Tints (3M Color stable vs 3M crystaline)

bimmerlife208 · 03-29-2017, 06:00 AM

Can anyone justify the price of the 3M Crystaline? Is the infrared blocking worth the extra money? Can't decide on which tints and percentage to get. Looking for places in NJ.

screamace · 03-29-2017, 04:19 PM

I have 3M Crystalline on my windshield and 3M CS on the side windows - partly due to cost and also the fact I can go darker on side windows to achieve the same effect.

bimmerlife208 · 03-29-2017, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by screamace

I have 3M Crystalline on my windshield and 3M CS on the side windows - partly due to cost and also the fact I can go darker on side windows to achieve the same effect.

I went in and ordered the color stable. The Crystalline were quoted at 2x the price of color stable. Infrared blocking is great! I still don't think it justifies the price difference. Were you able to remove the 3M logos or did the shop remove them for you?

screamace · 03-29-2017, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerlife208

I went in and ordered the color stable. The Crystalline were quoted at 2x the price of color stable. Infrared blocking is great! I still don't think it justifies the price difference. Were you able to remove the 3M logos or did the shop remove them for you?

The logo is still there. If you look real close you can see it, but in normal driving you can't see it.

claykin · 03-31-2017, 06:16 AM

the 3M logo can easily be removed with rubbing or denatured alcohol. A tiny amount on a cotton ball and the logo disappears. 3M places this logo on their better films so customers can be assured the dealer installed the correct film. My recommendation would be to ask the dealer to leave the logos on the film for you to see at pickup. Then, you can ask them to remove or remove yourself.

bimmerlife208 · 03-31-2017, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by claykin

the 3M logo can easily be removed with rubbing or denatured alcohol. A tiny amount on a cotton ball and the logo disappears. 3M places this logo on their better films so customers can be assured the dealer installed the correct film. My recommendation would be to ask the dealer to leave the logos on the film for you to see at pickup. Then, you can ask them to remove or remove yourself.

Awesome! Not a bad idea. I'll do just that.Thanks!

Almaretto · 03-31-2017, 11:12 PM

It depends on where you are located. I have seen 200% markup in certain locations. But, CR really does work and makes noticeable difference. It is smart to do windshield and sunroof as well.

bimmerlife208 · 04-01-2017, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Almaretto

It depends on where you are located. I have seen 200% markup in certain locations. But, CR really does work and makes noticeable difference. It is smart to do windshield and sunroof as well.

Yeah i'm planning on getting the windshield done at a later time as well.

bimmerlife208 · 04-01-2017, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Almaretto

It depends on where you are located. I have seen 200% markup in certain locations. But, CR really does work and makes noticeable difference. It is smart to do windshield and sunroof as well.

I got 35% front and 20% back. The front came out too dark! It looked lighter in the pictures. I feel like I will be pulled over 100%. I might just remove them from the front after spending all that money. I should have got 50% in front.

Almaretto · 04-01-2017, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerlife208

I got 35% front and 20% back. The front came out too dark! It looked lighter in the pictures. I feel like I will be pulled over 100%. I might just remove them from the front after spending all that money. I should have got 50% in front.

I have 70% windshield with 30% all-around (including sunroof). Darker interior makes tint appear darker. Visibility is great.

54Me · 04-01-2017, 09:10 PM

Pics?
If you don't mind also what was the price? I've never gotten tint, so I don't want to be ripped...

bimmerlife208 · 04-01-2017, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 54Me

Pics?
If you don't mind also what was the price? I've never gotten tint, so I don't want to be ripped...

Price is $400 for 4 door (Color Stable). I'll take some pictures soon.

bimmerlife208 · 04-01-2017, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Almaretto

I have 70% windshield with 30% all-around (including sunroof). Darker interior makes tint appear darker. Visibility is great.

Any problems with the law enforcement?

Almaretto · 04-01-2017, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerlife208

Price is $400 for 4 door (Color Stable). I'll take some pictures soon.

These are Southern California Prices:

Color stable is usually $250-300.
Suntek $400-600.
Formula 1 Pinacle: $500-600 (including windshield)
3M Crystalline & Huper Optic $650-$900. (including windshield)
- Seen as low as $495 without Windshield

EDIT: Seen Crystalline in other parts of the country for $300.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerlife208

Any problems with the law enforcement?

Never. I have no front plate and I have only been pulled over once to be given a warning for going 43 in a 40 mph zone.

EDIT: Adjusted & added more prices. Attached Tint Film Spec Comparison PDF

Almaretto · 04-02-2017, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 54Me

Pics?
If you don't mind also what was the price? I've never gotten tint, so I don't want to be ripped...

This is my '16 F010 with Suntek. Click images or larger pictures.

Side View with windshield ..................... Front View with Door Open:

View post on imgur.com

Side view with Rear .................................. View out through rear window:

View post on imgur.com

bimmerlife208 · 04-02-2017, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Almaretto

This is my '16 F010 with Suntek. Click images or larger pictures.

Side View with windshield ..................... Front View with Door Open:

View post on imgur.com

Side view with Rear .................................. View out through rear window:

View post on imgur.com

Yeah your tints are darker than mine. I have 35% front but it's pretty tough to see through. I don't want the stress of getting pulled over. I'm debating just removing them from the front two doors.

54Me · 04-02-2017, 05:04 PM

I think this is why the Crystalline would be worth it for me. I'm not really interested in a super-dark blackout, just keeping some heat off of the black interior. A little darkness should compliment the M-sport as well, but like you I have no interest in attracting the law.
Assuming I can get it near me I will go for the one that does more with less darkness... probably 3M 50 all around with 70 on the windshield.
Thanks for the help.

Almaretto · 04-02-2017, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerlife208

Yeah your tints are darker than mine. I have 35% front but it's pretty tough to see through. I don't want the stress of getting pulled over. I'm debating just removing them from the front two doors.

I do not do it for the looks; I do it for heat and glare reduction. The high quality films can do more with lighter shades as well as have greater clarity out from drivers perspective. You can see rear and side tint may appear dark, but clarity and visibility is not compromised at all. Las Vegas gets to 115-120 in the summer, is legal to have front side windows tinted to 35%, & accepts doctors notes for darker. Unfortunately, California has different laws requiring 70%, but I prefer a uniform look.

Mine is not tough to see through; but, if it were, I would be more inclined to debate whether to remove. Otherwise, I would also consider past driving history (ie if pulled over frequently) and state laws. If you just get fixit ticket, then you could "roll-the-dice" and wait to remove then; if more expensive, then I would take off sooner. Your call, but just my 2 cents.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 54Me

I think this is why the Crystalline would be worth it for me. I'm not really interested in a super-dark blackout, just keeping some heat off of the black interior. A little darkness should compliment the M-sport as well, but like you I have no interest in attracting the law.
Assuming I can get it near me I will go for the one that does more with less darkness... probably 3M 50 all around with 70 on the windshield.
Thanks for the help.

I was actually going to go with Suntek CXP 45, but it is not a popular film (had all shades from posted PDF except). Installer was willing to get; but, I went with CXP 35 rather than wait or go with CXP 55. I do not regret it. I am photosensitive and still wear sunglasses during day.

Attached 3M Brochure. CR40 is darkest shade sold. Both CR40 & CR50 look good, but ladder has increased glare reduction. I had installer attach side-by-side sample strips so I could see on vehicle.

54Me · 04-02-2017, 08:20 PM

Thanks again!

BMWAUDIO · 04-14-2017, 11:51 PM

Crystaline and don't look back

$499-699 for complete car
$250-300 for winshield

color stable would typicallly cost $299-400
winshield still has to be done w/ crystaline

Well worth the difference
The $2-300 difference over the time owenership well worth the extra heat rejection we see a temp difference of 12-13 degrees

54Me · 04-15-2017, 10:02 AM

Only dealer near me stopped doing 3M last month because the price was too high for the demand in this market (Northeast).
He says they switched to "Rayno" and it is comparable.
Anyone heard of it or have thoughts? Should I drive 2.5 hours to the next 3M dealer?

Almaretto · 04-15-2017, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 54Me

Only dealer near me stopped doing 3M last month because the price was too high for the demand in this market (Northeast).
He says they switched to "Rayno" and it is comparable.
Anyone heard of it or have thoughts? Should I drive 2.5 hours to the next 3M dealer?

Are there any Huper Optik dealers near you?

03-29-2017, 06:00 AM	#1
bimmerlife208 Private 21 Rep 78 Posts Drives: BMW 530i X-Drive Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Tints (3M Color stable vs 3M crystaline) Can anyone justify the price of the 3M Crystaline? Is the infrared blocking worth the extra money? Can't decide on which tints and percentage to get. Looking for places in NJ.
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03-29-2017, 04:19 PM	#2
screamace Private First Class 304 Rep 197 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW X5M Competition Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Arkansas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 Porsche Paname ... [0.00] 2018 BMW M550i [0.00]	I have 3M Crystalline on my windshield and 3M CS on the side windows - partly due to cost and also the fact I can go darker on side windows to achieve the same effect. __________________ 2020 BMW X5M Competition 2019 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Past BMW: 2018 M550i, 2016 X5 40e, 2014 335xi, 2011 X5 50i, 2010 550i
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03-31-2017, 06:16 AM	#5
claykin Brigadier General 1588 Rep 4,553 Posts Drives: various BMW Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	the 3M logo can easily be removed with rubbing or denatured alcohol. A tiny amount on a cotton ball and the logo disappears. 3M places this logo on their better films so customers can be assured the dealer installed the correct film. My recommendation would be to ask the dealer to leave the logos on the film for you to see at pickup. Then, you can ask them to remove or remove yourself. __________________ 2023 840GC \| 2021 740i \| 2019 X3
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03-31-2017, 11:12 PM	#7
Almaretto Major General 2374 Rep 8,364 Posts Drives: Test Vehicles Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Mountain View, CA iTrader: (0)	It depends on where you are located. I have seen 200% markup in certain locations. But, CR really does work and makes noticeable difference. It is smart to do windshield and sunroof as well.
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04-01-2017, 09:10 PM	#11
54Me Private First Class 71 Rep 145 Posts Drives: 2013 X5 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	Pics? If you don't mind also what was the price? I've never gotten tint, so I don't want to be ripped...
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04-02-2017, 05:04 PM	#17
54Me Private First Class 71 Rep 145 Posts Drives: 2013 X5 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	I think this is why the Crystalline would be worth it for me. I'm not really interested in a super-dark blackout, just keeping some heat off of the black interior. A little darkness should compliment the M-sport as well, but like you I have no interest in attracting the law. Assuming I can get it near me I will go for the one that does more with less darkness... probably 3M 50 all around with 70 on the windshield. Thanks for the help.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2017, 08:20 PM	#19
54Me Private First Class 71 Rep 145 Posts Drives: 2013 X5 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	Thanks again!
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04-14-2017, 11:51 PM	#20
BMWAUDIO Lieutenant 64 Rep 432 Posts Drives: F90 M5 Frozen Gray , 997 C4S Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: ENCINO iTrader: (1)	Crystaline and don't look back $499-699 for complete car $250-300 for winshield color stable would typicallly cost $299-400 winshield still has to be done w/ crystaline Well worth the difference The $2-300 difference over the time owenership well worth the extra heat rejection we see a temp difference of 12-13 degrees
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04-15-2017, 10:02 AM	#21
54Me Private First Class 71 Rep 145 Posts Drives: 2013 X5 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	Only dealer near me stopped doing 3M last month because the price was too high for the demand in this market (Northeast). He says they switched to "Rayno" and it is comparable. Anyone heard of it or have thoughts? Should I drive 2.5 hours to the next 3M dealer?
	Appreciate 0 Quote