[freeflydive]

Hello everyone! I already searched the forum for local tinting recommendations, but unfortunately Driven Dynamics (in MD) no longer does the molskin/felt application.

1) Has anyone recently had their "BMW" tinted locally and had good luck w/ the dot-matrix on the back?

2) How often does the tint scratch up?! Any way of knowing in advance if mine will scratch up to get the felt/molskin installed?

I had one bad experience in NC last week, they ended up taking everything off after they were unable to lay the back window properly after 3x hours! I truly felt bad for the installer, because I know he was trying his best to make the film properly adhere to the back. Unfortunately, I had to get my car re-detailed to clean up the mess left on my trunk and doors.

Thanks,
Majdi E.

[lucas.kent]

I've used Matt at TNT Tint in Alexandria for five cars, including a 325, M5, GTI, 330 and GLK. He does an awesome job, and it looks great even on the dot matrix. As for the felt/scratching issue, I can't really speak to that since my e90 doesn't have that problem (as far as I'm aware).

http://www.yelp.com/biz/tnt-tint-alexandria

You may also want to ask this same question in the mid-atlantic regional forum to see if someone there has any other suggestions.

[freeflydive]

Great, thanks for the feedback.

Cheers,
Majdi

[1N54E92]

LA Tint in Sterling, VA.

Dot matrix area has vinyl application. They recommended it so I just went with it b\c I did not want to keep taking the car back if problems should appear with applying tint.

They do not use felt/molskin. I haven't notice any scatches on the tints.

[cotmfk]

I agree with the vinyl application. That will effectively take care of the dot matrix. I used to use California Tint. I never had any bad experiences with them, but I have heard some bad reviews more recently. Basically it sounds like if the owner does the job, it's not as good as if one of his cronies does it. They will bargain on price, but are still high. If you can get it done in MD, it's a lot cheaper.

[T-MC-G]

what is this felt/molskin that you guys are talkign about? It it a new/different material of tint than the usual film?

[KL2DC]

Originally Posted by T-MC-G

what is this felt/molskin that you guys are talkign about? It it a new/different material of tint than the usual film?

Tom, its just a felt liner that they put on the bottom internal window rubber seals. In some cars (notroiusly like the Acura TL and my MB W210) the tolerances are really tight so dust and dirt that collects acts as a direct abrasive on the tinted window that goes up and down.

The E9x's are not known to suffer from this malady.

I must give my recommendation to Driven Dynamics in Rockville, MD. They have done a number of members' cars with good results. They have done 2 of my cars and I am happy with their work and facilities. For the dot matrix they recommend the vinyl as well.

Yes its true they don't do the moleskin anymore. The head guy doesn't believe in it or something. My W210 really needs it so I have not tinted that car yet.


PS hows the W204?

[Jake@MOTIV]

I have never heard of the vinyl application on the dot matrix...what is this? I have tint already and the dot matrix in the back always looks bleh.

Also - anyone - can you guys ask your tinters if they do vinyl roofs? I really want to do my roof in gloss black but can't find anyone to do it that will do a GREAT job. I tried one place already but it was so bad they gave me my money back. With student loans and rent and all the other fun things about starting the real world (and a wedding to pay for in May) I am trying to get a decent price. I'd spend like 150 to do it but I don't know if that's realistic. I am pondering trying it myself but I've never been good at doing vinyl or that kind of thing. I may just give in and buy enough material from that shadowline bmw website to do two roofs in case i mess up.

Sorry for the ramble and thread jack. I just REALLY want to do it and haven't found anywhere reputable that is affordable (or anywhere that guarentee's their work even if it is slightly more money). I am in Alexandria near old town.

[pseto]

Originally Posted by FlyLow335i

I have never heard of the vinyl application on the dot matrix...what is this? I have tint already and the dot matrix in the back always looks bleh.

it probably looks bleh b/c it doesnt have the vinyl over the dots. its the only acceptable method for e92s IMO and I've personally gone through all of them.

The vinyl covers the dots and blends in well with the tint. Tinting OVER the dots is a HUGE mistake no matter what the tinter says about it drying in a few days (personally if they told me this, I'd leave b/c they have no clue).

[KL2DC]

I thought Raja was supposed to be offering up vinyl wrapping services?

[T-MC-G]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

Tom, its just a felt liner that they put on the bottom internal window rubber seals. In some cars (notroiusly like the Acura TL and my MB W210) the tolerances are really tight so dust and dirt that collects acts as a direct abrasive on the tinted window that goes up and down.

The E9x's are not known to suffer from this malady.

I must give my recommendation to Driven Dynamics in Rockville, MD. They have done a number of members' cars with good results. They have done 2 of my cars and I am happy with their work and facilities. For the dot matrix they recommend the vinyl as well.

Yes its true they don't do the moleskin anymore. The head guy doesn't believe in it or something. My W210 really needs it so I have not tinted that car yet.


PS hows the W204?

Got it, thanks!
W204 is sweet, nice change from BMWs for a couple years. Both cars have their pros/cons.

I completely agree with your recommendation for Driven Dynamics. They did a GREAT job on my E90. Absolutely zero bubbles around the dot matrix on the front and back windows. I've sent them countless customers over the years. I remember they did a great rate for cars from this website a few years ago. I need to get them to do my Benz now...

[T-MC-G]

I just got off the phone with driven dynamics, they are running a special of $189 for all the way around on 4-door cars...

damn just when I thought I kicked the modding bug with my latest car...

[pseto]

while Driven Dynamics has done well for a bunch of guys on this board, they were the ones who I went thru 4 iterations before I found an acceptable solution for my e92. i'd go there IF I had an e90 because there isn't a dot matrix problem in the rear window like the e92. for e92 folks, i'd call them to see if Art still works there and/or to find out how they will handle the 3-4 inches of dots on the top of the rear window. if they say anything other than a vinyl overlay, HANGUP IMMEDIATELY!!!!

[1N54E92]

I know many members do not like vinyl application but it is the way to go. I had mine installed last summer and no problems. It blends in well with the tint.

[Jake@MOTIV]

Can you put up pics of the back of e92's so i can see what the vinyl looks like with the dot matrix? i may have to go get mine redone.

I'll call driven dynamics and see how much they will do vinyl for.

[1N54E92]

Originally Posted by FlyLow335i

Can you put up pics of the back of e92's so i can see what the vinyl looks like with the dot matrix? i may have to go get mine redone.

I'll call driven dynamics and see how much they will do vinyl for.

I will put some up tomorrow. or later today if i can get some proper lighting.

[cb1111]

Actually, the E9x do have a problem with scratvhing tint. There are several multi-page threads in the main section.

[Jake@MOTIV]

BUMP

[Shieldze1025]

Got my 335 done at Winner's Windows in Rockville, Extremely friendly and easy to work with. They helped me pick a %, were honest about everything and very professional.

Cost $129 for two windows (for the best tint they had, LLumar or something), and took about 25 minutes. It looks awesome so far, I love it.

[pseto]

Originally Posted by Shieldze1025

Got my 335 done at Winner's Windows in Rockville, Extremely friendly and easy to work with. They helped me pick a %, were honest about everything and very professional.

Cost $129 for two windows (for the best tint they had, LLumar or something), and took about 25 minutes. It looks awesome so far, I love it.

you only tinted 2 windows (front I'm assuming)? why didn't you tint the 2 rear windows and the rear windshield?

[Shieldze1025]

Originally Posted by pseto

you only tinted 2 windows (front I'm assuming)? why didn't you tint the 2 rear windows and the rear windshield?

They were already tinted when I bought it. I thought they came like that stock but I have since found out it's not true, but I heard it was an option. I guess the previous owner had them done.

[zke36]

I got a guy in silver spring that I used on my 645 and now gonna do 335 that does $85 all around (not front window) Its special pricing because they did my house and store but they offered it to me and friends.

They work fast, do a great job and if you have problems they take care of it right away and without hassle (I never had a problem). Its a startup company thats why they are cheap