What Is The Factory Tint Setting For An '06 X3?

[PeterNYC]

When we bought our 2006 X3 we didn't want/need the tinting/privacy glass that came from the factory.

Now we have a kid and a dog and in the backseat the sun gets hot. So I have to do an aftermarket tinting.

I've found what I think is a reputable place in NYC (though if others have suggestions feel free to give a shout) but I'm want to try to match the factory settings as best I can.

This is for the back 2 passengers windows and the rear window (We will leave the fronts alone).

I gather this is measured in some kind of percentage, but I think the aftermarket is a film as opposed to whatever they do at the factory.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

[Bora20]

Most factory vehicles are closest to 20%, that is, they let 20% of the light through. Any reputable tinting shop will already be aware of this.

Factory glass isn't tinted with film. The glass is dipped in a tinting solution much like eyeglasses are. This was how it used to be done, it might be impregnated into the glass during molding though.

[PeterNYC]

Thanks. So is that all I have to say? 20%? I may do 18% since I've read that BMW factory settings are in some cases not dark enough.

I just don't want the super dark look

[Bora20]

Tint isn't usually broken down in 1% increments. The tint shop will have samples for you to look at, stuck on glass, that you can take outside and place behind the windows to gauge.

Usually there is 5%, 20%, 35%, 50%, 70%, but it depends on the film type and options available.


Most large BMW dealers do tint work as well.

[PeterNYC]

Thx.

BMW of Manhattan (our shop) stopped doing it. I might be able to find a shop out on Long Island but it's a hassle.

So basically the lower you go % wise, the darker it is?

Do most people tint the rear window (the one at the hatch)? If so, should it match what i'm doing at the passenger windows in back?

Do you know the normal factory settings, or does BMW give you % options as well?

[Bora20]

BMW does not give you options. All dark or nothing.

All 7 rear windows are factory tinted, this includes the rear window. All windows should match.

Yes, the lower the number, the darker the tint as the % correlates to the amount of light let through. 20% tint lets 20% light through.

Your dealer would have never done it themselves, they would have subcontracted out the work. Phone them and ask who they use now, lots of people do this as the sedans a and wagons aren't available with factory tint here in North America.

[PeterNYC]

Cool...thx for the tips

I did ask the dealer who they used/recommended but the dope on the phone had no idea/said he had no such list.

I'll try to get somebody there w/a brain

[Bora20]

This is our old E320 wagon, tinted with 20% on all 9 rear windows for reference.



Here is our X3 with factory tint. They are very similar.

[PeterNYC]

Thx for the pics. I guess 20% is close to factory. Are the front passenger windows tinted? When you say "all 7 rear windows" what do you mean. I may be missing something but I only count five (NOT INCLUDING the front door windows or the windscreen).

[Bora20]

The rear doors actually have 2 pieces of glass in them each. The stationary bit and the piece that goes up and down. Go count

The front windows on both cars are not tinted. It is the way the sun is/isn't hitting them.