[ryan2600]

starting my search on variable window tint to see what i can get for my new 328xi. id like to black out the back windows and put the variable tint on the front windows (ohio has lame window tint laws).

i've blasted out a few emails to companies that i've come across in searches but i was wondering if anyone had some good info or has done this?

[CUTigers]

What is variable tint?

[dwells]

If you're talking about electronically-adjustable (electrochromic) windows, it's not happening. You'd need them custom made and the electronics custom fitted and all that, we're talking thousands of dollars.

[ryan2600]

the stuff exists, i just need to actually find real prices and a shop that can be contacted for more info. the "thousands of dollars" comment doesnt really cut it. I've seen forums where its 500 bucks up to 2k depending on how many windows.

i wouldnt be so quick to say its not going to happen.

[ryan2600]

Originally Posted by CUTigers

What is variable tint?

its a type of film/glass that is constructed in such a way that when a current is put through it, the opacity of the glass changes. so basically you could have a clear window and then apply a current and it tints darker as more voltage is applied.

google SPD glass, and if you find a dealer or vendor, pm me

[CUTigers]

Oo crazy. Never heard of it. I'll check it out

[dwells]

Originally Posted by ryan2600

the stuff exists, i just need to actually find real prices and a shop that can be contacted for more info. the "thousands of dollars" comment doesnt really cut it. I've seen forums where its 500 bucks up to 2k depending on how many windows.

i wouldnt be so quick to say its not going to happen.

It's not just an exterior film. It's a film of particles layered in between the glass. This means your doors would need to be taken apart, the original glass would need to be removed, and then new glass with the electrochromic technology would need to be custom made. Also, it'd have to be safety glass, so the cost just went up.

Then the new glass windows would need to be installed and wired up. It would have to be connected to a power source and then electronic controls would need to be custom fitted into the doors. Then everything needs to be tested and put back together.

That's thousands of dollars just in labor. The tech is still young, especially when it comes to varying levels of opacity without distortion (glazed/frosted is cheaper and easier to produce). Car manufacturers are just now dabbling in the technology (Mercedes MagicSky sunroof, for example) because of how complex and expensive it can be. If it were currently feasible, we'd see it as an option for the S-Class windows.

[hoisumguo]

For houses it's $350/sq.ft. Not including install. Main problem for autos is that the dormant or non-powered state is opaque so it could only be used on non-driver obscuring windows. You can find various vendors playing around with it, but seems to be mostly in prototyping due to cost and issues with curved automotive glass shapes.

-Hoi

[rollinstone157]

Originally Posted by hoisumguo

For houses it's $350/sq.ft. Not including install. Main problem for autos is that the dormant or non-powered state is opaque so it could only be used on non-driver obscuring windows. You can find various vendors playing around with it, but seems to be mostly in prototyping due to cost and issues with curved automotive glass shapes.

-Hoi

Yeah, that sounds about right.

OP, maybe in...a decade...this will be more feasible, but not right now. Just stick with your Huper Optik high-quality ceramic tint if you want quality tints.

[itsmeek]

Also note that this stuff malfunctions- you're pretty much blind.

[ryan2600]

it really depends on the setup. you can have it so that the window is dark when no voltage is applied or you can have it transparent when there is no voltage. it all depends on how you want it setup.

id personally want it setup in the first way. id be driving around with it dark anyways, and its not like i would have it on the windshield.

the only time it would be light is... "what tint officer?"

[Rich_NYC]

whatever happened with this ? and it looks like they half a film you can apply on the glass now, without actually having to make it in the glass

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/prod...564736116.html