S550 base GT windows tinted from factory?

[T Fades]

Are the windows on the S550 (specifically a stock '23 base GT) tinted from factory?

Wanting to get some ceramic tint (probably Xpel XR Black), and thinking 35% is good for me since I prefer tint to not be too dark, just add some smokey/charcoal look. However I don't want it darker than 35% and wondering if there is a slight window tint from factory?

TIA

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[ORRadtech]

I don't have an answer for you about factory tint. I believe my '18 premium convertible has some tint. I base this on there being a difference in brightness when the windows go down.
Finding out is easy enough though. Just go by any shop that tints windows and ask them to measure your windows. This has the added advantage of them being able to help you get to what you want. Or if you're friendly with a LEO they can check it for you. Or you could buy a tester yourself.

 

[GrabberBargeCaptain]

No. My 23 had no tint privacy or otherwise. 30% is what I did too and it’s perfect imo

 

[Unbridled5.0]

Not that I noticed. If it's in the glass, it's so light it's useless.

 

[T Fades]

Thanks for your input Dave, Grabber, and Unbridled! I think you are right there is no tint since there is no difference when I roll down the window.

Good advice to have the tint shop check it with their meter.

 

[black22gt]

I will share this, but I'm not sure it 100% answers your question all by its lonesome.

I saw no option for tint when I special ordered my 22 GT, and the dealer's first move was to offer to tint it for me, which I took them up on.

 

[BlkMach10510]

If there is tint from the factory it should show the percentage somewhere on your glass. This percentage is important when you are adding more tint so you stay legal.

 

[Skye]

If mine came with any tint at all, it was so weak it didn't matter.

I have 70% across the entire windshield (illegal where I live), 30% everywhere else (legal where I live). I've never been questioned about it. If I was pulled over, I doubt it would be a topic of discussion. The setup is very common in my area.

Tint level will affect appearance. Interior color will to. For example, the black interior makes the tint appear darker than with a car of a tan or light interior.

Review the state laws where you live. For the windshield, most states do not allow anything below the "ASI" line, the first six inches. As to the other windows, state limits vary. 30% is the limit here.

Familiarize yourself with the types of tint. Ceramic tint is the standard today. It blocks light and UV rays without interfering with cell or radio signals.

Tour some shops and see their operations. Most have displays showing the different levels of tint, to give you an idea how it will appear. You might get a piece of junk tint you can stick on the window and drive with for a bit.

Get estimates from several shops, shake hands and see their operations. You should find a happy medium on pricing. Avoid national chains. Avoid cheap or quick.

Whatever you get, come back and show some pics.

 

[Bikeman315]

Not that I noticed. If it's in the glass, it's so light it's useless.

It is and it’s referred to as solar glass. Designed to reduce reflections. But you are also correct that it is so light, maybe 5%, to make it virtually useless as a tint.

 

[RowdyRam]

I don't know about the factory tint on a base model, but I agree with everything @Skye said above. Ceramic blocks a LOT of heat and is worth the upcharge IMO. Having it on the windshield is a game changer. Cuts down on heat drastically when driving into the sun, and cuts down on glare as well.

Since you don't want dark tint, 35% is a nice level. 32% is what I've had on every previous car and it worked great in just about every situation.

This time I went with 70% ceramic on my windshield and 20% ceramic everywhere else and my *only* regret is that it's hard to see at night in dark, unlit areas, mainly when parking. In almost 2 years it's been an issue 2 times that I can remember. In both cases I just rolled the window down, but that would have sucked if it were raining at the time. I like the look of 20% but like the function of the lighter tint better.

Not sure if that helps, but that's my experience...

 

[Bikeman315]

This time I went with 70% ceramic on my windshield and 20% ceramic everywhere else

Good post. But most importantly, you used ceramic. That's what cuts the heat. The percentage doesn't matter so long as it's ceramic.

 

[BlkMach10510]

Good post. But most importantly, you used ceramic. That's what cuts the heat. The percentage doesn't matter so long as it's ceramic.

Ceramic is great.

 

[T Fades]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the feedback.

I've searched reviews of all the local shops in my area (within 30 mile radius), and the highest rated shop (linked below) is known to service very high end cars. I'm thinking their process will be more careful than a quick tint shop. I'm thinking about going here, but the only question I have it is not only a tint shop, but also does wraps, ppf, ceramic coatings. I know they computer cut their tint and seem to have a controlled environment.

What is your opinion on a shop that doesn't just do tint?

https://www.thediamondautosalon.com/

 

[ORRadtech]

No one near me JUST does tint. They all do something else. That wouldn't be a determining factor for me.

 

[Bikeman315]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the feedback.

I've searched reviews of all the local shops in my area (within 30 mile radius), and the highest rated shop (linked below) is known to service very high end cars. I'm thinking their process will be more careful than a quick tint shop. I'm thinking about going here, but the only question I have it is not only a tint shop, but also does wraps, ppf, ceramic coatings. I know they computer cut their tint and seem to have a controlled environment.

What is your opinion on a shop that doesn't just do tint?

https://www.thediamondautosalon.com/

It’s not what they do, it’s how they do it. If they are a top notch shop who cares what else they do?

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