Radar Detector Advice

[GammaZeta]

After a "close" call in NY on my way home to pick up the Z4M (the officer wrote me up for a cell phone violation instead of speeding) I've been giving serious consideration to a radar detector.

Now, I know the V1, etc., are the very best but I don't want a traditional suction cup windshield mounted version with the cord hanging down, so I have it narrowed down to a cordless visor mounted version, and a stealth install version. I don't feel comfortable with the regular version and want it to be hidden either on the visor w/o cords or as a stealth install.

The battery powered cordless is probably not as good, but it is a breeze to install: http://www.amazon.com/Whistler-XTR-5...117792&sr=8-40

or

http://www.amazon.com/Escort-Solo-Co...2191599&sr=1-1

The stealth is a little more money, time consuming and needs to be installed (I would DIY): http://www.amazon.com/Whistler-PRO-3.../dp/B004HVJIGA

Of course the stealth would be a BETTER detector, I mostly just do country side roads in New England. Would I really need that BETTER protection when compared to the cordless? I don't speed a lot, especially not on the highways. My Z4M is not my daily driver. It would mostly be for the country roads when a local townie cop has a few minutes of nothing to do and pulls out his radar. On side roads, I stay mostly close to the limit, but sometimes the limit can change very rapidly, and by quite a few MPH.

If I do go with the stealth, I would mount the antenna on the cross bars behind the kidney grills, run it though the fire wall (that's another question/post) and then mount the display controller by my left knee under the dash.

Based on my conservation and low mileage driving habits, can I get away with the lesser protection of a cordless or should I go with a stealth no matter what?

The OTHER option would be to get hardwire one behind my rear view mirror and permanently mount it onto the rain sensor module. Of course, I don't have many options since the detection unit couldn't have all the flashing lights, etc.

I found these two possibilities since the detector is very stealth: http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-XRS-R9G-.../dp/B000NPIBC6 and http://www.crutchfield.com/p_079IRAD...or.html?tp=142

In those cases, I would use the remote for the changes and monitoring. I would permanently wire them as shown here:

[Kgolf31]

You're thinking way too hard here.

1. Locating the radar unit behind anything like kidney grills and what not will limit performance. The HIGHER and no obstructions you can have, the better range you will have (aka right next to your mirror).

2. Just hardwire a radar detector that requires a cord. I have a Passport 8500x50 that I have hardwired on the left side of my mirror (which I might be considering to sell). It's small, discrete and does the job on cheap. You can't even notice it's there:

[CJW2OO4]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

You're thinking way too hard here.

1. Locating the radar unit behind anything like kidney grills and what not will limit performance. The HIGHER and no obstructions you can have, the better range you will have (aka right next to your mirror).

2. Just hardwire a radar detector that requires a cord. I have a Passport 8500x50 that I have hardwired on the left side of my mirror (which I might be considering to sell). It's small, discrete and does the job on cheap. You can't even notice it's there:

I have a v1 that is hardwired. Hardwiring takes like 5 minutes and its a nice clean install.

[GammaZeta]

I really don't want to mount a traditional looking radar detector due to theft and vandalism concerns. I don't want anything that doesn't look stock, even if you have to look for it for a while. The unit can't have lights, flashes, etc.

It would be ok to mount the receiver on the stealth behind the kidney grills. From the manual on Whistler:

Radar signals will
pass through non-metallic materials such as fiberglass and
plastic, however, because of the laser receiver, there can be
no material blocking the receiver’s antenna window. If
obstruction cannot be avoided, consider the vertical
mounting option.

I really want to avoid any type of suction cup mounting.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by GammaZeta

I really don't want to mount a traditional looking radar detector due to theft and vandalism concerns. I don't want anything that doesn't look stock, even if you have to look for it for a while. The unit can't have lights, flashes, etc.

It would be ok to mount the receiver on the stealth behind the kidney grills. From the manual on Whistler:

Radar signals will
pass through non-metallic materials such as fiberglass and
plastic, however, because of the laser receiver, there can be
no material blocking the receiver’s antenna window. If
obstruction cannot be avoided, consider the vertical
mounting option.

I really want to avoid any type of suction cup mounting.

Okay, it can pass through plastic, but what happens when it's an O/A (Off-Axis) hit?

Not to mention, you're screwed on rear hits. You're going to have blinders on dead ahead, which is often where you DO NOT get hit.

To add onto that, you're insanely close to the ground, and you'll compromise range.

I've had mine mounted all last year. I've been fine. My past E46 I had it mounted in the same location for 3 years. I've been fine.

You can do what you want, but you're going to compromise 1 thing or the other.

No lights (or display) for the matter, you won't even know your band that you're encountering.

[txz4]

I understand you dont want any suction cups but i will tell you, i flat out fell naked driving with anything but my V1. I have it hardwired near the mirror with a kill switch under my steering wheel. There is a company that makes a mirror with whatever kind of radar detector implanted inside of it that you would like you might want to look into, sounds exactly like what your looking for.

[GammaZeta]

Most of my drives are in very desolate, or wooden areas, so if it ever goes off I would just slow down. I'm not too concerned on false alarms.

On the side roads, cops aren't traveling that much. The few that I have seen have set up radar traps on the side of the road and they're just chilling in their cars.

Since I won't be turning it on that much, aesthetics are important to me, even at the cost of some functionality.

[Kgolf31]

Why won't you leave it on at all times?

There have been plenty encounters when I'm on side roads where a patrol car was just strolling around and leaving their radar on trying to catch someone.

Of all places where you'd think you would get radar...you don't

[GammaZeta]

I wouldn't leave it on all the time because I rarely go over the speed limit, and am super conscious. I've never had a speeding ticket in over 16 years.

Now that I am exploring more backwoods roads which I am unfamiliar with, the only time I need one is when I am driving the Z4M for a specific reason.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by GammaZeta

I wouldn't leave it on all the time because I rarely go over the speed limit, and am super conscious. I've never had a speeding ticket in over 16 years.

Now that I am exploring more backwoods roads which I am unfamiliar with, the only time I need one is when I am driving the Z4M for a specific reason.

Why don't you want to know where the cops are at during any time of the day? (Given they have their radar at constant on)

Sometimes cops will try to tag you for anything that you do...even if it's 2mph over, no signal...etc

If you're going to drive a Z4M for a specific reason, do it auto-crossing or on the track. Sorry, but I'm big into driving the car in places that are meant for it.

[GammaZeta]

I really didn't start the post for driving advice, I just wanted some recommendations on a radar detector.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by GammaZeta

I really didn't start the post for driving advice, I just wanted some recommendations on a radar detector.

Ideally, you don't need a radar detector is you're a perfect driver. Apparently that isn't true for you or me.

Leave it on at all times, it's a simple comment. You're on a public forum, suck it up.

[22022]

GammaZeta,
I install a K-40 EX2 with radar and laser Defuser.
The install is not to hard providing you have some good mechanical skills.
There is some hard wiring involved,and you need to install modules on your front and rear bumper.I can post some pictures if you like.
Its worked good for me,its stealth. were I live the cops will impound your car for going 25 miles hr over the speed limit for 7 days + around $2000.00 fine.

http://www.k40.com/

[Blind32]

http://www.radar-mirror.com/
makes a great mirror for radar detectors. I've seen a couple since the guy is local. They are beautiful.
Here is a vid:
Short

Long

I haven't taken the plunge yet but I'm planning on getting a V1 when I do. I'm curious how you guys mount it so that the rear receiver isn't blocked by our rear hatch. For it to be hit from the back, you have to mount it almost to the middle of the front windshield no?
Sorry, don't mean to derail your thread.

[Shipkiller]

Since you don't want a suction-cup mount, you could go with a remote, but they are much more expensive. V1 has a remote option, and the BEL STi-R is designed as a remote. Also you have the Passport 9500ci Remote.

Stay away from cordless RD's. They suck..

Cutting into the mirror powers is way drastic. It really is much easier/cleaner to route the power cable to the fuse box.
Since my BEL STi-Magnum (upgraded from an STi-Driver) is a cup mount, I routed the wiring from the detector under the roof liner (just tuck it in), down the right A-piller (the A-piller trim just pops off) and down to the fuse box. I also installed a hidden power switch so if you get pulled over, you can turn the damn thing off. Everything I have read says that if you do get pulled over and the police officer hears the RD going off, things just go down hill from there.....

Do a search on Ron Styger's install of the V1 remote. He removed the drivers cup holder, installed the factory blanking plate and mounted the remote in the blanking plate. I think it's on Bimmerfest.

I can remove my RD in less than five seconds and you cannot see it from the side or rear of the car, even at night. You can only see it from directly in front. In that position, it will also alert you to a laser hit. YES it does.....

One thing to remember, the status lights let you know at what the signal strength is and what band. If I get a signal strength two kit on the K band, I am not that concerned but a SS-3 or better gets my attention. ANY Ka band hit is a thread.
If you are going to spend the money to get one, do it right or it will give you a false sense of security and you will get nailed...



Power switch:

[dekaliber]

A V1 hardwired and placed up near the top of the windshield is extremely inconspicuous and easy to remove if pulled over. I did it a couple of years ago and never thought twice about it. No tickets since (at least in my car -- got a ticket on my motorcycle this weekend) and I drive regularly 20+ over the limit on the highway. I typically don't speed on local roads unless it's ridiculous not to (i.e. 35 mph for a 4 lane state route).

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

If you are going to spend the money to get one, do it right or it will give you a false sense of security and you will get nailed...

Amen to that. Now I really wish there was a better provision for radar detection on motorcycles.

[gtMc]

Been studying options on this for a while too, and have similar wants and needs as you do Gamma. I've Been leaning towards the V1 with the display embedded in the rearview mirror itself, as mentioned above. Can't get much more discreet than that, just as long as it works well. If I could do an install and wasn't considering the in-mirror route, I'd pick Ships, that's sweet.

[GammaZeta]

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

Everything I have read says that if you do get pulled over and the police officer hears the RD going off, things just go down hill from there.....

Which is why I would like to avoid the suction cups and make it a little more hidden.

[gtMc]

Originally Posted by GammaZeta

Which is why I would like to avoid the suction cups and make it a little more hidden.

Yep, in mirror display. Or a remote display elsewhere. Kill switch is a good idea too for obvious reasons.

[GammaZeta]

Yeah, the mirror display would be great, but it still requires mounting the main unit in a location that is unobstructed.

However, the custom stealth enclosure looks promising: http://www.radar-mirror.com/Store_V1.html

[gtMc]

There ya go.

With that - If you care about laser - might need to consider a jammer...
I've always heard if the laser detector goes off, its already too late. Maybe I don't know about the right detector if one exists for laser.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by gtMc

There ya go.

With that - If you care about laser - might need to consider a jammer...
I've always heard if the laser detector goes off, its already too late. Maybe I don't know about the right detector if one exists for laser.

Nope, you're correct.

On very rare occasions you can catch LIDAR coming through the windshield of the car in front of you. But that's never likely to happen.