So I setup my appointment for tinting, Getting 35%. What type of tint should I ask for ie. Quality, Brand, Guarantee, and how do you people that have it on all windows get through inspection without failing.

 

If your CLS is silver, then I highly recommend Llumar Polarized Tint...it's a bit more pricey, but it's spectacular, especially on a Silver car. As for inspection, I will let you know at the end of this month when I have to get a new sticker!!!

 

Do you have PIC's of your car ? Is the Polarized Metalic ?

Thanks

 

I’m not sure about brands, but here are a few things to note:

Make sure you specify what you want done with the rear brake light.
Some places cut around it, some do the entire window.
If you want the whole rear window done, some places will require you to remove the rear parcel shelf like I did and some can work around it.
If you have NAV or a radar detector with rear antenna, stay away from metallic tint as certain brands cause problems.

As for the inspection “tricks”, you’re on your own there.
You basically need to find a shop that will inspect the car while “ignoring” the tint.
Some will do this, others will FAIL the car.

Shawn S

 

Shawn S, How do you remove the rear parcel shelf ??

 

Yes, it's VERY slightly metallic and looks silver from certain angles, sort of like the Lexus RX300 rears, but not as severe. Go here for pics....

http://public.fotki.com/tmk70/

 

Pull the two rear cushions out. No fasteners, they just lift out.
Remove (6) bolts holding down the center console & seat back.
Remove the center console.
Lift the seatback up about 4 inches to unhook it from the shelf area.
You DON’T need to remove the rear seat back from the car.
Tip the top of the seatback forward until you see the (2) plastic plugs holding the shelf in.
Pry loose the (2) plugs with a flat screwdriver being careful not to break them.
Remove the left & right plastic C-pillar covers going to the roof.
No fasteners, they just pull off with a good tug.
They are connected to the seatbelts so they don’t need to come out of the car.
Once out of the way the rear parcel shelf will lift right out.
The brake light is held in by (2) nuts you get at from the trunk side.
Snap the C-pillar covers back on and hook the seatback back onto the shelf and leave everything out until the tint is done.

 

What kind of percentage does that equate to because it doesn’t really look like there is any tint at all in those photos except the one side shot?

Shawn S

 

Never mind.
I just read the heading on the photo “BEFORE MODS”.

Shawn S

 

hey, good post shawn. archiving...


umm, as for tint film... Llumar or 3M.

 

Shawn, Thanks a Million.

 

As a “side note” when I put mine back together, I wrapped the brake light housing in thick dark gray fabric before fastening the nuts down.
Not really necessary, but I figured it to be some “insurance” to help prevent future rattles.
You can only see the edges from the inside, but it makes like a tight gasket against the back window.

Shawn S