Privacy glass?

[Stan82]

I have my S-line manual avant in ibis white on order and due for delivery mid may. I was steered away from the factory fit privacy glass by the dealer as they have offered to get it done when they receive the car at their dealership for a lot less, i've been quoted around £240, they'll use a reputable local firm. Has anyone had experience with external companies tinting the glass this way rather then factory fit option? Is there a difference i.e. is the glass actually made tinted at the factory or is a film or tint stuck to the glass like the retro fit way I've described. The dealer said the people they use are perfect and many local audi and merc dealers use them. My thinking is if the dealer has the tints done before i collect the car from them at least i'd have some come back if it wasn't up to scratch?

Finally, I have seen A LOT of people on here own a BE and they come standard privacy glass, my question is, is the interior made really dark as a result. I think the white with privacy glass will looking awesome but inside with the black leather and head lining is it TOO dark??? The demo i tried was white but had no privacy glass. Aesthetics aside I am expecting another child and the tint will help block some of the sun light out ?

Thoughts, suggestions?

[KevinA6]

I have a Mythos black BE with black leather. I don't find it to dark inside.

I would definitely go with the factory fit as a friend of mine just pick up his new 520d msport but the dealer forgot the spec the privacy glass... The dealer then had it done locally and when I took it for a spin when looking in the rear view mirror I could see distortion through the rear screen. In my BE it is crystal clear.

My advice go for the factory fit even if it's a bit more expensive.


2015 A6 S-Line Black Edition Ultra, S-Tronic, Black Leather, Bose, MMI Plus with Touch, Ambient lighting pack, 20" Twin spoke Wheels, Mythos Black Metalic.

[MarkTM]

Factory fit privacy glass may be tinted glass or not, regardless it will be warranted

Aftermarket won't have the same warranty.

Think about it, dealer charges you £240 and pays at least half of that to the local fitter...so more money in the dealerships coffers.

Always go factory fit :)

[A6S]

The tints take a few days to cure properly that's why you see ripple effect through the glass
both my a6 was done by the dealers with a local company and both was very good. Paid £160

[AllotmentChap]

If you have the option, get factory-fit privacy - the actual glass is coloured, and the finish is better.

For me, it wasn't an option, as I was buying used - and every car I found that had factory-fit privacy glass was the wrong spec/price/mileage in other areas. So I opted for tints, and got them done through the dealer; like you, my thought was that if they do a bad job, I can just get the dealer to sort it out, and the dealer will use a reputable firm anyway. As long as they use high-quality tints (I believe 3M film is the best) then you should get a good effect - although there will be very tiny bubbles around the black dotted outlines of the windows (it's unavoidable, apparently, but shouldn't detract from the effect). I gather that film tints filter UV too, which factory fit glass doesn't do.

One small advantage of aftermarket tints over factory fit privacy glass is that if at a later date you change your mind, and decide the car is too dark, reversing at night is too tricky, or that you just don't like it, you can get the tints removed. To switch the OEM privacy glass back to clear would be very, very expensive.

I am getting my tints done through the dealer for about £250; from a bit of research £300 seems to be the going rate for aftermarkets. Mine's a moonlight blue Allroad with black milano leather, but I'm not worried about it being too dark (that's the whole point). Main reasons for getting it were as a cooling aid on sunny days, and also to protect possessions on the back seats and in the boot.

Mine were done yesterday, and I collect the car tomorrow, so I'll update the thread on the end result when I get it (and maybe even a couple of pics, if I have time).

[Chesterfield313]

I would always go for the factory fitted tinted glass rather than aftermarket to save a couple of hundred pounds on a £40k car. Much prefer the thought of the actual glass being tinted than a film fitted. Not sure on the Audi, but on a lot of cars interior panels etc often have to be removed to get right into the corners to fit properly. I'm sure they know what they're doing, but taking bits off and putting them back on must increase the risk of cabin rattles in the future.

Yes, it is easier to take tints off, but I've never wanted to. Doesn't make the car particularly dark inside and certainly doesn't make night time visibility or reversing difficult.

[AllotmentChap]

Yeah, totally agree. For a new car, it only makes sense to get glass. If you're not sure about whether you want privacy or not, borrow a car from the dealer for an evening. :)

[Chesterfield313]

As an alternative you could try these blinds. They stay permanently in place, even with the windows down. Useful on holiday, you can leave the windows down when parked and flies can't get in. You can also remove them and stick them in the boot if you want.

They do also make it look a little bit darker from the outside, helping with the aesthetics a little.

I had them on my first C7 in early 2012. I got them free as I was the first with a C7 to request them and they took my car off me for the day, gave me a courtesy car, and made new ones for my car and a template to make more.

UV Privacy Car Shades Set of 6 Audi A6 4dr 11 - Vanstyle (http://www.uvcarshades.co.uk/privacy-shades-audi-p-4992.html)

[Stan82]

To clarify, I have ordered the car without privacy glass and as it's build week 18 I doubt I can add this now without delaying the order. So I'm left with getting the tints retro fit at the dealer or not having them at all?? The blinds chesterfield suggested are also an option however?

[AllotmentChap]

Have you checked with the dealer about altering the glass now? Might be worth a call.

I'll post pics of the dealer-fitted privacy glass tomorrow, so you can see what that option will look like.

[KevinA6]

For comparison purposes here are my factory fit tints http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/16/3f2e37967a50e1d4fad8f5d864db84d9.jpg


2015 A6 S-Line Black Edition Ultra, S-Tronic, Black Leather, Bose, MMI Plus with Touch, Ambient lighting pack, 20" Twin spoke Wheels, Mythos Black Metalic.

[AllotmentChap]

Might be good to post some close-ups of the edges of the windows etc. From a distance, I suspect that tints vs OEM glass will be indistinguishable. It's the close-up finish that's the differentiator.

Nice car though!

[KevinA6]

Might be good to post some close-ups of the edges of the windows etc. From a distance, I suspect that tints vs OEM glass will be indistinguishable. It's the close-up finish that's the differentiator.

Nice car though!

Thought that myself when I posted... Will get some close ups


2015 A6 S-Line Black Edition Ultra, S-Tronic, Black Leather, Bose, MMI Plus with Touch, Ambient lighting pack, 20" Twin spoke Wheels, Mythos Black Metalic.

[Whippy53]

As an alternative you could try these blinds. They stay permanently in place, even with the windows down. Useful on holiday, you can leave the windows down when parked and flies can't get in. You can also remove them and stick them in the boot if you want.

They do also make it look a little bit darker from the outside, helping with the aesthetics a little.

I had them on my first C7 in early 2012. I got them free as I was the first with a C7 to request them and they took my car off me for the day, gave me a courtesy car, and made new ones for my car and a template to make more.

UV Privacy Car Shades Set of 6 Audi A6 4dr 11 - Vanstyle (http://www.uvcarshades.co.uk/privacy-shades-audi-p-4992.html)

I use these. Very, very good.

[Aldoaccie]

I had local garage fit tints to my pre fl and they were fine. Not too dark and did the job. Pick up my new fl this Saturday (wait has been flipping awful!) and have already booked it into the same garage on Monday to have them fit them again. Only 100 quid so can't complain. Did think about getting factory fitted tints but after being happy with the local garage's efforts i didn't think paying Audi was worth it.

[B6Andy101]

The factory fit privacy is excellent. It does not make a not make the interior any noticeably darker. Hope you manage to get the order changed if this is what you want.

Id be interested to know which dealer recommended film over factory fit.

[Chesterfield313]

The factory fit privacy is excellent. It does not make a not make the interior any noticeably darker. Hope you manage to get the order changed if this is what you want.

Id be interested to know which dealer recommended film over factory fit.

Id be interested too, doesn't sound like they have Audi's interests as a priority. I'm too cynical to think they are putting the customer first, so the only thing I can think of is that the film supplier is making it worth their while somehow.

[Westyfield2]

Factory fit privacy is the best - the glass is actually coloured. I don't know the cost, but if the parts desk order it in could you just replace the pane of glass once the car has come?

[Chesterfield313]

I bet that would be incredibly expensive. If your car is still a week or two from the production line you might still be able to change it. For £390 I would get it added.

As it was the dealer who steered you away from this in the first place, which I think is wrong, be pretty firm with your request. Sure the dealer won't want you telling Audi about this practise. When actually placing your order, you can usually get around 25% off your options too, so they've even cost you £100 doing this, as you won't be able to get that for a last minute addition.

[Thriftmeister]

Unbelievable:confused:

Privacy glass on any car looks pants. Just my opinion I know, but it does! Windows are for seeing through, if you don't want windows get a transit.

On an Avant makes it look like a van/ambulance. Unless you're hiding an Arab Sheik just don't do it, save the £160-390 for something useful like heated seats.
Fire away people but I really don't get this level of bling.:biglaugh:

[AllotmentChap]

I already have heated seats. ;-)

Like you say, your opinion. Horses for courses - I actually prefer the look with privacy. Besides, it's not just about looks, but function too - I value keeping the car cooler, and my possessions safer.

[AllotmentChap]

Here you go. Pretty pleased with the results myself! :D

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/17/5534bbab26de28c1d893ef4f1798cf73.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/17/494a9708575a6b3611e5659d9441141c.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/17/3dfaff55ef3fa631cf977e2b2843257e.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/17/06c97cea7e572a4bde9a8f640f1bf843.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/17/dcab8abc28e36ad09184ee0a10dc4b98.jpg

[Westyfield2]

Unbelievable:confused:

Privacy glass on any car looks pants. Just my opinion I know, but it does! Windows are for seeing through, if you don't want windows get a transit.

On an Avant makes it look like a van/ambulance. Unless you're hiding an Arab Sheik just don't do it, save the £160-390 for something useful like heated seats.
Fire away people but I really don't get this level of bling.:biglaugh:
To be perfectly honest, I kind of agree.

I only think it looks good on a dark coloured car (black).

One thing to note if you're getting rear window tints, definitely make sure you get Quad Zone climate. Otherwise when the front seat passengers are getting sunshine through their glass, the climate control will detect the sun/heat and pump out cold air. But the passengers in the back seats aren't getting the heat from the sun, and yet still get the same cold air.
I've had rear privacy glass in both a Lexus and a Volvo which only had Dual Zone climate, and the rear seat passengers were constantly complaining that they were cold. In the end they would keep their heated seats turned on the whole time just to try and stay warm! People in the front seats were absolutely fine, and it took a while to realise that it was the rear tinted glass causing it.
In my A6 it's ok though, as with the Quad Zone climate the rear passengers can do whatever they want.

[wildbore]

...when the front seat passengers are getting sunshine through their glass, the climate control will detect the sun/heat and pump out cold air. But the passengers in the back seats aren't getting the heat from the sun, and yet still get the same cold air.
It will take the full heat of summer for me to be sure, but I was on a long drive headed west yesterday and had the full power of the sun coming through the driver's side window for a long time and I noted how well the new double-glazed / heat insulating glass cuts out the heat of the sun. Very impressed (it's also superbly quiet, too).

The new glass is standard on all FL cars (fitted to front windows only, with no option to upgrade the rears), and also has major security benefits, too.

[AllotmentChap]

Not a problem for me. I almost never have people in the back seat. And if I do, I don't care what temp they are, as long as I'm okay. ;) :p

[Stan82]

Ok decision made. I've found the tinting company that my Audi dealer use. I called them today for an independent quote which was £245! So I'm not lining the Dealers pockets there, they said it'll be around £250. I had a 15 minute conversation with a very helpful lady to discuss what I wanted. A massive plus for me with 2 kids and and 3rd due in 3 weeks is the film cuts 99% of UV rays and blocks and considerable amount of heat from the son where as the factory glass will not.
I've been assured that the tints will look just like the glass Audi offers and will not make the interior much darker.

[AllotmentChap]

Yep, matches with what I thought. And the tints in the picture above are barely noticeable from within the car - they don't make it much darker at all.

[Chesterfield313]

Unbelievable:confused:

Privacy glass on any car looks pants. Just my opinion I know, but it does! Windows are for seeing through, if you don't want windows get a transit.

On an Avant makes it look like a van/ambulance. Unless you're hiding an Arab Sheik just don't do it, save the £160-390 for something useful like heated seats.
Fire away people but I really don't get this level of bling.:biglaugh:

You drive an Audi and you don't like a bit of bling?! You might want to consider moving brands.........

[Chesterfield313]

Ok decision made. I've found the tinting company that my Audi dealer use. I called them today for an independent quote which was £245! So I'm not lining the Dealers pockets there, they said it'll be around £250. I had a 15 minute conversation with a very helpful lady to discuss what I wanted. A massive plus for me with 2 kids and and 3rd due in 3 weeks is the film cuts 99% of UV rays and blocks and considerable amount of heat from the son where as the factory glass will not.
I've been assured that the tints will look just like the glass Audi offers and will not make the interior much darker.

Just how much heat will he give off! :p

On on a serious note, to save £145 over having actual tinted glass fitted at the factory, I definitely wouldn't do it. And, if I was doing it aftermarket I would get it through the dealer, especially if it was only a fiver difference. Usually a bit of interior trim is taken off to get them on properly. Any future cabin rattles and the dealer would look at your tints and say sorry sir, not our problem, but they couldn't do that if they'd arranged it for you.