[yellowgixxer]

Hi,

Sorry, it's late and I've been working all weekend so if this has been covered before please humour me.

My 2001 M5 has factory tints. I don't like them very much. Simple question, then. Is it a film and therefore readily removable or something more permanent?

Thanks.

YG

 

[Diny]

No such thing as factory tint. It was most likely installed at the dealership before being picked up (if not by a previous owner along the life of the car).

Removing it should be no different than any other thing.

EDIT: Aaand there is such a thing as factory tint. Damned Euro cars getting all the cool stuff...

 

[MikeyMike]

No such thing as factory tint. It was most likely installed at the dealership before being picked up (if not by a previous owner along the life of the car).

Removing it should be no different than any other thing.

Looks like the OP has a ECE (European-spec) car. While it was never an option for the US-spec car, the ECE cars can be optioned with factory tint, aka "Individual sunshade glazing (S761A)", which can be found here: Glazing BMW 5' E39, M5 (S62). Similar to our X3, X5, and X6 with the rear windows tinted from the factory.

To answer OP's question, if you do indeed have the S761A option, you can't remove the tint as it's permanent.

 

[marlow]

MikeyMike is correct. If you have the privacy glass option, then you need to change the windows, I'm afraid.

/M

 

[yellowgixxer]

Thanks folks.

Anyone in the UK want to swap their clear glazing for privacy glass?

YG

 

[feeblebob]

I had assumed it was 'built-in' to the glass itself, I was hoping so anyway as it should be more scratch-resistant.

I would probably prefer shades as opposed to factory tint, but the cost to get rid of one and get the other would probably be ridiculous, so won't bother.

Wish I had double-glazing though, how do you tell if you have that, as I don't even know if I have...or not....

 

[mailman]

Wish I had double-glazing though, how do you tell if you have that, as I don't even know if I have...or not....

Easiest way to check;
Pull down example driver window.
If you have "black rim" around the window, then you have double glazing.

 

[feeblebob]

Cheers Mailman, I assumed it was as simple, but wondered what the definitive answer was. Many thanks

Damn, could've found that post too...d'oh.

 

[Cemessi]

Thanks folks.

Anyone in the UK want to swap their clear glazing for privacy glass?

YG

I had a full set of glass from a car but got rid of it a while ago. Have you got a picture of them? I expect I'd keep mine but I'd be interested in seeing it.

 

[yellowgixxer]

Update:

I'll be getting it swapped out at the weekend with another board member who wants tints. Total cost just under £200 from a proper glazing company who will come to my house and do it on the spot. Which is a result

I will try to get some pictures before it happens though. I just need to get home while it's still daylight...

YG

 

[Cemessi]

Dude! Took me 30 minutes to do them and its super simple! I can give you instructions if you want.

 

[marlow]

I've got privacy glass, too, so this should give a good idea of what they are like.

Depending on the sun, they can look completely black

Then at a different angle/light you can see through

/M

 

[yellowgixxer]

Scott, it's front and rear sides plus the rear window. Isn't that bonded?

If it's really that easy then yes, I'd be happy to have instructions though. Drop me a PM or mail to simon at motorbikestoday dot com...

Cheers,

YG

 

[Cemessi]

The rear as well? That will be work with the TV booster connections and so on...

Instructions are easy, pop the door card off and pull back the black lining around the top. Wind the window all the way down and pull out the inner window rubber and then wind the window up until you see the giant nut appear in the large hole at the top of the door. Remove this nut and the glass will come out. Refit is the reverse.

For two rear screens it must take a few hours surely?

 

[shamus_mcd]

I've got privacy glass, too, so this should give a good idea of what they are like.

Depending on the sun, they can look completely black

Then at a different angle/light you can see through

/M

+1 Marlow Mines are the same

Just depends on the angle (Factory fitted) to how dark they look.
P.S
Marlow I like your back lights (where did you get them?)

 

[yellowgixxer]

Seamus, I have a spare set of those lights which will be going on Fleabay at the weekend unless you want to make me an offer now...

I'll start bidding at £275 plus shipping.

YG

 

[marlow]

Seamus, I have a spare set of those lights which will be going on Fleabay at the weekend unless you want to make me an offer now...

I'll start bidding at £275 plus shipping.

That sounds very expensive. I'm afraid you've been pulled over the table, if you paid that much for them. They are approx 114 GBP + shipping new from Germany.

Do yours come with the post-facelift specific cabling ? That could make them more expensive of course.

Marlow I like your back lights (where did you get them?)

I got mine on eBay from Germany. They are red/black clusters with LED for brake and rear lights. Rückleuchten BMW E39 (5er) Limo LED schwarz rot 95-00 on eBay (end time 30-Mar-11 18:04:18 BST)

/M

 

[yellowgixxer]

They're genuine Hella Celis lights and they come with the LKM and wiring adaptors to plug them straight into a pre-facelift car. Though you do need to make the holes in the bodywork slightly larger with a grinding wheel (slightly scary but only took a few minutes).

YG

 

[Nordic]

Individual sunshade glazing (S761A)

The Individual sunshade glazing comes in 2 variants:

For vehicles with:
Individual sunshade glazing (S761A) only

For vehicles with: Insulating double-glazing (S352A) And: Individual sunshade glazing (S761A)


Do you have double glazing as well?

Brgds

 

[feeblebob]

What's the difference with those then? Insulating vs. individual?