BlueWorld

I'm considering tinting our silver A3 with Llumar platinum plus. We're going with a 50%, so it won't peg out the bling-0-meter.

I've read a lot of people cautioning against sputtered metal tint because of it's interference with Navigation/Radio/Cell reception.

With the A3, I'm pretty sure the shark fin pod is the antenna for GPS/SatRadio/Cell reception, so I'm not concerned about them.

I'm not sure about FM. Is the FM in the pod up top, or in the rear window?

Does anybody have a sputtered metal tint who can comment on FM reception?

I don't care about AM since the only thing I listen to on AM is now PodCast and sounds way better that way.

scbauer

I'm pretty sure that's what I have. I have some sort of Llumar tint with "metal in the tinting" (according to the guy at the shop). I'm not exactly sure if this is what you are asking about, but I will say that there was absolutely no change in radio reception when I got my tinting done. I don't have GPS, but SAT radio is flawless.

I've never heard about people losing reception on radio frequencies because of tint, but I guess it could happen... basically like wrapping your windows in foil, right?

Go for the tinting... it looks great and helps a lot with the heat.

-Scott
(aka "10 on the bling-0-meter" with my 15% tint)

April

Isn't that for Bluetooth equipped cars being built at the factory about now?

CEB

metallic tint wreaks havok with some AM reception.....

MikeSS

The AM/FM antenna is contained within the top of the hatch, above the glass.

CMcLeod

I replied over on VWvortex, but just in case...

I've got Formula One Film (titanium sputter film) on my A3 and had it installed by Custom Sun Control in Marietta, GA. There are no reception issues at all. I went with a 35% 'reflective' film that looks great IMO. It is not 'mirrored' looking, but it has great privacy, and is legal.

I highly recommend both the film and the installer. 4th car by/with both, and they've been there for years. Ask for Danny. He's always taken good care of me and my cars.<ul><li><a href="http://www.customsuncontrol.com/indexcustomsun.htm">http://www.customsuncontrol.com/indexcustomsun.htm</a</li></ul>

raduga_9

can you post pics of the tint?

CMcLeod

Sure, I need to take photos anyway.