Ceramic film applied by a Certified XPEL Installer, cut to a digital pattern for every BMW body style and matched to what's actually legal to drive on in Illinois.
Tinted glass isn't just a look. It changes how the cabin feels and holds up over time.
Film rejects solar heat before it builds up in the cabin, so the AC works less and the interior stays cooler in direct sun.
Blocks up to 99% of UV rays, the same rays that fade and crack leather and dash trim over the years.
Cuts the low-sun glare that makes early morning and evening drives uncomfortable.
Darker glass keeps the cabin, and whatever's on the seats, out of view from outside.
Harder to see inside means harder to target. Tint is a small deterrent against opportunistic break-ins.
Window film holds shattered glass together rather than letting it scatter, which cuts down on flying-glass injury in a collision.
![[CONFIRM VEHICLE/SERVICE SHOWN], window tint install, Highland Park, IL](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTcwNyAyNTYwIiB3aWR0aD0iMTcwNyIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNTYwIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==)
![[CONFIRM VEHICLE/SERVICE SHOWN], window tint install, Highland Park, IL](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTkyMCAyNTYwIiB3aWR0aD0iMTkyMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyNTYwIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==)
![[CONFIRM VEHICLE/SERVICE SHOWN], window tint install, Highland Park, IL](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTE3MCAxNTYwIiB3aWR0aD0iMTE3MCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxNTYwIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==)
Swipe to explore more of our recent work.
From a 2 Series coupe to an X7, every package uses XPEL PRIME nano-ceramic film, cut on a digital plotter to your exact glass.
Heat rejection that matches your BMW's factory privacy glass on both front doors.
All side glass plus the rear window, tinted to one consistent, Illinois-legal shade.
Clear ceramic film across the windshield plus a non-reflective strip on the top 6 inches. It's the only windshield tint that's street-legal here.
Full vehicle tint plus windshield film and sun strip, done together in one visit.
20% tint is the most popular choice for matching the factory privacy glass on the rear windows for most SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans
Illinois law limits how dark front side windows may be. We'll confirm a legal, compliant shade for your BMW before installation. This is general guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Starting prices by body style and film tier. Your exact quote depends on glass count, curvature, and which package you choose.
| Service | XPEL CS | XPEL XR | XPEL XR+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 front side windows | from $150 | from $200 | from $275 |
| Coupes / convertibles (2, 4, 8 Series, Z4) | from $280 | from $380 | from $600 |
| 4-door sedans (3, 5, 7 Series, i4, i5, i7) | from $300 | from $450 | from $650 |
| Large SUVs (X5, X6, X7, XM) | from $400 | from $550 | from $800 |
X1, X2, X3 and X4 typically price between the sedan and large-SUV rows. We'll confirm the exact figure on your quote.
A quick look at the install process, straight from the shop floor.
Illinois splits vehicles into two classes under 625 ILCS 5/12-503, and BMW's lineup falls on both sides of that line.
Sedans, coupes, convertibles and hatchbacks (2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 Series, every M2/M3/M4/M5/M8, Z4, and the i4, i5 and i7 sedans) count as passenger motor vehicles. SUVs and crossovers (X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, XM and iX) count as multipurpose passenger vehicles and get more room on the rear glass.
| Window | Sedans, coupes & M cars | X-Series & iX |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective strip, top 6" only | Non-reflective strip, top 6" only |
| Front side windows | >35% light transmission | >50% light transmission |
| Back side windows | >35% light transmission | Any darkness permitted |
| Rear window | >35% light transmission | Any darkness permitted |
| Reflectivity | No mirrored / metallic film | No mirrored / metallic film |
This is a general summary, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the Illinois Secretary of State before you tint. See our full Illinois window tint law guide for the complete breakdown.
Published performance figures for each XPEL PRIME tier we install, by shade. Infrared (IR) rejection is what separates the tiers most: it's the heat you actually feel through the glass.
| Film & shade | IR rejection | UV rejection | TSER* | Glare reduction | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XPEL CS 5% | 12% | 99% | 45% | 95% | Lifetime |
| XPEL CS 20% | 12% | 99% | 42% | 78% | Lifetime |
| XPEL CS 35% | 12% | 99% | 36% | 62% | Lifetime |
| XPEL XR 5% | 78% | 99% | 66% | 95% | Lifetime |
| XPEL XR 20% | 78% | 99% | 64% | 78% | Lifetime |
| XPEL XR 35% | 78% | 99% | 59% | 60% | Lifetime |
| XPEL XR+ 5% | 96% | 99% | 71% | 95% | Lifetime |
| XPEL XR+ 20% | 96% | 99% | 66% | 80% | Lifetime |
| XPEL XR+ 35% | 96% | 99% | 59% | 58% | Lifetime |
*TSER = Total Solar Energy Rejected. [VERIFY: these IR rejection, TSER and glare-reduction figures against XPEL's official PRIME CS / PRIME XR / PRIME XR PLUS spec sheet before publishing. I wasn't able to independently confirm them against XPEL's own documentation, so treat them as needing a cross-check, not as final.] 50% shade specs weren't available in the source data. Ask us for that figure directly.
Unlimited Auto Style is a Certified XPEL Installer, using XPEL PRIME nano-ceramic window film. It's engineered without metal, so there's no signal interference, and it's backed by a lifetime warranty against fading, bubbling and peeling for as long as you own your BMW.
Learn more about our window tinting →
Coupe, Gran Coupe, Convertible, M2, M4
Sedan, Touring wagon, M3, M5
Sedan, Coupe, M8, Alpina B8
X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, XM
Darker rear glass legali4, i5, i7 sedans, iX SUV
Cabin heat load matters more with no engine to wasteZ4 roadster, E30, E36, E46, E90
"Outstanding job! Chris and his crew were extremely professional and provided excellent work with caring attention to detail. This was my 3rd vehicle he has worked on, and I will not hesitate to bring all of my future cars to him."
"Excellent service, excellent results, highly recommended"
"Really good service. Great finished product in the end. Very happy with the outcome. We've done several cars with them and will definitely be back."
Highland Park, Illinois
Founder & Lead Installer
Chris founded Unlimited Auto Style in Highland Park and still performs the work himself. As an XPEL-certified installer specialising in paint protection film, ceramic coating and window tinting, he handles every vehicle personally, which is why customers consistently name him in their reviews.
Serving Highland Park, Highwood, Lake Forest, Deerfield, Winnetka and the wider North Shore.
Get directionsThe darkest legal tint on a BMW sedan, coupe or M car is 35% VLT on every window. On X-Series SUVs and the iX, the front windows must stay above 50% VLT, while the back side windows and rear window can be any darkness. The windshield allows only a non-reflective strip across the top 6 inches on every BMW model.
20% tint is not legal on the front windows of a BMW sedan, coupe or M car in Illinois; those windows must stay above 35% VLT. 20% tint is legal on the rear windows of any BMW, and on the front windows of an X-Series SUV or iX, where the legal minimum is 50% VLT.
BMW window tinting starts at $150 for two front windows in our base film and goes up to $800 for a full large-SUV install in our top ceramic tier. The exact price depends on your body style, glass count, and film choice. See the pricing table above or request a free quote for an exact number.
35% tint still allows the driver and interior to be clearly visible from outside, while noticeably cutting glare and direct sun. It is the most common legal front-window shade for BMW 3, 4 and 5 Series cars.
Ceramic window tint uses non-metallic nano-ceramic particles instead of dye or metal to block heat and UV. Ceramic film costs more than dyed film, but it does not fade, blocks more heat, and does not interfere with wireless charging, GPS, or cellular signal. It is worth the extra cost on a BMW you plan to keep for more than a couple of years.
Most BMW window tinting installs take half a day to a full day, depending on the package. Cure time before you can roll the windows all the way down is usually a few days, depending on the film and the weather. We will confirm the exact cure time for your install.
Yes, we remove old or bubbling window tint. We strip the old film and adhesive residue before installing new tint, whether it is factory tint that has failed or a previous installer's work.
No, professionally installed window tint will not affect your BMW's antenna, rain sensor, or defroster lines. We digitally plot each window's pattern and cut the film before it touches the glass, so nothing is trimmed against the rear defroster lines, antennas, or sensors behind the mirror.
Yes, you can tint the panoramic sunroof on a BMW for extra heat rejection. It is priced separately from the side and rear glass packages, so ask us about it when you book.
Yes, many BMW owners combine window tint with paint protection film in one visit. Window tint protects the cabin and glass, while paint protection film protects the body. Ask us for a combined quote.
No, BMW does not apply window tint at the factory. The slight darkness on some factory glass is a pigment built into the glass itself; it is fixed and not adjustable, and it is not the same as aftermarket ceramic film. A specific tint percentage has to be installed aftermarket.
Tint installed by your dealership as part of a purchase package is covered under your BMW's warranty. Independent aftermarket tint generally does not affect your vehicle warranty, since it does not touch the drivetrain, electronics, or structure. Check your specific warranty paperwork or ask your dealer to be certain.
Book your BMW ceramic tint install at our Highland Park studio.
Free, no-obligation quote · Illinois-legal installs · Certified XPEL installer
Unlimited Auto Style is an independent window tint and paint protection installer and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by BMW AG or BMW of North America, LLC. "BMW" and all BMW model names are trademarks of their respective owners, used here for identification purposes only. The Illinois tint law summary above is provided for general guidance only and is not legal advice; confirm current requirements with the Illinois Secretary of State.
