff and I’ve been happy with it. It is a carbon ceramic. It’s grey; no blue tint whatsoever. From everything I’ve read and heard from tint shops, it’s comsidered one of, if not the best ceramic. Not cheap though.

I’ve heard good things about Crystalline too, but I have no experience with it. It does have a blue hue to it though.
__________________
"God bless our troops...Especially our snipers.”

Last edited by CigarPundit; 06-29-2019 at 04:00 PM..
Appreciate 0
      06-29-2019, 03:57 PM   #5
omasou
Colonel
omasou's Avatar
United_States
2076
Rep
2,998
Posts

Drives: BMWs
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: US

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2023 BMW S1000RR  [0.50]
2022 BMW F900XR  [3.00]
2022 BMW X6 40i  [0.50]
2020 BMW M2C  [9.50]
I just had Suntek CIR 30 installed on the M2C. It's carbon (not dyed) and non-metallic ceramic. The heat rejection is worlds better than the Suntek CTX 45 I had on the M2.

Whatever you buy get carbon and ceramic then choose the installer not the brand.

Last edited by omasou; 07-03-2019 at 08:52 PM..
Appreciate 0
      06-29-2019, 04:24 PM   #6
Yungsta
Private First Class
127
Rep
192
Posts

Drives: BMW 435i
Join Date: May 2019
Location: La Habra, CA

iTrader: (0)

Huper Optik I believe is the best when it comes to hear rejection, but will definitely come at a cost. I got some Rayno ceramic tint on my car and it does a great job keeping my car cool in the summer. You can't go wrong with any of the mid-high tier tints (3M, Llumar, etc).
Appreciate 3
jmg18480.00
Viffermike1753.00
      06-29-2019, 04:37 PM   #7
XMetal
Colonel
XMetal's Avatar
United_States
1095
Rep
2,843
Posts

Drives: Anything
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2008 Z4M Coupe  [10.00]
2018 Audi S3  [0.00]
2004 X5  [8.50]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Yungsta View Post
Huper Optik I believe is the best when it comes to hear rejection, but will definitely come at a cost. I got some Rayno ceramic tint on my car and it does a great job keeping my car cool in the summer. You can't go wrong with any of the mid-high tier tints (3M, Llumar, etc).
I have Huper Optik on my current car - not a fan. Although, it does reject heat pretty well, it also "ghost" a lot if there's any curve to your glass when the sun hits it just at the right angle! We just installed 3M Crystalline on our newest car and like those a lot better.
Appreciate 0
      06-29-2019, 06:09 PM   #8
eatsleepboost
Captain
eatsleepboost's Avatar
420
Rep
656
Posts

Drives: Evo
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Boston

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MADBMWX3 View Post
I have FormulaOne – Pinnacle Series on my X3 now...have had same since 2006 on my Mustang GT...and 13 yrs later is still looks like new.
+1. Had Llumar FormulaOne-Pinnacle on 3 cars now over the past 10 years and not a single issue. Great at keeping heat out.
Appreciate 0
      06-29-2019, 06:28 PM   #9
JDsX3
Photojournalist, Tech & Product Analyst
JDsX3's Avatar
485
Rep
460
Posts

Drives: BMW X3, i4, Corvette Stingray
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Las Vegas

iTrader: (0)

I live in Nevada with tons of sun year round. The most effective tint I have found and currently have on my cars is 3M Crystaline. For example on my Corvette I have 90 on the windshield (virtually invisible under any lighting conditions and has no interaction with polarized sun glasses if you wear them, also, doesn't impact the clarity or brilliance of the HUD, and it is legal for use on windshields), and 40 on the side and back glass.

It does a great job at reducing heat transmission from the sun.

I have never had it develop issues on any of my cars over the years.
__________________
Current:2024 i4 Mineral White Metallic with Blue Exterior Accents, Canberra Beige Perforated SensaTec, Premium Package, Driving Assistance Pro Package, Drive Recorder. 2019 X3 Mineral White Metallic, Caberra Beige interior with most options. Corvette Stingray Arctic White w red interior.
Past:2002 Z3, Corvette Stingray and about 40 other cars
Appreciate 0
      06-29-2019, 07:25 PM   #10
Brandon818
Second Lieutenant
Brandon818's Avatar
United_States
57
Rep
233
Posts

Drives: 2012 335is, 2018 M5, 2003 M3,
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: In the Hills

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2022 Mexico Blau M ...  [0.00]
2003 Bmw M3  [0.00]
2018 Bmw M5  [0.00]
2012 BMW 335is  [0.00]
3m crystalline is one of the best. And it has a phenomenal warranty
__________________
FBO 335is + Carbon Goodies
Appreciate 0
      06-30-2019, 08:03 AM   #11
SteveinArizona
Brigadier General
United_States
3086
Rep
4,210
Posts

Drives: BMW 530e
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Greater Phoenix

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by omasou View Post
I just had Suntek CIR 30 installed on the M2C. It's carbon (not dyed) and non-metallic ceramic. The heat rejection is world better than the Suntek CTX 45 I had on the M2.

Whatever you buy get carbon and ceramic then choose the installer not the brand.
+1 You want a good nano tint but there are several companies that make these. But after that, a quality install is most important.
Appreciate 1
Viffermike1753.00
      07-01-2019, 09:46 AM   #12
KingOfJericho
Major General
KingOfJericho's Avatar
United_States
2452
Rep
7,341
Posts

Drives: Yes
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CT

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2010 135i Coupe  [5.26]
Llumar, Huper, Global, 3M - all good brands. I never liked the look of ceramic tint. My buddy has run his own tinting business for 15+ years and he swears by Global. I've had it on my last 8 cars and no complaints. Matches the rear tint on SUVs as well.
__________________
The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Bimmerpost.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude Hemi | 2010 S4 Sold | 2010 BMW 135i Retired | 2006 Lotus Exige Sold
Appreciate 0
      07-01-2019, 12:14 PM   #13
Dog Face Pony Soldier
2006 TIME Person Of The Year
Dog Face Pony Soldier's Avatar
United_States
9720
Rep
6,445
Posts

Drives: M Sport 335i
Join Date: May 2013
Location: North Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2014 335i  [9.74]
I chose 3m Crystalline in 70% for my gray-on-black 335i. I have the film applied to all windows except windshield, but including sunroof. In the attached images, the sun is shining into the windshield and the sunroof shade is open.
Attached Images
  
__________________
Appreciate 0
      07-01-2019, 03:08 PM   #14
swanson
Convicted Felon
swanson's Avatar
733
Rep
2,180
Posts

Drives: chariot
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

I need tint on my Audi S5 SB BADLY! Its so damn hot in there. The other day at work it read 104!
Appreciate 0
      07-01-2019, 11:00 PM   #15
BeachM5nster
Banned
United_States
274
Rep
541
Posts

Drives: '14 M5
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Southeast

iTrader: (0)

Llumar is the original and best. their metallized film is what i have, and has the finish you want ~$350 all windows minus windshield with install here in SC. .

stay away from dyed film (llumar does sell that but its their cheapest and is what u say u dont want, but it wont purple like a film bought from walmart for $10).. the metallized blocks slightly less uv and heat than the ceramic .. but it can block cellphone signals, radio etc (PITA if u have a gated community fob) and the ceramic's finish is very similar to dyed film(words from the shop owner, they actually sold me the cheaper metallized bc we discussed in detail as i wanted the same iridium finish that you do.

the film that has the ceramic strength protection with the metallized finish is !surprise! their most expensive automotive film. ~$550+ for all m5 windows minus windshield.

and for your windshield- Air80 is a clear(slightly light blue but clear once installed on glass) and it rejects 80% uv and heat [hence the 80 in its name] with a transparent film. it really is amazing and u will thank it every hot day u get in your car if u put it on your windshield -~$175 installed.
Attached Images
   
Appreciate 0
      07-01-2019, 11:59 PM   #16
Germanauto
Major General
Germanauto's Avatar
United_States
9652
Rep
6,072
Posts

Drives: Alfa Romeo Giulia, Rosso
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: LA

iTrader: (0)

What's the sweet spot (%) for UV protection/keeping the cabin cool and not making the cabin too dark?

I just moved to California and it's become a hassle with my DD. It already has a black interior and I don't want it to feel any more cave-like. But even with propping a couple windows and putting a sunshade the interior is so hot when I return even from 5 mins at the store.
__________________
Former
-2008 E90 328 black/brown
-2012 Lexus IS250 black/black
Appreciate 0
      07-02-2019, 12:47 AM   #17
jmg
Lieutenant General
jmg's Avatar
18480
Rep
14,085
Posts

Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G82 M4C X-Drive  [9.83]
2018 F80 M3 CS  [9.83]
2019 i3 BEV  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Germanauto View Post
What's the sweet spot (%) for UV protection/keeping the cabin cool and not making the cabin too dark?

I just moved to California and it's become a hassle with my DD. It already has a black interior and I don't want it to feel any more cave-like. But even with propping a couple windows and putting a sunshade the interior is so hot when I return even from 5 mins at the store.
Personally, I hate dark tint, so ceramic is the best bet. I've had Huper and F1 Pinnacle in the past and Huper is my preference. The darkness level is subjective, but rest assured, even 70% is good for significant heat reduction.
__________________

2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect*, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing
Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///M3
IG: Raging_G82
Appreciate 1
Germanauto9652.00
      07-02-2019, 01:29 AM   #18
Germanauto
Major General
Germanauto's Avatar
United_States
9652
Rep
6,072
Posts

Drives: Alfa Romeo Giulia, Rosso
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: LA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jmg View Post
Personally, I hate dark tint, so ceramic is the best bet. I've had Huper and F1 Pinnacle in the past and Huper is my preference. The darkness level is subjective, but rest assured, even 70% is good for significant heat reduction.
Thanks. I also don't like the really dark look.
__________________
Former
-2008 E90 328 black/brown
-2012 Lexus IS250 black/black
Appreciate 0
      07-02-2019, 07:50 AM   #19
Mach550
Captain
Mach550's Avatar
United_States
462
Rep
885
Posts

Drives: 2019 M550i
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Tampa Bay

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2019 BMW M550i  [8.00]
I did XPel Prime XR Plus 45% on my windshield and XPel Prime XR 20% for the side and rear windows. Have had various ceramic films on different cars and this one has been the best so far.
Appreciate 0
      07-02-2019, 10:35 AM   #20
BMW F22
Major General
BMW F22's Avatar
United_States
3531
Rep
9,783
Posts

Drives: ///M235i
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Bay Area

iTrader: (8)

I’ve had F1 Pinnacle film on previous BMWs and now the Porsche. I like the clarity and heat rejection on it. Not a fan of super dark tint so I’ve always gone with 35% all around with back windshield at 30% since it’s bigger so should be a darker shade to match better with other windows. On the Macan, the rear windows are tinted at 20% so I went with 30% for the front doors. This provides a nice blend - not exact but good enough without going too dark. It looks fantastic IMO. Anything below 30% and it’ll look dark, especially with dark interiors and/or exterior colors.
Appreciate 0
      07-02-2019, 12:08 PM   #21
Red Bread
Major General
United_States
4462
Rep
9,160
Posts

Drives: Smog machines
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Germanauto View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmg View Post
Personally, I hate dark tint, so ceramic is the best bet. I've had Huper and F1 Pinnacle in the past and Huper is my preference. The darkness level is subjective, but rest assured, even 70% is good for significant heat reduction.
Thanks. I also don't like the really dark look.
Yeah, stick with 40% or above. I had 30 one one car and 40 on another when I lived there. The 30 got attention from the cops but 40 rarely did and mostly from stupid meter maids.
Appreciate 1
Germanauto9652.00
      07-03-2019, 07:18 PM   #22
BeachM5nster
Banned
United_States
274
Rep
541
Posts

Drives: '14 M5
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Southeast

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Germanauto View Post
What's the sweet spot (%) for UV protection/keeping the cabin cool and not making the cabin too dark?

I just moved to California and it's become a hassle with my DD. It already has a black interior and I don't want it to feel any more cave-like. But even with propping a couple windows and putting a sunshade the interior is so hot when I return even from 5 mins at the store.
that windshield being tinted (legally) is crucial to keeping temp down
Appreciate 1
Germanauto9652.00
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:45 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST