I'm in Modesto and I used 3m 75 percent lifetime tint. The natural tint in the front darkened the front windows for a classy look. I can see out the back window and from the outside you can only make out silhouettes. If I'm pulled over the window tester reveals factory tint in the glass, not external tint.

The CVC states no external applied tint on the front three, excluding above the A line. Many do it anyway, but the Merc looks very classy in this scheme. Cost was around 200-250$

Good luck


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Tints on the front windows with minimal hassels from cops are generally ranging from 50% (lighter) to 35% (darker). I've had 35% on my front windows of most of my cars and SUVs for last 10+ years, no problems. My Lexus has 3M CS 35% on all 5 windows, it's a dark gun metal metallic exterior with gray leather interior. On a white car, I'd consider a 45%-50% all around if you want to be a bit more conservative.

Limo on the back and lighter on the front ends up looking like a taxi, airport shuttle, limo, not good at all IMHO. Best to go with same darkness on all 5 windows (as seen on many nice concept cars for example).


(picture added of IS350 in bright sunshine)

 

You haven't had any cop trouble with 35s? I like how the tint looks on yours. Would it pass as factory tint on the window test as well like Tierhog mentioned?

 

That's one nice looking tint job. The kids were always playing with iPods and Central Valley sun is no joke, which prompted 75%
Sometimes less just works, and works well. Interior color, exterior color, weather (think San Fran vs L.A.) all play a role. Heck, we haven't even tackled different brand dyes, application, etc.

I agree that this tint job would probably be shrugged off... BUT... A traffic unit that needs PC for stop WiLL use the windows to pull you over. Then again, they will simply wait you out and find something else and tack the windows as a fix it. So...

Is it a slight risk? Sure...but then again. So are non DOT approved lights, bulbs, no front plate, tinted/blacked out brake lights, etc etc etc.

Reality is Cali cops are too busy running hot call to hot call 1/2 the time and could care less. CHP is your only primary concern, and worst case is a fix it' or have a local sheriff or PD buddy sign it off as fixed..

One more thing. You cannot conceal modern tints from local Leo's without replacing glass. It's easy to tell. Roll window down or simply pull out the light meter...


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That's one nice looking tint job. The kids were always playing with iPods and Central Valley sun is no joke, which prompted 75%
Sometimes less just works, and works well. Interior color, exterior color, weather (think San Fran vs L.A.) all play a role. Heck, we haven't even tackled different brand dyes, application, etc.

I agree that this tint job would probably be shrugged off... BUT... A traffic unit that needs PC for stop WiLL use the windows to pull you over. Then again, they will simply wait you out and find something else and tack the windows as a fix it. So...

Is it a slight risk? Sure...but then again. So are non DOT approved lights, bulbs, no front plate, tinted/blacked out brake lights, etc etc etc.

Reality is Cali cops are too busy running hot call to hot call 1/2 the time and could care less. CHP is your only primary concern, and worst case is a fix it' or have a local sheriff or PD buddy sign it off as fixed..


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Definitely all good things to consider... I have black interior in my car, that's the only thing kinda concerning me about putting 35s on it. I live in the San Mateo county and CHP is always hiding on the freeway waiting for people. Guess I'll just have to stick to rolling down the windows whenever I see a cop lol

 

That would get old quick. Wish I had a side shot of my 350 in the sun... I'll try and take a shot the next two days or so.


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Please do. This is the one with 75s on it, right?

 

Yep.. 75% on back three.. Front factory I think it's around 20% stock. Silver exterior, black interior

2009 C350 Sport

 

I live in LA County and every car and truck Ive owned for the past 20 years has had all side and rear windows tinted with 30 or 35% on all side (front and rear) and either 30-35 % or on some I went 20% on the rear. Ive never had a tint ticket. IMO 30-35% on the sides easily allows vision inside the car but does give the darker tinted look, all of the LEO Ive know are only concerned if it is obstructive to them being able to see into the car and 30-35% is not that dark

Pictures are my G37s and C 250 with 35% tint

 

That C250 is nice! I think I may go with 35-40%. I do like the darker tinted look. I actually saw a tinted C250 earlier today and it looked like it was between 40-50% and you could easily still see the person, so might as well. Lol.

 

kmalykhina - Sounds like you have some good ideas for tint to go over and view in person.

Something to consider or keep in mind is your C300 with white exterior and black interior might favor a tint at the lighter end of the 35% to 50% range.

Best of luck and Happy and Safe Holidays.

 

Sorry this took so long.
3M lifetime tint 75%. front is OEM factory at approximately 20%.

Black interior

2009 C350 Sport

 

Thanks for pic. ^ A distinctive 2-tone effect there, not unlike a limo or SUV.

Many of us with sport sedans prefer a uniform tint on all 5 windows for a clean look, similar to what show cars and concept cars typically have.

btw - The front OEM is not 20% tint, it's closer to 90% (the higher the number, the more light is transmitted or allowed in).

 

Thought i do not live in CA, in IL we have a tint law in effect now that WILL allow us tint whereas before we could not have anything on the front side windows.

I've always went with 50% all around. Dark enough to look nice, keep the UV out and not get messed with.

 

I've always went with 50% all around. Dark enough to look nice, keep the UV out and not get messed with.

Agreed, 50% all around gets no attention from cops in CA. For those not wanting to take a risk with a possible fix-it ticket, it's the way to go.

35% all around is marginal, but many of us have done it for a decade or more without a problem.

I know some here run 20% all around in CA but that's very dark.

 

Here is mine with 35% all the way around. And plus I have a sun blocker for the back so the back window appears to be darker than the rest which looks good.

 

Good look. I have a little bit lighter tint in the fronts and dark on the rears.

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2 tone. What tint(s) is that?

 

2 tone? Who has 2 tone and yes what is that?


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Just meant 2 different tints on fronts versus backs (%), read entire thread for more info.

What are tint %s front and back?

(Note: Thanks, got answer in other thread)

 

In California we're not allowed to tint the fronts. So I went with a lighter shade on the front sides to give an appearance as to hopefully not have the police officers pull me over.


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This thread in earlier posts covers CA laws and actual inconsistent/lack of enforcement too.

Many owners here live in CA.

Not planning to fool LEO (yes they can see our fronts are tinted). preferring cleaner look of moderately dark and consistent tint %s on all rear and side windows. Many nice examples in earlier posts.