Stupid Window Tint Question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

smittyinnola · #1 09-07-2009, 03:47 PM

Sorry this is a stupid question, but I know nothing about window tint...I am thinking about having this done on my 82 CD. I also just ordered window new window seals. I am thinking that the tint should be done 1rst, before installing the new seals...right?

Also, which windows are done...I know the sides, but is it standard to do the rear windshield too? On that one, I am thinking the tint would have to be done afterwards? In case the glass breaks during installation?

Last thing, its likely in my job that I will be moved to another state before too long. I know some states have restrictions on window tint...is that usually just for the super dark stuff or will any tint potentially get me in trouble?

Thanks!

Hip001 · #2 09-07-2009, 04:06 PM

It is my opinion to have the car seals done 1st. Just in case the new seal is slightly different. Mercedes window tinting is a lil tricky due to there not being a lil lip or edge to hide the edges of the window tint behind. The tinter has to be more precise to produce a good looking finished product getting the tint all the wat to the edge without a gap! Just make sure it is a respectable place who backs up thier work. See mine in the signature. I need to have two of my windows retinted due to imperfections. Lucky my shop has no problem with warantee work!
Good luck!

Cr from Texas · #3 09-07-2009, 04:20 PM

Why are you tinting? If it is for privacy, you could have issues in another state with even a semi dark tint.
If it is to protect the interior from sun rays and heat gain, there are high performance tints that will do this with minimum darkening.

I'd install the seals first as stated above and use a quality shop. Their normal installation method is with the seals and glass in place.

Had tint on mine since new. In the 26 years, it's been replaced twice (free since the original had a lifetime warranty). Mine is a high performance tint and I only have damage on the dash (not protected).

smittyinnola · #4 09-07-2009, 04:24 PM

Thanks guys. Glad to get your input. I am planning to do the tint for UV protection not for privacy.

What should I expect to pay for a good quality job?

Thanks!

TMAllison · #5 09-07-2009, 04:29 PM

Some states are much more lenient than others. In Calif, nothing can receive any tint (other than factory applied, eg. intergral within the glass) from the front door windows forward.

My 99 had a medium tint on the front door windows that got me a fix it (remove it) ticket from a CHP officer who was behind in sales that month.

Diesel911 · #6 09-07-2009, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMAllison

Some states are much more lenient than others. In Calif, nothing can receive any tint (other than factory applied, eg. intergral within the glass) from the front door windows forward.

My 99 had a medium tint on the front door windows that got me a fix it (remove it) ticket from a CHP officer who was behind in sales that month.

x2 in CA. I was driving a loned Car that the ower had, had tinted and the CHP also gave me the same type of ticket.

I had a window partially rolled down and the CHP saw were the tint ended and knew it was not a factory tint.

babymog · #7 09-07-2009, 07:07 PM

In MI, no tint on front door windows or windshield.

bsmuwk · #8 09-07-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

In MI, no tint on front door windows or windshield.

Same in Illinois.

Diesel911 · #9 09-08-2009, 12:26 AM

At the time I got the ticket in CA you can tint the top 6 inches of the Front Windshied.
I went to the Library and looked up the law.

fruitcakesa · #10 09-08-2009, 07:02 AM

My 82 has a full car Florida tint . I don't know the law here in VT but so far no police issues.

nhdoc · #11 09-08-2009, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

In MI, no tint on front door windows or windshield.

Same in NH. It can't pass inspection if it is tinted and you can even get a ticket driving a car from a state where the tint is legal.

matthias08 · #12 09-08-2009, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhdoc

Same in NH. It can't pass inspection if it is tinted and you can even get a ticket driving a car from a state where the tint is legal.

no kidding!
i got one in my parents E320 CDI going to Mt. Washington, its got Florida tags!

this photo was taken with front windows open, sunroof shade open, and rear & side rear window shades down, no tickets thus far.

Jetta, no tickets thus far...

my 124 the week I got it, next to our C220

This shows the windshield band on the SLK, its 15% front, 10% rear & windshield. most of ours are in the 20% range (don't mind the look on my little sisters face, first time driving a manual tranny....)

everything was done by SunStop (national chain, with lifetime warranty agains bubbles, peeling, scratches, etc)

when I lived in Illinois, I never had an issue with tint...

Ohio doesn't seem to have a huge problem with it, as my '95 E300 Diesel (in my sig) had the windows tinted, So. FL style.... and now, with ohio plates, no issues thus far, 8 months into it... but there are "legal" limits per state laws... I'm pretty sure most of our violate even FL's law... and only 1 warning ticket

Always use a chain tint shop, or even M-B themselves...
I paid $300 to have the Jetta done

babymog · #13 09-08-2009, 05:22 PM

The Jetta lights are illegal in all states, probably all countries.

Interesting that you would be ticketed for driving a car that is legal in FL, I thought that the reciprocol law covered that.

Hip001 · #14 09-09-2009, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smittyinnola

Thanks guys. Glad to get your input. I am planning to do the tint for UV protection not for privacy.

What should I expect to pay for a good quality job?

Thanks!

I guess I should of started by "Depending where you live and the laws there" but here in Florida you can (I think) have the front windows 35% and the back can be darker. My 300D shown in my signature is WAY not legal with 15% all around. I like the black look and I NEED any help I can get keeping the inside cool in the hot sun here. The cops surely can give me a ticket but if you're not doing stupid stuff they usually leave you alone. I will open the sunroof and roll the windows down if I think I'm being looked at by the cops. in fact I got pulled over for a expired tag(which was not I just had not put the new sticker on it yet) and the cops did not even mention the tint.

Window tint prices can be from $99 to $188. I paid $110 for the 300D but there are some inperfections which I have to go back to get them redone. I am going to get the 300SDL done as soon as I get the pass front window regulator replaced and I think it will be going to the $188 shop. Very high quality work done there!

Good luck!