Variable window tint - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

ryan2600 · 04-23-2012, 01:24 PM

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 · 04-23-2012, 02:00 PM

What is variable tint?

dwells · 04-23-2012, 02:35 PM

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 · 04-23-2012, 02:54 PM

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 · 04-23-2012, 02:57 PM

Quote:

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 · 04-23-2012, 03:57 PM

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

dwells · 04-23-2012, 04:48 PM

Quote:

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 · 04-24-2012, 12:23 AM

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 · 04-24-2012, 09:18 AM

Quote:

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 · 04-24-2012, 10:41 AM

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

ryan2600 · 04-24-2012, 11:33 AM

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?"

itscard0man · 01-09-2013, 10:05 AM

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

04-23-2012, 01:24 PM	#1
ryan2600 Enlisted Member Drives: 2011 328xi 4dr Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: United States Posts: 34 iTrader: (0)	Variable window tint 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?
	Tweet

04-23-2012, 02:35 PM	#3
dwells ಠ_ಠ Drives: Monaco Blue 335i coupe Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: New England Posts: 695 iTrader: (5)	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. __________________ \| E92 335i coupe \| Monaco Blue \| Cream beige Dakota leather \| Premium package, sport package, technology package, comfort access \| VMR VB3 gunmetal \| Huper 40% tint \| GP Thunder II 7500K angel eyes \| Smoked LED sidemarkers \| Painted reflectors \| Rear fogs \| Amber light delete, digital speedo, remote windows, other coding \|

04-24-2012, 10:41 AM	#10
itsmeek Lieutenant Drives: 2009 E90 335xi Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: DC Metro Posts: 409 iTrader: (3)	Also note that this stuff malfunctions- you're pretty much blind. __________________ 2009 GT-R w/700ish hp (SOLD) Incoming 997tt 2010 Range Rover Sport 1965 Mustang 302 5 speed! 2009 335ix e90 (JB4/DCI) more to come

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

04-23-2012, 02:00 PM	#2
CUTigers Captain Drives: 2008 Montego Blue 335i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Atlanta/Lawrenceville Posts: 847 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 Lexus IS F [5.00] 2008 e90 335i [4.50]	What is variable tint?

04-23-2012, 02:54 PM	#4
ryan2600 Enlisted Member Drives: 2011 328xi 4dr Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: United States Posts: 34 iTrader: (0)	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.

04-23-2012, 03:57 PM	#6
CUTigers Captain Drives: 2008 Montego Blue 335i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Atlanta/Lawrenceville Posts: 847 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 Lexus IS F [5.00] 2008 e90 335i [4.50]	Oo crazy. Never heard of it. I'll check it out

04-24-2012, 12:23 AM	#8
hoisumguo Private Drives: 2012 BMW 335is e93 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 71 iTrader: (0)	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

04-24-2012, 11:33 AM	#11
ryan2600 Enlisted Member Drives: 2011 328xi 4dr Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: United States Posts: 34 iTrader: (0)	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?"

01-09-2013, 10:05 AM	#12
itscard0man Enlisted Member Drives: e90 328xi Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: United States Posts: 33 iTrader: (0)	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