dsayed

My 2010 E550c is back. Escort 9500ci installed with Mid City Engineering radar detector interface.
Benchmark Motoring in Bellevue, WA did a very clean install with the Escort control and display replacing the ashtray. I have also pulled the cigarette lighter and replaced it with a 2.1A USB socket (to charge an iPhone or iPad).



Rear laser shifter:


USB socket for 9500ci firmware and database update located next to OBD diagnostics port and hood release:


Integrated dashboard display of 9500ci messages through Mid City unit:



I've noticed that the alert takes about 4 seconds to appear in the dashboard display - I'm not sure why this is. The audio from the radar detector also goes through the car audio. The steering wheel controls supposedly control the radar detector too but I"ve not tried these yet. When my license plates arrive, they will build out the rear license plate mount so that the laser shifter is flush with it.

They also installed clear side markers that I bought from eBay and LED license plate and ceiling lights from iJDMToys. Unfortunately the rear ceiling lights did not fit so they used a generic LED light in the back. Unfortunately, they left the stock amber bulbs in the side markers rather than the chromed ones I had provided. I guess I'll do that myself.




Metropolitan Detail also in Bellevue, WA did full front end protection with XPEL and coated the windshield with AquaPel. You can see the door edge protection here:


I have the metal Mercedes pedals (TS pedal system) to put on too.

MEM550

how much did it cost u to install the radar? where did u do it?

dsayed

With the 9500ci and the Mid City Engineering device, close to $4k with taxes.
Got it done at Benchmark Motoring who do a lot of these installs around here.

el-coupe

Very nice upgrades ...

BlueBuda

In NJ - same install - AutoImage Inc. $2300 he charged me $1850 for the 9500ci installed and I had the midcity purchased on my own for $450. I'll post pics of the install under a separate reply.

Same experience - delay with the dash message, but audio comes in right away. Steering wheel controls work but the volume setting is figidity.

BlueBuda

Here is where the Actual Radar Unit was mounted. Not on the grill but part of the vehicle to avoid the hood open/close disturbing the mount.

Engine compartment mount:


Laser Shifters:


This shifter actually was wired in a way to move it to the bottom rung of the license plate also. I will be moving it there because the open/close handle is awkward with it there.


Dash - clean and will have the ashtray back in there. With the midcity integration you don't need the gawdy aftermarket crap look. hide that stuff and control it elsewhere. (just my opinion - i couldn't justify having the controls out in open or taking the place of something. I wanted it discrete. The on/off light indicator is right under the cigarette lighter. so natural you don't take notice.


Update USB port. Right under the steering dash next to the light so you don't have to fumble with the wire or need a flashlight etc.

dsayed

That's a good price! There seems to be a lot of variation depending on where you are. I looked on some other boards and prices are all over the map.
I'm sure mine was at the high end but I like the fact that they constructed an insert for the ashtray and did a really neat install of the controller and the display. Also, when I get my license plate they will build out a mount so that the rear laser transducer is flush mounted. Not sure that all that represents $1700 worth of additional value over your install though

My steering controls do not work. In discussions with the installer and the This may be due to a second splitter being needed that was not supplied with the unit. They will install that when I go back with my license plate.

While I like the integration that the Mid City unit provides, it is of limited use due to the delay and the fact that the display only shows up when you're in audio mode. Another option that the installer mentioned was to replace the rear view mirror with one that has the display integrated. Had I known about the limitations of the Mid City unit, I might have gone that route.
I'll post close ups of the transducers later.