[N2S2]

My recently acquired 228i has tinted windows that are a little dark for my taste. Is window tint removal a major pain? I've never had a car with the tint and wondered if it is something that can be done without damage or is it best left to the professionals. Any input from those who have "de-tinted" would be appreciated.

Thanks.

PS: I searched this forum, but didn't find any info, which means it was probably right in front of my face in BOLD letters...

[Hellrot]

Check YouTube, there are a lot of videoes there.

General approach is to use a heat gun or blow drier to soften the glue then peal off the film.

I did this on a old e36. I would be nervous about doing it to a frameless window though.

[hisdigness]

Originally Posted by N2S2

My recently acquired 228i has tinted windows that are a little dark for my taste. Is window tint removal a major pain? I've never had a car with the tint and wondered if it is something that can be done without damage or is it best left to the professionals. Any input from those who have "de-tinted" would be appreciated.

Thanks.

PS: I searched this forum, but didn't find any info, which means it was probably right in front of my face in BOLD letters...

Either hair dryer or wait for a hot day. Depending on how long the tint has been on there its pretty easy to remove. Just use a razor blade to remove the extra clue here an there, but not on the back window. I don't recall if the defogger is in the glass or not. If it is, then use the blade, if not then don't. Start with one corner and slowly peal away.

[krhodes1]

A hand-held clothes steamer works great for this. They are silly cheap on Amazon, $20 or so. I had to remove all the tint on a P38 Range Rover that I bought in Texas to pass inspection in Maine.

[pruettfan]

The pro who works on my cars says he prefers steam to remove tint and clear bra over heat guns or hair dryers. I haven't done that work myself but just had the discussion the other day with him about a friends car and he suggested steam.

[2seriesaddict]

I'm on the other side of this. A little (at that time) bubble was left by the installer in driver's window. I didn't pay attention to it. Now each time I use my window it makes a sound because it has grown to 3cm wide and less than 1cm tall. How can I "paste" that back to where it belongs? Is the adhesive still there and I just need to apply heat or what would you suggest? Thanks !

[pruettfan]

Originally Posted by 2seriesaddict

I'm on the other side of this. A little (at that time) bubble was left by the installer in driver's window. I didn't pay attention to it. Now each time I use my window it makes a sound because it has grown to 3cm wide and less than 1cm tall. How can I "paste" that back to where it belongs? Is the adhesive still there and I just need to apply heat or what would you suggest? Thanks !

I would bring it back to the shop and have them redo the widow. The odds of a repair working are slim and will likely damage the tint more.

[2seriesaddict]

Originally Posted by pruettfan

I would bring it back to the shop and have them redo the widow. The odds of a repair working are slim and will likely damage the tint more.

Thanks! Will take it back then Don't want to risk the whole piece just for that tiny mishap

[RoundelM3]

I had to re-tint both of my BMWs after moving from TX to NC, where there's a 5% maximum-tint difference. I used the best tinter in the area and the charge for removing the old tint was pretty reasonable and there was no damage to the antenna/heating wires on the rear window. Biggest effort required is removing the adhesive residue after the film comes off (not much effort required there). Tinting is best left to the pros, as you can always take your car back if there are any defects, bubbles, etc.

[2seriesaddict]

Originally Posted by roundel335

Tinting is best left to the pros, as you can always take your car back if there are any defects, bubbles, etc.

Will let them take care of it as soon as holidays are over (and I'm back to the city)

Thanks!

[SteveInfante]

Did it myself. Pulled the old film off quickly, most of the glue came with it. Used adhesive remover and thick paper towels to get the glue off. Used a microfiber towel and some mineral spirits to get the rest of the residue off. Glass cleaner to finish. Saved $100 for removal.

[2seriesaddict]

Originally Posted by SteveInfante

Did it myself. Pulled the old film off quickly, most of the glue came with it. Used adhesive remover and thick paper towels to get the glue off. Used a microfiber towel and some mineral spirits to get the rest of the residue off. Glass cleaner to finish. Saved $100 for removal.

Nice!

I haven't taken mine to the shop. Nor have they answered the phone. Might need to take a look into other shops. Hope they can match the tint if original shop won't respond.

[techy_hamza]

Window tint can be easily removed if done by professional

[techy_hamza]

I don’t find window tint removal a major pain, but it can be a tedious and time-consuming task for me. I can do it myself, but I may risk damaging my windows or leaving adhesive residue behind. That’s why I prefer to leave it to the professionals, who have the right tools and techniques to remove the tint safely and effectively.

The average cost of window tint removal for a whole car ranges from $50 to $200, while the cost per window ranges from $35 to $60.

[krhodes1]

Originally Posted by techy_hamza

Window tint can be easily removed if done by professional

You can easily remove it yourself too. BTDT, several times. Lived in a state that basically doesn't allow it at all, plus I hate it anyway.

A hair dryer and ammonia based glass cleaner is all it takes.

[John in VA]

Ammonia, black trash bags and solar power (sun) make tint removal easier. I'm sure there are articles & videos with the details.

[Kernel Kurtz]

As was previously mentioned, just be exceptionally careful with the back window if you want your rear defroster to continue to work. It is easy to damage the grid.