[mjp1785]

Just picked up my new m340i over the weekend and need to get it tinted ASAP. It's already over 100 here in Phoenix. I want to make sure I make the right decision for selecting the tints. The installer recommended Suntek Ceramic which I'm okay with. However, I'm torn between 15% and 35% tints. I was told 15% is the next level available below 35%. My worries is that 35% won't be dark enough and almost see through. While the 15% may be too dark and take away from the classiness of such a beautiful vehicle. This is my first BMW so I will defer to the experts. Any advice would be most appreciated.

If it matters, the m340i is black with bi-color black wheels.

[Burrcold]

You may want to take a good long read of this thread before making a decision...

https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1628439

[Tam the Bam]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

You may want to take a good long read of this thread before making a decision...

https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1628439

As Burrcold says read and be careful.

[mjp1785]

Thanks Burrcold! I read this a couple weeks ago and this is my biggest concern the installer said if this is an issue they would replace them.

[Burrcold]

Is it Suntek CIR? I don't think it even comes in 15%. I've seen 5% and 20% (VLT is 24%).

Actually here is the CIR specs...

https://d2dulpzpbyybdb.cloudfront.ne...to%20Specs.pdf

[tnsatbhs]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

You may want to take a good long read of this thread before making a decision...

https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1628439

I'd like to go ceramic as well, but I think I'm going with Formula One Classic per the research Burrcold has done. Looking at the 15% offering for that film.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by tnsatbhs

I'd like to go ceramic as well, but I think I'm going with Formula One Classic per the research Burrcold has done. Looking at the 15% offering for that film.

That's exactly what I went with. I say 20% because it's actually 18% VLT but it's marketed different at each tint shop (15 vs 20...it's the same film).

[tnsatbhs]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

That's exactly what I went with. I say 20% because it's actually 18% VLT but it's marketed different at each tint shop (15 vs 20...it's the same film).

Yep, I have suntek 18% on my current car. Don't expect the 15% Formula One to be much different.

[TorontoGambler]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

That's exactly what I went with. I say 20% because it's actually 18% VLT but it's marketed different at each tint shop (15 vs 20...it's the same film).

That answers my question in the other post

[PersonaNonGrata]

Originally Posted by mjp1785

Just picked up my new m340i over the weekend and need to get it tinted ASAP. It's already over 100 here in Phoenix. I want to make sure I make the right decision for selecting the tints. The installer recommended Suntek Ceramic which I'm okay with. However, I'm torn between 15% and 35% tints. I was told 15% is the next level available below 35%. My worries is that 35% won't be dark enough and almost see through. While the 15% may be too dark and take away from the classiness of such a beautiful vehicle. This is my first BMW so I will defer to the experts. Any advice would be most appreciated.

If it matters, the m340i is black with bi-color black wheels.

I went with Suntek as I have in previous cars and never had a problem with their films. Some car forums guys get super OCD with the brand of tint film they use. It's kind of nuts. I actually have gone with Suntek Carbon instead of ceramic. I don't think the heat rejection difference was worth it to me considering price and the ceramic was 18% before going to 5%. I wanted darker than 18%. (FWIW, I live in the SoCal desert so I'm with you on the hot temps!)

I have tried 20% and it was too light both in terms of looks and the heat rejection I felt. I am with you and don't want ghetto/blacked out but I did dare go 15% for my last BMW which was Dark Graphite. It's dark, no question, but it's certainly not "limo" (5%) either. Ultimately maybe 18% would have been fine but I'm quite used to 15% now.

FYI, I haven’t experienced the display dimming issue.

[PortimaoMystique]

Also live in Phoenix. I went with 35% ceramic. I think it's pretty solid. Doesn't dim the display. Inside stays pretty cool. I have a front windshield cover I put up too.

[mjp1785]

Update: I ended up going with 15% Suntek Ceramic tints. I thought it may be too dark but they honestly seem just right. I can still see into the car during the day. I haven't driven it at night yet so I will do another update once I do. So far, the dimmer sensors don't appear to be affected. Will post pics when I get out of work.

[330WMB]

20% Ceramic Here
35% Windshield

Definitely gets pretty dark at night which requires a little more focus.

[pneumodoc]

Originally Posted by 330WMB

20% Ceramic Here
50% Windshield

Definitely gets pretty dark at night which requires a little more focus.

does the windshield tint mess with your HUD?

[330WMB]

Originally Posted by pneumodoc

does the windshield tint mess with your HUD?

HUD works perfectly. Probably clearer if anything since there is less glare from sunlight.

The digital dash (cockpit) does have the auto-dimming issue as others have mentioned but doesn’t cause legibility issues for me.

If anyone is wondering, F1 Ceramic Pinnacle from LLumar.