Does anybody know the tint level that comes with the TLX windows? I am contemplating buying a tint meter for like $100 but if somebody already has that info, then I may be able to avoid the cost. (I really want to stay on the safe side of legal).

I plan to have the windows tinted on Monday with either 3M Color Stable or 3M Crystalline (the latter is about $200 more) and I want it to look good while not going beyond the 35% that is legal around here.

 

Good question. I always thought they were 100% except for the tint above the A1 line on the front windshield.

I got 35 on the sides and 15 in the back.

 

Spend the $100 on the tints instead, especially if you're already contemplating it. I'm pretty sure they don't come tinted from the factory since there isn't any film around the windows, but I could be wrong. I spent the extra $$ and got the 3M ceramic 35% (legal in IL) all around on my BWP, and it's absolutely GORGEOUS . I'm curious to see if there really is a different from the regular 3M tints I had in my TSX SE. I'm sure someone has pictures posted to show the difference in darkness. Enjoy!

 

every time you say "tints"; a puppy dies.

 

You just killed another or do the quotes count as blanks.

 

^


If I remember correctly; the 2004-2008 TL came with about a 70% tinted glass.
not a film, so you wont be able to see it around the edges...but its BUILT into the glass.

I wouldnt be surprised if it was a tinted glass, just like the other cars in Acura's line up. But I have been wrong before and it could very well be 100%

 

So the TLX does come with tinted windows, but I added the 3M Crystalline at 50%, which keeps me legal but blocks 97% of infrared in addition to 99.9% UV and cuts the glare by 44%. Looks very sharp without being a cop-magnet. ;-)

 

Would you let us know approximately how much you paid for the 50% 3M Crystalline tint? I'm thinking about having the windows on my white TLX tinted and the local shop quoted me $200 but for another brand of tint. I'd have to drive up to Chicago, a three hour cruise, to get to the closest authorized 3M dealer and would like to know the price difference before I make that decision.

Thanks!

 

Sure thing... It was 550 installed. The regular 3m would have been 350.

 

A good tint shop will have a meter and be able to put a sample on your window and measure it.

The 3M Crystalline tint is really good, but it has a slight bronze look to it.

 

The guys I used are close by and highly rated, and have done an excellent job the three times I have used them. I discussed the meter with them and they have been contemplating getting one, but they don't want people misinterpreting a measurement as "certified legal".

also it looks bronze on the sample, but not on my windows.

 

I'm not sure what state you are in. In Texas a tint shop is required to put a special label between the glass and tint on the drivers side window that states the tint is legal. So yea, it is supposed to be 'certified legal' for lack of a better term. Do all tint shops here do this? No they don't, and many will install illegal tints. On my car I do have a label like this, on my wife's car they put a sticker on the outside of the tint instead. We both have our windshield tinted(80%) which is technically illegal in Texas, but the tint guy tells us they are legal and called them 'clear'... I think because it is better than 70% which is a car manufacturer requirement.

Anyway, your tint shop should have a way to show their customers who wish to stay legal, that the tint really is legal. They should get a meter.

It's good to know the tint doesn't show bronze on the windows. Can you post a pic?

 

I live in MD. I will get a pic up as soon as I can get the car back out in the sunlight, I just got back from visiting relatives (and we took the MDX).

 

I got 20% put on a week after getting mine and it looks perfect. Not dark enough to get any attention here in Miami.. You can still see through the car in daylight and is the perfect amount of darkness at night.

 

I'd say you won't have much chance on that this year... can you tell me who you used for your tint? I live in VA and I'm looking for a good quote.

 

Ha ha, it certainly seems like we are under the clouds alot lately, which seriously aggravates my already noticeable Seasonal Affective Disorder.

I used Cutting Edge Tint in Gaithersburg, they also have a shop in Silver Spring. They are pretty highly rated and I certainly have had good luck with them. They are certainly not the cheapest but I am always willing to pay more to get the best quality.