Window Tint?

onehappydad · 02-08-2008, 09:19 AM

I am looking to have my windows tinted and have been quoted $220+tax for 5 windows (rear & 4 sides). Guy uses lumar metal tint. Is Lumar any good and is this a reasonable price?

Back in a Subie · 02-08-2008, 09:27 AM

not sure about Lumar, but $220-250 seems about average. I paid $235 for 5 windows at 35%.

BMW F22 · 02-08-2008, 12:30 PM

Hmmm is it Luminar or Lumar? I've not heard about Lumar so depending on the quality of the shop and of course the material, that's a pretty decent price. The shop here quoted me $425 with 3M film

marinadazza · 02-08-2008, 03:37 PM

I am being quoted $389 out the door for F1 ceraminc tint.... A lot of people on the forums seem to support paying the premium for this tint, but not sure if this is a competitive price or not. The place was recommended, so I am willing to pay it if the finished work looks good.

brandonlowe · 02-08-2008, 06:06 PM

You guys with Comfort Access should check to see if these dye/metal hybrid films that the shops are quoting will interfere with its transmission. I tried out a hybrid film from a manufacturer and the transmitter isn't always 'seen' by the car. I am going back to dyed film on the doors and quarter glass.
I have owned a tint shop for 13 years. I have noticed alot of these new films aren't always friendly to the electronics. It is something to think about before you hand over the money.

The Llumar film is made by CPFilms in VA. It is a popular brand, though not as costly as 3M for the most part. The Formula 1 is a brand also made by CP Films. There are a couple of 3M films that are very pricey, though they do offer higher IR rejection than standard dyed films. So, yes, sometimes you do get what you pay for.

Heat00 · 02-08-2008, 06:44 PM

I got high performance film 20% all around for $100!!!

I'm glad I don't live where you do lol...

Mattscott · 02-08-2008, 07:31 PM

I got a no-name tint from a local shop here, lifetime warranty, 5 windows $80. I never have seen a ceramic tint and dont know any of the benfitis. This one works fine for me.

marinadazza · 02-08-2008, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattscott

I got a no-name tint from a local shop here, lifetime warranty, 5 windows $80. I never have seen a ceramic tint and dont know any of the benfitis. This one works fine for me.

I dont know the benefits either, this is my first tint job, so I am looking forward to seeing the results. i have read lots of stuff about interference, but there is no definitive rule from what I have read, so I am taking a chance that the CA will still work! Pics and results after Tuesday!

dreamk · 02-08-2008, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattscott

I got a no-name tint from a local shop here, lifetime warranty, 5 windows $80. I never have seen a ceramic tint and dont know any of the benfitis. This one works fine for me.

in fla they are cheap especially in sofla

cbad335 · 02-09-2008, 01:10 AM

I was told by an experienced window tinter that much of the tint is made by the same manufacturer, then marketed w/ different brand names. That price sounds reasonable. I like 35% on the back and sides, and 45% on the windshield. Makes it look even all around. I balked about having it on the windshield, but it looks great, and at 45%, it doesn't hinder your vision at all.

e90AW335i · 02-09-2008, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbad335

I was told by an experienced window tinter that much of the tint is made by the same manufacturer, then marketed w/ different brand names. That price sounds reasonable. I like 35% on the back and sides, and 45% on the windshield. Makes it look even all around. I balked about having it on the windshield, but it looks great, and at 45%, it doesn't hinder your vision at all.

Can you post a pic of the tint on the windshield? I have never seen that done before. I actually thought it was illegal to have any tint on the windshield whatsoever....

brandonlowe · 02-09-2008, 10:09 AM

Just because it is illegal to tint the entire windshield doesn't mean it can't be done!

Most brand name window film manufacturers make their own tint. Sometimes they will buy a substrate or raw materials from another company(not always a window film manufacturer), but typically they don't just buy someone else's roll of film and rebadge it.

Mattscott · 02-09-2008, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e90AW335i

Can you post a pic of the tint on the windshield? I have never seen that done before. I actually thought it was illegal to have any tint on the windshield whatsoever....

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandonlowe

Just because it is illegal to tint the entire windshield doesn't mean it can't be done!

Most brand name window film manufacturers make their own tint. Sometimes they will buy a substrate or raw materials from another company(not always a window film manufacturer), but typically they don't just buy someone else's roll of film and rebadge it.

This was my old car, 5% on the windshield 2 layers for 5% over the rest of the windows.

e90AW335i · 02-09-2008, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattscott

This was my old car, 5% on the windshield 2 layers for 5% over the rest of the windows.

OMG.... How did you even see...

Mattscott · 02-09-2008, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e90AW335i

OMG.... How did you even see...

it wasnt bad on a sunny day, it was like driving on a cloudy day or dusk, at night it was dificult.

e90AW335i · 02-09-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattscott

it wasnt bad on a sunny day, it was like driving on a cloudy day or dusk, at night it was dificult.

Man...

I dont think I will be tinting my windshield....

I will probably do 35% all around and thats it...

TheBreak · 02-09-2008, 06:00 PM

i got 15% on sides, and back, and 50% on the front.

I cant even tell i got anything on the front really... wish i had gotten 35% maybe so it blocked some more light from the front.

cost me $200 for all 6 windows

a l l a n · 02-09-2008, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBreak

i got 15% on sides, and back, and 50% on the front.

I cant even tell i got anything on the front really... wish i had gotten 35% maybe so it blocked some more light from the front.

cost me $200 for all 6 windows

Yep, I would agree with 50% being too light. I just had mine done at 35% all-around and it's perfect (IMO). It's not too dark and neither too light.

I paid $450 for a ceramic Huper Optik tint.

ubern00b · 02-10-2008, 01:36 PM

I paid $250 for Huper Optik 30%, but the shop used "residential grade", which still has bubbles/"hasn't finished curing" after 4 weeks............ I called to bitch about it like two weeks ago and they said that it was due to the thickness of the residential grade, but it's still jacked up. i'm going back this week to get it redone. grr.

But back on track, Huper is a very clear film - and ceramic based so as to not affect CA and other signals, and 30% isn't too dark but gets the job done. Also, Huper has excellent UV heat deflection.

a l l a n · 02-10-2008, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ubern00b

I paid $250 for Huper Optik 30%, but the shop used "residential grade", which still has bubbles/"hasn't finished curing" after 4 weeks............ I called to bitch about it like two weeks ago and they said that it was due to the thickness of the residential grade, but it's still jacked up. i'm going back this week to get it redone. grr.

But back on track, Huper is a very clear film - and ceramic based so as to not affect CA and other signals, and 30% isn't too dark but gets the job done. Also, Huper has excellent UV heat deflection.

Mine still has bubbles but it's just been a week. I was told that it should fully cure in two weeks. If you haven't done it yet, try parking your car under direct sunlight. This should help cure your tints.

I'm experiencing bad radio reception since I got my tints but I'll wait until they have fully cured before I confirm this.

ubern00b · 02-10-2008, 02:55 PM

yeah, it goes in direct sunlight 5 days a week while im at work.

it Has been a little cold out, but still. a month and still not cured = bad workmanship IMO.

my radio reception wasn't too negatively impacted. my key fob remote range died about 15-20 feet though. bluetooth, GPS seem to work without any problem.

Mattscott · 02-10-2008, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ubern00b

yeah, it goes in direct sunlight 5 days a week while im at work.

it Has been a little cold out, but still. a month and still not cured = bad workmanship IMO.

my radio reception wasn't too negatively impacted. my key fob remote range died about 15-20 feet though. bluetooth, GPS seem to work without any problem.

I would say if it hasnt cured yet, it wont. Im no tint expert but I have had all my cars windows tinted, and at the car lot 100's of them. Usually 1 week is about all it takes to fully cure

02-08-2008, 09:19 AM	#1
onehappydad Private First Class 23 Rep 115 Posts Drives: 2006 330i - Electric Red/Black Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	Window Tint? I am looking to have my windows tinted and have been quoted $220+tax for 5 windows (rear & 4 sides). Guy uses lumar metal tint. Is Lumar any good and is this a reasonable price? __________________
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02-08-2008, 09:27 AM	#2
Back in a Subie Captain 81 Rep 834 Posts Drives: 15 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Michigan iTrader: (8) Garage List 2015 Subaru Outback ... [0.00] 2012 Morgan 3 Wheeler [10.00] 2015 Subaru WRX STI ... [9.00]	not sure about Lumar, but $220-250 seems about average. I paid $235 for 5 windows at 35%. __________________ After enjoying 9 years with my BMW I am now Back in a Subie: formerly Mi330xi
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02-08-2008, 12:30 PM	#3
BMW F22 Major General 3576 Rep 9,788 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	Hmmm is it Luminar or Lumar? I've not heard about Lumar so depending on the quality of the shop and of course the material, that's a pretty decent price. The shop here quoted me $425 with 3M film
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02-08-2008, 03:37 PM	#4
marinadazza Mod Virgin 8 Rep 62 Posts Drives: e92 335 & e60 530i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Norcal iTrader: (0)	I am being quoted $389 out the door for F1 ceraminc tint.... A lot of people on the forums seem to support paying the premium for this tint, but not sure if this is a competitive price or not. The place was recommended, so I am willing to pay it if the finished work looks good. __________________ - - - '08 e92 335 - Sparkling Graphite, Black/Gray Wood, 6MT, Options: Every one I could afford + M Shift Knob & M eBrake, Smoke reflectors, F1 Tint 35%, CF license frame, CF Roundel overlays (on wheels), Aluminium pedals, Machined Aluminium Air Con. Dials - - -
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02-08-2008, 06:06 PM	#5
brandonlowe Private 4 Rep 65 Posts Drives: 11 E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Jackson, TN area iTrader: (1)	You guys with Comfort Access should check to see if these dye/metal hybrid films that the shops are quoting will interfere with its transmission. I tried out a hybrid film from a manufacturer and the transmitter isn't always 'seen' by the car. I am going back to dyed film on the doors and quarter glass. I have owned a tint shop for 13 years. I have noticed alot of these new films aren't always friendly to the electronics. It is something to think about before you hand over the money. The Llumar film is made by CPFilms in VA. It is a popular brand, though not as costly as 3M for the most part. The Formula 1 is a brand also made by CP Films. There are a couple of 3M films that are very pricey, though they do offer higher IR rejection than standard dyed films. So, yes, sometimes you do get what you pay for. __________________ '04 M3 SMG
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02-08-2008, 06:44 PM	#6
Heat00 Major 51 Rep 1,027 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Weston, Florida iTrader: (0)	I got high performance film 20% all around for $100!!! I'm glad I don't live where you do lol... __________________ 08 - M3 Sparkling Graphite/blk leather/tech/6 speed 08 - 335i Sport/Prem/Auto White/Terra - AA Exhaust 07 Acura MDX Tech, 07 G35S /Nav
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02-08-2008, 07:31 PM	#7
Mattscott Major General 108 Rep 8,327 Posts Drives: 2007 335i E90 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Beaumont, CA iTrader: (2)	I got a no-name tint from a local shop here, lifetime warranty, 5 windows $80. I never have seen a ceramic tint and dont know any of the benfitis. This one works fine for me. __________________ Legal Disclaimer: Anything I or anyone else says about my vehicle on this website(e90post.com or any affiliated or nonaffiliated sites), pertaining to modifications, is only to gain acceptance from my/our peers, and does not actually represent anything actually existing on my car, and thus, cannot be held against me in any issues, i.e. warranty claims, that may arise.
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02-09-2008, 01:10 AM	#10
cbad335 Lieutenant Colonel 62 Rep 1,736 Posts Drives: '09 E92 335i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA iTrader: (17) Garage List 2009 BMW 335i Coupe [7.34]	I was told by an experienced window tinter that much of the tint is made by the same manufacturer, then marketed w/ different brand names. That price sounds reasonable. I like 35% on the back and sides, and 45% on the windshield. Makes it look even all around. I balked about having it on the windshield, but it looks great, and at 45%, it doesn't hinder your vision at all.
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02-09-2008, 10:09 AM	#12
brandonlowe Private 4 Rep 65 Posts Drives: 11 E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Jackson, TN area iTrader: (1)	Just because it is illegal to tint the entire windshield doesn't mean it can't be done! Most brand name window film manufacturers make their own tint. Sometimes they will buy a substrate or raw materials from another company(not always a window film manufacturer), but typically they don't just buy someone else's roll of film and rebadge it. __________________ '04 M3 SMG
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02-09-2008, 06:00 PM	#17
TheBreak Private First Class 1 Rep 136 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 335i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	i got 15% on sides, and back, and 50% on the front. I cant even tell i got anything on the front really... wish i had gotten 35% maybe so it blocked some more light from the front. cost me $200 for all 6 windows __________________ - 2008 E92 335i _ Black Sapphire Metallic w/ Saddle Brown Dakota Leather Intr. - Almost fully loaded - GPThunder 8500K Angel Eyes - JB2+X+BMS Intake
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02-10-2008, 01:36 PM	#19
ubern00b First Lieutenant 5 Rep 370 Posts Drives: 06 325i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: tn iTrader: (1)	I paid $250 for Huper Optik 30%, but the shop used "residential grade", which still has bubbles/"hasn't finished curing" after 4 weeks............ I called to bitch about it like two weeks ago and they said that it was due to the thickness of the residential grade, but it's still jacked up. i'm going back this week to get it redone. grr. But back on track, Huper is a very clear film - and ceramic based so as to not affect CA and other signals, and 30% isn't too dark but gets the job done. Also, Huper has excellent UV heat deflection.
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02-10-2008, 02:55 PM	#21
ubern00b First Lieutenant 5 Rep 370 Posts Drives: 06 325i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: tn iTrader: (1)	yeah, it goes in direct sunlight 5 days a week while im at work. it Has been a little cold out, but still. a month and still not cured = bad workmanship IMO. my radio reception wasn't too negatively impacted. my key fob remote range died about 15-20 feet though. bluetooth, GPS seem to work without any problem.
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