To tint, or to pimp?

[Pitts Pilot]

I've got an uneasy feeling that tinting the windows of my black SL will make it look like a "Pimp-mobile". I currently have just the rear window tinted for a bit of privacy, but I've been thinking about doing the rest of the car.

First the law: www.gov.uk says:

Vehicles first used on 1 April 1985 or later:

The front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through
and the front side windows must let at least 70% of light through.


So you start with this:

Then you do what many folk do, which is to tint the rear and sides:

OK, maybe that looks fine, what do you think?


But here's a key question: Would you tint the front windscreen too?

Now I'm assuming that you start with non tinted windows, which is a dangerous assumption because many Mercs have a green tint to start with, so installing 30% tint might actually take you to, say, a combined 33% - just over the legal maximum- and those police light meters are apparently very accurate.

But I guess I'm more concerned about a) the car looking good, b) having some privacy, especially because you sit low down in an SL, so everyone can look in - 4x4's are the worst...., and c) I drive a lot in southern France where people tend not have sun roofs because of the heat gain, seriously! (And I wear a hat when the top in down!). So tinting is a 'functional' thing.

So, what's your view (no pun...) of tinting? And would you go for a more subtle tint like, say, 15 or 20% tint rather than the 30% legal maximum?

Choices, choices, it's a sight for sore eyes

Cheers,
Robert

 

[developer]

I've only ever seen two tinted front screens, both on young boy chav chariots.

I think m'lud would throw the book at you in the event of a RTA, if a contributing factor was a tinted front screen.

I also expect your insco would walk away in the same circumstances, if undeclared.

 

[Howard]

Is it a convertible ?

Cabriole look funny with the hood down with tinted windows.

 

[whitenemesis]

You won't get away with adding a tint to the side windows, police will pull you and test, many carry light transmission meters nowadays. Front side windows are already factory tinted to just below the legal limit.

Adding a tint to the windscreen is total madness, totally illegal and you'll be collecting the car from the pound. If you're lucky...

 

[Minz]

What are you up to that you don't want 4x4 drivers to see?

 

[AMGeed]

I bought my E55 that came with windows already tinted. The front sides are almost definitely illegal and were pointed out , but not failed on my MOT earlier this year. I will remove them but get a lighter and legal tint.

I would say be careful having the front sides done too dark. Apart from the legality, night vision is impaired with a tint, especially when raining. Do not tint the front screen in any circumstance is my opinion.

 

[Dryce]

Most tints / privacy glass I see spoils the cars.

I see it as the equivalent of a car wearing a hoodie.

 

[kinaero]

For me, only the factory fitted privacy window would do.

Any other after market tints just tacky, if I ever bought a car with after market tints on, I will have it removed.

 

[Pitts Pilot]

I think m'lud would throw the book at you in the event of a RTA, if a contributing factor was a tinted front screen.

I also expect your insco would walk away in the same circumstances, if undeclared.

I agree, but the law allows you to tint the front!

Cheers,
Robert

 

[Pitts Pilot]

Front side windows are already factory tinted to just below the legal limit.

Are you sure about that?

Look at the first photo of the OP. Tell me that's 30% tint! Surely not?

Seems more like 10% to me.

However, I agree that you have to be careful adding tint to already factory tinted windows (as mentioned in the OP).

Cheers,
Robert

 

[gbjeppm]

I would leave it alone, looks nice already.

 

[Giantvanman]

Are you sure about that?

Look at the first photo of the OP. Tell me that's 30% tint! Surely not?

Seems more like 10% to me.

However, I agree that you have to be careful adding tint to already factory tinted windows (as mentioned in the OP).

Cheers,
Robert

I think you'd be surprised at the actual, measurable tint levels as measured on a machine. Here is a visual (one of many via Google) Champion Window Tint

 

[IanA2]

I would leave it alone, looks nice already.

Yup.

 

[Pitts Pilot]

I think you'd be surprised at the actual, measurable tint levels as measured on a machine. Here is a visual (one of many via Google) Champion Window Tint

Fair point! The 50% tint is quite a surprise, hardly any discernible tint at all.

Thanks

Robert

 

[Pitts Pilot]

I would leave it alone, looks nice already.

Thanks for the advice, I'll do just that

Cheers,
Robert

 

[Dieselman]

I've got an uneasy feeling that tinting the windows of my black SL will make it look like a "Pimp-mobile". I currently have just the rear window tinted for a bit of privacy, but I've been thinking about doing the rest of the car.

Why do you need privacy in a car? What are you doing that you shouldn't be?

Drug dealers and Porn film makers need privacy, nobody else does.

Before anyone says it's necessary for people of a high profile, I don't recall the Queen having tints on her cars.

 

[Abb]

You will find any tint on the front windows WILL BE illegal, due to the factory tint having being already been applied, and added tint will take you above the limit allowed.

 

[Scott_F]

Before anyone says it's necessary for people of a high profile, I don't recall the Queen having tints on her cars.

But they did used to have "Phil" and "Liz" on a green plastic strip at the top of the windscreen on their Orion Ghia.

 

[Spin_bowler]

Thanks for the advice, I'll do just that

Cheers,
Robert

Thank goodness for that. You've acquired something that many of us would aspire and love to own and it looks superb as it is, I don't think you need to guild the lily.

So before you think about it, please don't start threads about (list not exhaustive)
- 24" chrome wheels with spinners
- rear DTM style aluminium spoiler
- under car neons
- 12 foot CB aerial with fox tail
- sticker list of part makers down wing


Thanks in advance.

 

[Pitts Pilot]

Thank goodness for that. You've acquired something that many of us would aspire and love to own and it looks superb as it is, I don't think you need to guild the lily.

So before you think about it, please don't start threads about (list not exhaustive)
- 24" chrome wheels with spinners
- rear DTM style aluminium spoiler
- under car neons
- 12 foot CB aerial with fox tail
- sticker list of part makers down wing


Thanks in advance.

No prob. So you wouldn't object it I discuss the question of a "Rob and Jill" sunshade across the front windscreen? It's an important, as well as functional, item

On a serious note, it has been suggested in an earlier post that I paint the grey plastic side vent with "6.3 AMG" on it, black to match. What do you think? Naff looking or not?

compared to:

I'd probably keep the "6.3 AMG" badge in its original chrome/silver colour. Just change the grey.

Cheers,
Robert