[23pair]

Hey guys,

I got my e90 BMW a couple months ago and now want to slowly start modding it. Thought I start off with some tints. I live and work in New York and want something "legal". I heard that it doesn't really matter how dark you get em, but don't want any issues with cops.

I was thinking 30% (or less) in the back, but not quite sure what to get the front windows tinted...

Anyone with a e90 - please chime in.

Thanks.

[Richurd]

According to NY law, 70% is the lowest.

[23pair]

That's what I thought, but I've owned other cars which have had tints from the dealer which were much darker than 70%.

What's a decent shade in the front?

Thanks.

[Willie.D20]

just did 35% on my 335i it looks clean like it came that way. too dark is un natural looking and will attract attention i would have went darker but i didnt want to be pulled over for BWD (black while driving)

[mbj898]

the 70% is only for the front windows, the backs can be darker.

35% isnt bad on the front, but i would go 20% not to much cop trouble like 5% is and still looks good.

[Ridiculous]

my windows are 50% all around, they look great imo. It's a shade but you're not hiding yourself-- no way you'd get pulled with them.

[Jahalang]

I did 35% (don't live in NY, though) but I considered the color of the car and the interior when choosing. That tint on Black-on-Black was just right.

[rosskie]

going 15 front 2 and 5 in the back. i can get away with that here in oregon but i dont know how bad cops go after tint in NY

[tofu-]

it really depends on which tint you use as well. some look darker than others at the same % for some reason

if you have 35% and it looks dark enough that you get pulled over, you'll probably get the ticket.

your best bet is trying to get a PBA card from someone. they'll let you go over something minor like tints.

[hipnotic]

70%

[Coolieman1220]

From what i've heard in NYC, a car cannot have any windows tinted under 70%, the vehicle must be fishbowled. the only vehicles allowed to have tint darker are crossovers / SUVS and that is only on the rear 4 glasses and the back glass. Basically a factory tint. If you vehicle didn't come w/ it, you shouldn't put it. But whatever, i have 35% all the way around and like it. just right.

[hdrewh]

Originally Posted by Ridiculous

my windows are 50% all around, they look great imo. It's a shade but you're not hiding yourself-- no way you'd get pulled with them.

+1 here. The 50% adds a nice classy look (especially to montego blue, if I do say...), without going overboard. If I had to do it again I might have gone one step darker, but no more.

Personally I don't like the look of different shades front/rear - calls too much attention to the tint itself and less on the car, I M H O

[23pair]

Thinking about going 50% in the front and 35% in the rear. It's a jet Black e90 lci.

[Ridiculous]

Originally Posted by 23pair

Thinking about going 50% in the front and 35% in the rear. It's a jet Black e90 lci.

If it were me, I'd do one or the other, the windows should be consistent with one another

[e92justin]

5% all around and 30% on the windshield To be honest most cops arent really gonna give a shit what % tint you have if you drive a brand new BMW. I live in California and roll around with VIP tint passing by cops on the daily. Now if you have some Honda Civic with a fart can or you have a Camaro sitting on 24"s then it might be a different story.

[mmmmm235i]

I'm from new york and didn't want to deal with the cops either. I went 30 on all the doors and 15 on rear windshield(you can go as dark as you want, but can be tough to see at night) I have had tons of friends pulled over with 20% and the 30% looks dark enough with my black interior. Definitely ask your tinter about adding moleskin as our window liners eat up the tint.

[AFINE76]

I also live in NY. I had 35s all around on my last car an 05 silver Acura RL. I got pulled over and ticketed 3 times. Just for the tints. Every time the cops flat out told me that the tints were why they pulled me over. Just got a new JB e92. Gonna get 50s on it. Prob wont make a difference though. If they really want to give you a ticket they will find a reason.

[Dark_Knight_335]

No degree of tint is legal. If the cop wants to be a prick he can give you a ticket and a hassle. However, the good news is you USUALLY need to be pulled over for another reason, then they'll get you if they feel like it as a "bonus."

[FreshPrince335xi]

I second SDeFranco1... I live in NY.. I have 20% all around on my black on black e90... looks way darker than it really is cuz of the black interior... but doesnt matter what kind of tints you have... if they wanna give you a ticket.. they will... I just hate people staring at me.. so if im gonna get a ticket at 35%..i might as well get the same ticket at 20%. Lol. Also depends where your driving around too.. Nassau County cops are bit more lenient... but Queens.. forget it.

[blimey]

Nassau? I beg to differ. I think it all depends on the cop. Some power trip and some don't.

Can I see how a 50% would look like? know any reputable shop In Queens?

[10-42Adam]

I don't know what your laws are where you guys live but you can have any % tint on the windows with a legal waiver here in Delaware. Nothing on the windshield though. A lot of people "exaggerate" eye conditions to their doctors to obtain waivers here.

Tint is a good way to stop people if you're looking to dig a little deeper into other things. A poster above made a statement where a Civic with a fart can is more likely to be stopped for tint over a newer BMW, which I believe it true. Just be aware, mandatory DMV inspections can be handed out in some states which essentially force an owner to remove the tint and go through the inspection lane.

I have 14% tint all around on my Alpine White E90 and I've never been pulled over for it. Could have something to do with something else though, oink oink

[Craig@SupremePower]

35% all around imo...