Official B8 Tinting Thread

[02A4TURBO]

I keep meaning to start one, so here it finally is. Wish I could start the thread with pictures, but I'm still 2+ weeks from having the car, and this thread is (in part) designed to help me choose tint % and type.

I don't want a dark tint at all, but I need something. When I was in college, I had 35% on my 1996 A4 and, in retrospect, it was way too dark. I guess tastes change as you age. I have nothing on my 2006 B7 and looking back, I wish I had done it. My gut is leaning towards 50% all around.

Please give pics (1 side, 1 rear, preferably) and be sure to note % (and what window) and the type of tint. Feel free to add another pic or two where necessary.

[Alkivar]

well be aware anything you add will be in addition to the already slightly tinted glass (72%).

[ryzik A4]

I keep meaning to start one, so here it finally is. Wish I could start the thread with pictures, but I'm still 2+ weeks from having the car, and this thread is (in part) designed to help me choose tint % and type.

I don't want a dark tint at all, but I need something. When I was in college, I had 35% on my 1996 A4 and, in retrospect, it was way too dark. I guess tastes change as you age. I have nothing on my 2006 B7 and looking back, I wish I had done it. My gut is leaning towards 50% all around.

Please give pics (1 side, 1 rear, preferably) and be sure to note % (and what window) and the type of tint. Feel free to add another pic or two where necessary.

50% with black inside

[audi til I die]

Waiting on a bill to pass Illinois to determine what I want. Probably a 30% all around.

[ChrisC]

I'm getting my car tinted next week. I have 35% right now on my Black/Black B7 and I won't be going that dark this time around. Per many A'ziners suggestions I've decided to go with the Huper Optik tint. Spoke with the installer today and he recommends 50%, or 40% max for my new car if I want a little added privacy. I think I'll go 50%.

2010 S4 Phantom Black. / Ordered. / Delivery August 18th!!

[SignitrSideways]

specs in signiture

[B8_Jim]

After seeing a car with 35% at the tint shop and being on the fence between 50% and 35% (wish the local place had something like 42) -- I thought 35% would be OK looking and a better choice for heat rejection -- It gets on the warm side here in Houston.

It looks good, but I'm sort of thinking that 50% might have been the better all-around choice.

Pics below : Quartz Grey with 35% F1 Pinnacle tint all around.

[kiki143]

Here's my 35% with black interior. I was a little nervous getting it in 35% because of the black interior, but I'm happy with it. It's not too dark for my taste. Still classy in my opinion.

[02A4TURBO]

Can people show the difference between Metallic and Ceramic? From what I've been reading, Ceramic is where it's at if you want to drop the extra dough?

[adbender]

Can people show the difference between Metallic and Ceramic? From what I've been reading, Ceramic is where it's at if you want to drop the extra dough?

I used a 50% metallic...solar gard hp supreme 30.

dont know that much about ceramic but this product seems to be highly regarded by guys who work with it.

definitely happy with the results and more economical.

[SignitrSideways]

metallic can also mess up your nav/key fob/radio/cell phone reception, plus it doesn't last as long.

[adbender]

metallic can also mess up your nav/key fob/radio/cell phone reception, plus it doesn't last as long.

no issues so far...it also has a lifetime warranty.

if it starts to suck...lesson learned.

[02A4TURBO]

Pics of ceramic?

[B8_Jim]

Pics of ceramic?

My F1 Pinnacle pics above are ceramic. I couldn't really tell much difference vs. the look of the metallic, but the heat rejection of the pinnacle line was a bit better.

[B_Boy]

Sun Guard Tint: 15% Sides & Rear, 50% Windshield

[SignitrSideways]

Pics of ceramic?

mine is ceramic.. i'll get some better pics up soon. my iPhone pics aren't seeming to work well with mobileme, so when I get my car back next week I'll take some pics official pics :)

and I'm not saying that metallic is a bad choice.. there are definitely many other worse options, but I've always been told that if you are leasing the car, do the cheaper option, but if your in it for the long haul, go drop the money and get the stuff that will look the best for the longest, and I think it is Ceramic. You get what you pay for.

just my .02

[TonyH215]

35% front 2 doors, 20% the rest of the way around.

[JSIL1]

MaxPro 35% all over, none on windshield and sunroof.

[ChrisC]

Just got my S4 tinted (Phantom Black with Alcantara interior). I'll post pics on the week-end after they do a complete interior and exterior detail of the car (clay bar, wax/seal, etc.). Upon numerous recommendations I went with Huper Optik Nano-Ceramic at 50%. I just had it done a few days ago and I can certainly feel the difference between this product and just the standard 35% tint I had on my blk/blk B7 (gone but not forgotten), meaning that I use the a/c a lot less. 50% was perfect for my tastes and it was the recommendation of the installer (thanks Igor at Krown in Mississauga & thanks to everyone here who made the recommendation on product and installer).

And yes, the car is awesome! Having owned a B5,B6,B7 & now a B8 (tho this is my first S4) I find the construction and design differences between the generations really interesting to compare. My initial impressions thus far is that the B8 is the best yet, although there are elements of each car I would blend together for perfection. B9 anyone?

[marvinmai]

anyone know the legal limit for windshield? I'm leaning towards that 35% for the front windows, side windows, and rear window. also, are you guys using your numbers as %VLT? I read in CA that you must let more than 70% of light in...does that mean 30% VLT or 70% VLT? Sorry, i'm a noob at this.

[JSIL1]

http://www.tintdude.com/laws.html

You need 70% in front. The percentage is the amount of light that is not blocked. Ex: 35% blocks 65% of the light. However, you need to take into account the stock 'tint' I am in CO and the law is 27%. With my 35% on my windows I am at 27-28%. (Tested by a Denver officer)

[marvinmai]

http://www.tintdude.com/laws.html

You need 70% in front. The percentage is the amount of light that is not blocked. Ex: 35% blocks 65% of the light. However, you need to take into account the stock 'tint' I am in CO and the law is 27%. With my 35% on my windows I am at 27-28%. (Tested by a Denver officer)

What do you suggest my tints be considering CA laws? Your example is confusing. If I'm not mistaken, the percentage is basically how much light you are letting through.

[JSIL1]

You are correct. The percentage is the amount of visible light transmission (VLT)

Apologies, let me clarify my example. A 35% tint film will allow 35% of light to pass through it, e.g. blocking 65% of the original light.

I do not think you would have a problem throwing 70% or 50% on your car. The only time I have ever heard of people getting harassed for tint is if they were pulled over for another reason (reckless/aggressive driving, racing, etc.. or they live in New Jersey.

EDIT: I would not worry too much about the reduction that the stock glass causes. If staying legal is a major concern, and reputable shop should know exactly what you can put on your car.

[marvinmai]

You are correct. The percentage is the amount of visible light transmission (VLT)

Apologies, let me clarify my example. A 35% tint film will allow 35% of light to pass through it, e.g. blocking 65% of the original light.

I do not think you would have a problem throwing 70% or 50% on your car. The only time I have ever heard of people getting harassed for tint is if they were pulled over for another reason (reckless/aggressive driving, racing, etc.. or they live in New Jersey.

EDIT: I would not worry too much about the reduction that the stock glass causes. If staying legal is a major concern, and reputable shop should know exactly what you can put on your car.

well put. I appreciate it. Will post pics up asap!

[JSIL1]

You are welcome. Forums always help me out so much, it is nice to know I can give back.

[marvinmai]

You are welcome. Forums always help me out so much, it is nice to know I can give back.

OPTION 1: 50% [front side, back side] 35% [rear]
OPTION 2: 35% [front side, back side, and rear side]
OPTION 3: 50% [front side, back side, and rear side]
OPTION 4: 50% [front side] 35% [back side and rear side]

Let me know which option you think is best. I'm undecided on what to do with the windshield [50% the entire thing? or do a 35% strip].

[JSIL1]

#4. I don't know about the windshield. If anything I would think a strip across the top, if you really wanted it.

[a4Jerseyboi]

Heres mine...18% ceramic tint all around and nothing on the windshield or sunroof..

[marvinmai]

Heres mine...18% ceramic tint all around and nothing on the windshield or sunroof..

nice. but how do you not get pulled over for those fronts?

[a4Jerseyboi]

nice. but how do you not get pulled over for those fronts?

Around here the cops arent really too worried about the tints unless they really have nothing else better to do...so for now ive been pretty lucky, but theres worse around here with these kids with their civics and integras with 5% all around but yeah i was pushing it when geting them done lol cause i was originally just going to get 30% ceramic but we all see that didnt happen

[Ryne@AE Performance]

Here is 35% all around, nothing on the front windshield of course. :)

If you need it done locally, we offer the service in house and pricing is very competitive!

Legal shmegal - tell them to stop taking our freedoms away if they pull you over... in no way does light tint harm anyone. (That probably will not work with an officer)

[marvinmai]

Here is 35% all around, nothing on the front windshield of course. :)

If you need it done locally, we offer the service in house and pricing is very competitive!

Legal shmegal - tell them to stop taking our freedoms away if they pull you over... in no way does light tint harm anyone. (That probably will not work with an officer)

that is pure sex brother.

[Nght&Day-B8]

Here is 35% all around, nothing on the front windshield of course. :)

If you need it done locally, we offer the service in house and pricing is very competitive!

Legal shmegal - tell them to stop taking our freedoms away if they pull you over... in no way does light tint harm anyone. (That probably will not work with an officer)

this cars sexy as hell! but those rims must be a P.I.T.A to clean

[audiw4y]

Here is 35% all around, nothing on the front windshield of course. :)

If you need it done locally, we offer the service in house and pricing is very competitive!

Legal shmegal - tell them to stop taking our freedoms away if they pull you over... in no way does light tint harm anyone. (That probably will not work with an officer)

What kind of tint do you guys offer?

[B8_Jim]

Is it just a fact of life that the rear-window defroster lines and the tint will make you get little "reflections" of headlights behind you, or do I just have a bad install?

Headlights (or other lights) viewed through the rear-view mirror end up having small "ghosts" -- a bit of light at each and every defroster line. If I look very closely at the tint, it's not completely bonded to the glass near the wires -- there is a very small pocket of air under the tint on each side (top/bottom) of the horizontal wires. That's what is likely causing it.

Normal, or bad install? A friends of mine is more or less the same -- I hoped it would improve during the "cure" but it didn't really.

Thanks,

Jim

[harry]

FYI- For those that are as anal as I am about my car, tint the whole back window. Some tint shops will not remove the brake light in the rear window b/c they are lazy but it can be done and IMO is necessary for a nice clean tint install.

[speedchangesU]

[QUOTE=B5_Jim;4104704]After seeing a car with 35% at the tint shop and being on the fence between 50% and 35% (wish the local place had something like 42) -- I thought 35% would be OK looking and a better choice for heat rejection -- It gets on the warm side here in Houston.

It looks good, but I'm sort of thinking that 50% might have been the better all-around choice.

Pics below : Quartz Grey with 35% F1 Pinnacle tint all around.


[/QUO

I have 35% on my Ice Silver Met. that was dealer installed with black interior and I think its perfect, not to dark at all, hell I'm over 35 with 2 kids WTF

[UmIsThisThingOn]

This thread is a little out of date. Anyone recently had Hüper Optik installed?
I have my appt set next Friday (4/6) and torn between 30/40/50 in Ceramic.
.
I'll probably go 40%, but it'll be a game-time decision I guess.

[Runge]

This thread is a little out of date. Anyone recently had Hüper Optik installed?
I have my appt set next Friday (4/6) and torn between 30/40/50 in Ceramic.
.
I'll probably go 40%, but it'll be a game-time decision I guess.

go 30% if your law in your state allows for it. :)

[Spartan300]

What % do you guys think this might be?

Need to get cracking on tinting my car as summer is just around the corner!!!