Are your decals even?

andysat · 09-22-2014, 01:06 PM

Hi all-can I ask how anal you are that your e90 post window decals/stickers are the same both sides of the car?-how do you measure the distance to get them the same?-do you bother?-thanks.

techietaichi · 09-22-2014, 05:50 PM

Use a piece of masking tape on the bottom of the sill and measure where you want it placed, mark the position. Rinse and repeat for the opposite side if you're doing that. When you apply the decal peel the backing just a little and position accordingly. Use something like a credit card to gently press down on the decal as you apply making sure not to leave any bubbles. If you do, peel back slowly enough to release the air from said bubble and do it again. Make sure you clean the area you're applying to real nice before you start all of this too. should be a good application.

andysat · 09-23-2014, 01:17 PM

Good advice -thanks

MDR_BMW · 11-06-2014, 10:08 PM

Just came across this thread and thought it would be somewhat relevant to post my question. I just bought a 2012 335i coupe M sport about a month ago - first BMW

. I didn't realize the previous owner had put windshield tint on the car until I was trying to get goop from an old sticker off the bottom corner of the windshield and accidently scraped off some of the tint. Long story short, after weighing my options of how to fix/hide the scratched tint I can either a) get the tint taken off completely b) re-do the tint or c) cover up the scratches with some sort of decal/sticker similar to the size of what someone with a parking pass would have on the bottom left side of the wind shield (obviously don't have a parking pass currently). I'm thinking the best option is the sticker/decal if I can get something somewhat cool to put there. The sticker needs to be probably 2x4 inches. I've looked online, but can't seem to find anything good. And the options of taking off and/or redoing the tint is not worth the money imo (got quoted as low at $75 to take off and as high as $400 to reapply). Thanks in advance!

GB-335xiCoupe · 11-06-2014, 11:02 PM

Isn't windshield tint illegal in Kalifornia? I would rip it off... then use isopropyl alcohol to clean any remaining adhesive off.
Unless the film is virtually clear and just provides UV blocking. In that case, I'd leave it on.

MDR_BMW · 11-06-2014, 11:20 PM

It's clear, just the UV (which is why I didn't realize it was there), so I'd prefer to keep it. I'd just deal with it but its an eye sore for the driver. I'm looking for something like an ///M sticker or e90post, just have to find the right size. I'd tear it off myself, but I don't want to risk messing up something else...

Agentphish · 11-07-2014, 12:41 AM

Well, removal is certainly one way to go. If you opt for that, do yourself a favor and have it professionally done. Personally I'd just find something to cover it though because I'd want to keep the UV protection.

It is likely between 70-90% ceramic tint. Most shops will charge $3-500 to reapply due to the time it takes and that those types of tint are a PITA to work with so I agree with your estimates there. I don't think they are unreasonable compared to what I've found in my own research.

It isn't legal to have it in Cali but most of the time you can't tell as you said

GB-335xiCoupe · 11-07-2014, 09:10 AM

Let me rephrase that. Windshield TINT is illegal in almost every state... A windshield UV rejection laminate or film is not. Tints are rated in Percentage of VLT (Visible Light Transmission). A UV "tint" doesn't affect visible light, thus isn't a tint at all.

Is it possible for you to peel just the damaged part away, and then use a razor to remove that corner? Then you will just have a barely visible line where the film stops. It might just look like a hairline crack in the glass. A pic of your situation may be useful here.

MDR_BMW · 11-07-2014, 10:39 PM

It's actually a surprising difference in color where its been scraped off, so I think cutting off the corner would be really noticeable and if I messed up the only option would be full removal. I was wondering if anyone knew a good place online to look at stickers/decals or somewhere brick and mortar that has a good selection.

On a side note, I have to get the blake fluid flushed so I'm bringing it in next week to the dealer (first actual maintenance item other than one oil change). The dealer says it'll need to be there a half a day and they provide a shuttle that can take me to work, but frankly that's kind of irritating especially if I need to drive somewhere during the day. What are the chances I can get a loaner?

Welcome to NBA Jam · 11-07-2014, 11:07 PM

Guess....no one will know but you. It's impossible to see both sides of your car at the same time - so who cares if it's off by 0.4822382 millimeters? Choose a reference point and stick with it on both sides.

GB-335xiCoupe · 11-08-2014, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDR_BMW

It's actually a surprising difference in color where its been scraped off, so I think cutting off the corner would be really noticeable and if I messed up the only option would be full removal. I was wondering if anyone knew a good place online to look at stickers/decals or somewhere brick and mortar that has a good selection.

On a side note, I have to get the blake fluid flushed so I'm bringing it in next week to the dealer (first actual maintenance item other than one oil change). The dealer says it'll need to be there a half a day and they provide a shuttle that can take me to work, but frankly that's kind of irritating especially if I need to drive somewhere during the day. What are the chances I can get a loaner?

Dealerships will gladly give you a loaner. Better question is, why pay a dealership for such a simple operation that only takes 45 minutes? Buy a kit from BavAuto and save money and time. DIY. Plus you keep the tools that you can reuse for any car...

MDR_BMW · 11-08-2014, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GB-335xiCoupe

Dealerships will gladly give you a loaner. Better question is, why pay a dealership for such a simple operation that only takes 45 minutes? Buy a kit from BavAuto and save money and time. DIY. Plus you keep the tools that you can reuse for any car...

It's still under original factory warranty/maintenance so it's free!

GB-335xiCoupe · 11-08-2014, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDR_BMW

It's still under original factory warranty/maintenance so it's free!

Can't argue with that. Ask for a 435 for the loaner. Tell them your interested in buying one next.

MDR_BMW · 11-08-2014, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GB-335xiCoupe

Can't argue with that. Ask for a 435 for the loaner. Tell them your interested in buying one next.

Good call!

09-22-2014, 01:06 PM	#1
andysat Lieutenant 20 Rep 591 Posts Drives: e93 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: East Yorks iTrader: (0)	Are your decals even? Hi all-can I ask how anal you are that your e90 post window decals/stickers are the same both sides of the car?-how do you measure the distance to get them the same?-do you bother?-thanks.
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09-22-2014, 05:50 PM	#2
techietaichi Major 294 Rep 1,311 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Pre-LCI & 2010 X3 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Massghanistan, USA iTrader: (1)	Use a piece of masking tape on the bottom of the sill and measure where you want it placed, mark the position. Rinse and repeat for the opposite side if you're doing that. When you apply the decal peel the backing just a little and position accordingly. Use something like a credit card to gently press down on the decal as you apply making sure not to leave any bubbles. If you do, peel back slowly enough to release the air from said bubble and do it again. Make sure you clean the area you're applying to real nice before you start all of this too. should be a good application. __________________
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09-23-2014, 01:17 PM	#3
andysat Lieutenant 20 Rep 591 Posts Drives: e93 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: East Yorks iTrader: (0)	Good advice -thanks
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11-06-2014, 10:08 PM	#4
MDR_BMW New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 12' 335i Coupe Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	Just came across this thread and thought it would be somewhat relevant to post my question. I just bought a 2012 335i coupe M sport about a month ago - first BMW . I didn't realize the previous owner had put windshield tint on the car until I was trying to get goop from an old sticker off the bottom corner of the windshield and accidently scraped off some of the tint. Long story short, after weighing my options of how to fix/hide the scratched tint I can either a) get the tint taken off completely b) re-do the tint or c) cover up the scratches with some sort of decal/sticker similar to the size of what someone with a parking pass would have on the bottom left side of the wind shield (obviously don't have a parking pass currently). I'm thinking the best option is the sticker/decal if I can get something somewhat cool to put there. The sticker needs to be probably 2x4 inches. I've looked online, but can't seem to find anything good. And the options of taking off and/or redoing the tint is not worth the money imo (got quoted as low at $75 to take off and as high as $400 to reapply). Thanks in advance!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-06-2014, 11:02 PM	#5
GB-335xiCoupe Libertarian 132 Rep 1,577 Posts Drives: 29k mi per year. Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Green Bay area iTrader: (0)	Isn't windshield tint illegal in Kalifornia? I would rip it off... then use isopropyl alcohol to clean any remaining adhesive off. Unless the film is virtually clear and just provides UV blocking. In that case, I'd leave it on. __________________ 2011 335xi Coupe BSM (e92/N55/ZPP/ZCW, Alpina B3 Flash) Bought 08/09/2013@53,340mi Current 3/13/2019@206,283mi Fail(s): tstat hous/water pump 89k, Chargepipe 106k, coolant tank 114k, FRM3 114k Maint: Walnut blast 101k, Trans/T-case Fluid 103k, OFHG 195k
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11-06-2014, 11:20 PM	#6
MDR_BMW New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 12' 335i Coupe Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	It's clear, just the UV (which is why I didn't realize it was there), so I'd prefer to keep it. I'd just deal with it but its an eye sore for the driver. I'm looking for something like an ///M sticker or e90post, just have to find the right size. I'd tear it off myself, but I don't want to risk messing up something else...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-07-2014, 12:41 AM	#7
Agentphish Major 129 Rep 1,052 Posts Drives: '08 328i Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (2)	Well, removal is certainly one way to go. If you opt for that, do yourself a favor and have it professionally done. Personally I'd just find something to cover it though because I'd want to keep the UV protection. It is likely between 70-90% ceramic tint. Most shops will charge $3-500 to reapply due to the time it takes and that those types of tint are a PITA to work with so I agree with your estimates there. I don't think they are unreasonable compared to what I've found in my own research. It isn't legal to have it in Cali but most of the time you can't tell as you said
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-07-2014, 09:10 AM	#8
GB-335xiCoupe Libertarian 132 Rep 1,577 Posts Drives: 29k mi per year. Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Green Bay area iTrader: (0)	Let me rephrase that. Windshield TINT is illegal in almost every state... A windshield UV rejection laminate or film is not. Tints are rated in Percentage of VLT (Visible Light Transmission). A UV "tint" doesn't affect visible light, thus isn't a tint at all. Is it possible for you to peel just the damaged part away, and then use a razor to remove that corner? Then you will just have a barely visible line where the film stops. It might just look like a hairline crack in the glass. A pic of your situation may be useful here. __________________ 2011 335xi Coupe BSM (e92/N55/ZPP/ZCW, Alpina B3 Flash) Bought 08/09/2013@53,340mi Current 3/13/2019@206,283mi Fail(s): tstat hous/water pump 89k, Chargepipe 106k, coolant tank 114k, FRM3 114k Maint: Walnut blast 101k, Trans/T-case Fluid 103k, OFHG 195k
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11-07-2014, 10:39 PM	#9
MDR_BMW New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 12' 335i Coupe Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	It's actually a surprising difference in color where its been scraped off, so I think cutting off the corner would be really noticeable and if I messed up the only option would be full removal. I was wondering if anyone knew a good place online to look at stickers/decals or somewhere brick and mortar that has a good selection. On a side note, I have to get the blake fluid flushed so I'm bringing it in next week to the dealer (first actual maintenance item other than one oil change). The dealer says it'll need to be there a half a day and they provide a shuttle that can take me to work, but frankly that's kind of irritating especially if I need to drive somewhere during the day. What are the chances I can get a loaner?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-07-2014, 11:07 PM	#10
Welcome to NBA Jam Is it the shoes!? 3884 Rep 5,112 Posts Drives: (Sold) 2011 E92 335i ZMP 6MT Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	Guess....no one will know but you. It's impossible to see both sides of your car at the same time - so who cares if it's off by 0.4822382 millimeters? Choose a reference point and stick with it on both sides.
	Appreciate 0 Quote