[Cabo]

My 2023 Dark Graphite Metallic M550i should arrive in about a month and I will immediately tint the windows upon arrival. Given that I live in Texas, the heat is an issue.

I want to go as dark as possible, but not looking to "pimp my ride." Therefore, what would be a good compromise in terms of function vs. appearance? I'm thinking 25% all around (except windshield, obviously).

Any thoughts are appreciated!

[DNYC1919]

I have 30. Dark enough in day and night. And no issues with cops in ny.

[Rocket455]

I've found that 30-35% is a solid compromise between heat/light rejection and privacy, and still being able to still see at night and cops leaving you alone (San Diego, CA). I've had the 30-35% all around on about 10 cars the past many years.

[Sanjuro1]

On DGM you want 15-20, it's very dark, anything lighter just doesn't look good. I went 15 with 70 on the front for the heat rejection, been very happy with it.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Cabo

My 2023 Dark Graphite Metallic M550i should arrive in about a month and I will immediately tint the windows upon arrival. Given that I live in Texas, the heat is an issue.

I want to go as dark as possible, but not looking to "pimp my ride." Therefore, what would be a good compromise in terms of function vs. appearance? I'm thinking 25% all around (except windshield, obviously).

Any thoughts are appreciated!

I have/had the same concerns as you with regard to not pimping or murdering out my car. I spent the last year or so studying what % I would be comfortable with. I am also more motivated by cosmetics than functionality. I don't live in a super hot area. 25% should be spot on. I have done 35% on my other cars (which is the legal limit in MA) and frankly, it wasn't worth it. I could still see my lighter interior jumping through the windows.

[Marsh50]

I opted for 20% ceramic tint (Xpel XR Plus) on all but the windshield and it turned out great. I was slightly concerned with nighttime visibility but it's a non-issue - really no different than the 25% I had on a previous ride.

[peteinpa]

35% all around except windshield on my DGM. I have black interior so it is dark enough for me.

[RRF985]

I suggest 30-35% with a ceramic film. That will greatly cut down on the heat.

[NGT2]

I had 25% on DGM with beige interior. I’ve done 25% on 3 different BMWs now and I’m happy with it. It’s not “pimp your ride” dark. You can still see straight through one side to the other if you’re reasonably close. It does appear darker with darker interior, at angles where you aren’t looking straight through.

Great color choice by the way! Where in Texas did you get it? We live in TN but got our X7 at BMW of Grapevine.

Here is 25% ceramic (Llumar CTX) on my DGM 540, pics taken on different days and different lighting (you’ll notice I slowly removed the chrome over time too):

[Doctor X]

Originally Posted by Cabo

My 2023 Dark Graphite Metallic M550i should arrive in about a month and I will immediately tint the windows upon arrival. Given that I live in Texas, the heat is an issue.

I want to go as dark as possible, but not looking to "pimp my ride." Therefore, what would be a good compromise in terms of function vs. appearance? I'm thinking 25% all around (except windshield, obviously).

Any thoughts are appreciated!

5% all around.

Full send.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Doctor X

5% all around.

Full send.

Someone before us put 15% on top of the factory dyed glass on the X7. It was 1%!!! Couldn’t see shit!

[Mosaud1998]

I like riding fishbowl

[Woody_Fore!]

25% all around. Only problem is that the instrument always thinks it’s night time and I haven’t figured out how to code the dimming thresholds.

[bryansna]

I have 20% all the way around except for the windshield. I think the contrast between the windows and the paint color will be nice. Also, I am sure someone mentioned, if u need to have the tint repel heat, u need ceramic and all windows to include windshield. I have mine for aesthetics.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by bryansna

I have 20% all the way around except for the windshield. I think the contrast between the windows and the paint color will be nice. Also, I am sure someone mentioned, if u need to have the tint repel heat, u need ceramic and all windows to include windshield. I have mine for aesthetics.

To add to this - you can use a “clear” ceramic on the windshield that will help with heat but not impede visibility.

I recently learned that if it’s disclosed and legal, my insurance company’s glass policy might cover that as well as the windshield. If I find out this is the case, I will likely have my windshield done with Llumar Air 80 for this summer. I just always hated to spend the money on such a high impact area. Spent it on the wife’s X7 and a rock cracked it and had to replace the windshield and lost the money spend on the film. Real pisser.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Woody_Fore!

25% all around. Only problem is that the instrument always thinks it’s night time and I haven’t figured out how to code the dimming thresholds.

Looks good. I assume you did the windshield as well given the car thinking it's night all the time?

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Looks good. I assume you did the windshield as well given the car thinking it's night all the time?

Had the same first reaction. I haven’t had that issue on either vehicle with 25% but nothing on the windshield.

[Woody_Fore!]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Looks good. I assume you did the windshield as well given the car thinking it's night all the time?

No. The sides only. If I open the window for a second the screen lights back up. It’s beat

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Woody_Fore!

No. The sides only. If I open the window for a second the screen lights back up. It’s beat

Hmmm…now I’m second guessing.

Anyone else have this issue with 25%?

[bryansna]

Hmm, interesting. I do not have this issue of going into night mode and I am running 20%.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Hmmm…now I’m second guessing.

Anyone else have this issue with 25%?

Nope. I was nervous about it because I’d read that happened on some forums. But it hasn’t happened to me and the people that did my tint didnt expect it would.

[Marsh50]

Originally Posted by Woody_Fore!

No. The sides only. If I open the window for a second the screen lights back up. It’s beat

Does your rig have HUD? If not - and I'm shooting in the dark here - perhaps that might be a potential reason why others don't have the issue (including me)? The HUD display gets bright in a hurry when the sun hits it and I believe the dimmer & HUD are connected. Otherwise I'm at a loss.