3M Film Recommendation

[Barneythebanker]

I’m looking for some advice on film for my new car. I’ve historically had 35% Solar Guard Galaxie installed on all my VWs and really enjoyed the look of it. I think they metered out at 28%ish the last time I got pulled over.
 

Now I just picked up a 3 series BMW and the shop I want to use carries 3M products. They have FX High Performance 5,15,20,30,35&50%, Color Stable 5,20,35&50% and Ceramic IR 5,15,25,35&50%. In my reading it seems like 3M’s advertised percentage is what your end result is, so I’m not sure what film or percentage to go with. I don’t care about heat rejection, just get tint for looks as I’m in Wisconsin. What would you recommend? Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!  

Edited December 5, 2021 by Barneythebanker

[highplains]

3M depends entirely on the line in how that works out. I can tell you from experience that the Color Stable 35 installed typically is going to meter between 27% and 30%, I haven't used the FXHP but based on my experience with the FXPM I'd expect it to be the same as Color Stable. The Ceramic IR was released just after I stopped carrying 3M so I cant say for sure but that should be the new system where the 30% *should* put you in where you want to be. The installer should be able to steer you in the right direction for sure though.

[Barneythebanker]

6 hours ago, highplains said:

3M depends entirely on the line in how that works out. I can tell you from experience that the Color Stable 35 installed typically is going to meter between 27% and 30%, I haven't used the FXHP but based on my experience with the FXPM I'd expect it to be the same as Color Stable. The Ceramic IR was released just after I stopped carrying 3M so I cant say for sure but that should be the new system where the 30% *should* put you in where you want to be. The installer should be able to steer you in the right direction for sure though.

Thanks for the response! So in other words a 3M 35% CS is probably going to meter out similarly to the Galaxie I used in the past? Within that range my options are CS 35%, IR 35% or IR 25% if we skip the FX-HP. I’m worried that 25% will be too dark. Really wish they carried the CS or IR in 30%. 

[highplains]

10 hours ago, Barneythebanker said:

Thanks for the response! So in other words a 3M 35% CS is probably going to meter out similarly to the Galaxie I used in the past?

That's correct.

 

Your best bet on the IR is to check with them to see what's typical for it to meter after installation and go from there or see if they have a vehicle on site you can look at with either film installed.