Anyone here tint their front windows? - Benzworld.org

11-20-2001, 10:07 AM

Amongst a list of things I'm hoping to do to the ML - after having clayed and started the Klasse application process - was to tint the front windows. 
 
Of course - I searched the archives, and found a few people warning of the tight seal that the front windows are presented with, and thought of the tint possibly putting an extra strain on the window motors. 
 
Has anyone here tinted theirs aftermarket, and if so - had any problems with them? I'm aware that a some of you think the windows go down too slow (myself, I don't care - the difference to me isn't that obvious, but maybe my other cars are underachievers in that area). 
 
Thanks, 
-J

11-20-2001, 10:10 AM

The tight seals, especially on the E-class and S-class, have been known to scratch the tint film after several months. I guess what you have to do is to try to restrict rolling the windows up and down too often. Make sure that they remove to door panels and cover the electronics and side airbag if they're going to tint the window. This is not as crucial in the ML, but on the S-class with its extremely complex door mounted controls and electronics, the soapy solution has been known to cause shorts.

11-20-2001, 10:12 AM

I was told that the process shouldn't take more than 15-20 minutes. If they were going to remove anything, I'm guessing that they would need more time. Price was also fairly cheap as well - $50 for both windows. Wonder if these are the guys to go with.

11-20-2001, 10:22 AM

it's up to you of course. Just make sure they don't stick anything too far into the door causing it to deploy airbag. That wouldn't be too pleasant. Try to find out what sort of film they use (brand and model). The 3M or Solaguard stuff is supposed to be one of the best out there.

11-20-2001, 10:23 AM

The person who recommended say they do an excellent job - and they do warranty the tint for it's life. My guess is they'd better use a quality tint, otherwise, it'll get costly! They have been in the neighborhood for years, also.

11-20-2001, 10:26 AM

It's definitely not here in BC. We're only allowed to tint windows behind the driver's shoulders, but you can go as dark as you want. I wouldn't tint it too dark or you will lose too much visibility on the side mirrors.

11-20-2001, 11:32 AM

To the best of my knowledge, it's not. That being said - both of my current vehicles have tint on the front windows, and neither has been pulled over (with the exception of being pulled over for other obvious infractions). I was thinking of going light on the front windows - 35/45%? Just enough to cut down the glare a bit during the daytime.

11-20-2001, 11:44 AM

11-20-2001, 11:54 AM

It really help a lot. Yes, it can restraint the movement of the window up or down but IMO not much.

11-20-2001, 12:06 PM

I have 20% tint on my ML on the front windows. I have had no problems with the film scratching or straining the motors. However, on my E55 I had the front windows tinted 35% and my tint guy had to take the window apart and file the seal somehow to make it less abrasive. It got a little scratch after a month or so and I took it back and he filed it a bit more and since then it's been fine. Having the front windows tinted makes the car much nicer to drive. I also went fully illegal on one of my cars and got the windshield tinted 50%, which isn't as dark as it sounds. It isn't really noticable from outside the car, but from inside it really cuts down the glare. Good luck.