oswiff

Wanted to know if anyone had recommendations for integrated radar and laser detectors?

I have used 3 of the manufacturers out there:
- Passport 9500ci
- V1 - integrated with the readouts in the rearview mirror
- K90

I am really torn because they all seem to have their pros and cons.

In my opinion, the 9500ci which both Porsche dealers I purchased cars from raved about. But I wasn't crazy about the way that they were installed on the interior, maybe it's the installer but you could see the wire and the readout was velcroed into place.
The K90 was done at Manhattan Mercedes but when driving and with the radio on, you could barely hear the warnings and at night the flashing blue lights got a little annoying. The biggest minus to me was that it had the receptor for the remote that had to mounted somewhere and they mounted it on my dash.
The v1 was the sleekest by far in my opinion but I'm not sure if it always picked up what it should. Sometimes it wouldn't go off and there would be a cop sitting right on the side of the highway. I guess the cop could be there just for show but it seemed like it was too often to be a coincidence. The dealer said everything was working fine.

If anyone has any thoughts or recommendations, I would appreciate it.

James@ACG

I am a big fan of the passport 9500ci, and from your issues that you have listed, i would go with the 9500ci, and find a better place to have it installed at. We have done a few installs hiding the display in the coin holder next to the shifter, have placed it next to the shifter, and also on the instrument cluster.

It seems that you don't have a problem with the 9500ci at all, you have an issue with the way it was installed.

James@ACG

oswiff

Thanks for the reply James. You are correct, it was definitely the install more than issues with the performance.
Does your company in Brooklyn install radar and laser detectors as well? Do you work with the three manufacturers I mentioned or strictly with Passport? If so, any pros or cons you can offer me for the other two companies?

urgentcaredoc

I would definately go with the 9500ci. Very reliable and I'm sold on the lasar protection...it works. Had one in my M3 now another in my C63.

As the other posts mention, it's the install that makes it. If you were in Houston I would give you a reference unfortunately a long drive.

Good luck!

oswiff

Could you describe to me where they mounted the readout monitor and how they ran the wire from the mounted remote to the readout on your c63? If you have any photos that would be even better.

In my experience, on my 911 they mounted the remote on the ride side next to the steering column. then you can see the wire being run along the trim and then somewhere into the center console and the readout was velcroed to a slot in the center console.

urgentcaredoc

Give me a couple days and I'll get you some photos of mine. The interior mount is almost similar to the M3 mount I had in past.

The exterior was more of a challange in the C63 compared to the M3 due to the spacial limiations of the front bumper and diffuser.

oswiff

That's great. Really appreciate it

If it's not too much trouble, could you get shots of where the exterior sensors are? What you say about the space limitation definitely makes sense now that you mention it.

Btw, how do you like your Edition 1? Getting mine next weekend (not as tricked out as yours unfortunately). Hard to get any work done, just watching the same youtube videos featuring the car.

Cartronics

+1 on the 9500 - check the photos on our site - we have a COMPLETE stealth install that every customer raves about. Completely hidden in the mirror with no etching or external indication it is there when the car is off. It is a beautiful install. I can take any requested pictures if you want more than what is on our site.

DuaneC63

I'd wait until the patents on V-1 arrows expire. Then you can get the best of both worlds as the passport with clearly come out with a new model with the arrows and the V-1 will need to adapt the passport GPS features to remain competative. The better laser jammer now have the ability to couple with the radar detectors offering even a higher level of stealth and protection.

emericr

I have the 9500ci and could not be happier with it.
I have the Valentine in my other car and the false alarms are really too much.
The GPS abilities to tag spots is great with the passport and that would be my choice.
Not the same price range as the Valentine but if you are OK with that, I think that would be the best choice.

oswiff

Thanks everyone for their input.
I've decided to go with the 9500, found a guy that can fully integrate it, no visible wires.

urgent care doc - I'd still like to see pics your setup when you get a chance.

urgentcaredoc

Here ya' go hope this helps. The dash view shows where the indicator and GPS receiver (lower left windshield) are located.

You will appreciate the system...good luck

Lenin

The placement of your laser heads is not ideal. To maximize effectiveness, the fronts should more more apart closer to the headlights and the rear should be higher and closer to your license plate.

hyperion667

Cartronics

+1 for sure. Those are not going to be very effective. For those interested, we do rent out our Lidar guns for testing for next to nothing... We do it more as a courtesy to end users, because there are WAY too many bad installs, and then people get tickets and assume it is the equipment.

Firewired

Has anyone heard of laser interceptor? I was told they are the best on the market and will integrate and plug into my V1.

Anyone have experience with the brand?

Lenin

What you were told about V1 integration with LI is all true. I use LI with a Beltronics STI-R Plus. Good product and has a good range. One of the best on the market (if not the best).

oswiff

So finally got a chance to take photos of my car this weekend. Here are shots of the 9500 integrated into the dash display. It shows up under the audio "page" on the center readout. When there isn't a reading, the regular audio information is displayed. When there is a reading, the type of alert is displayed until the alert goes away then everything returns to normal. The controls and the Passport readout is hidden in the center console. Takes up a little bit of space, but worth the trade off in my opinion. Really happy with the install.

604 C63

Oswiff - that is truly one of the coolest installs I have ever seen on this site. Kudos!!!

Any idea how that is done?

oswiff

Thanks! I was really surprised when the installer (North Olmsted Performance part of Mercedes of North Olmsted where my car was purchased) told me he could do this. I am not clear on the details of the install and don't want to give incorrect information, but from what he told me, he said that they were able to get a code and use a part that plugs into the computer that makes the readout appear on the audio. He said that no original wires are cut or spliced and nothing was removed. The only catch is that if you have distronic (i don't) you can't use x band because it interferes, but i'm not sure x band is necessary anyway. If you want details, you can call North Olmsted Performance and I am sure the owner Jim Shields will be more than happy to give you the details and maybe refer you to someone who can install it the same way for you in your area.

Lenin

Nice clean install. North Olmsted Performance guys did good for you. You just can't drive around NYC/NJ/LI area without the proper tools any more. Enjoy.

Childish///AMG

How far are you from Sa-Town?? "PCSing" there in April. Basically meeting my car there Definately want to get a good install.

urgentcaredoc

3 hours from SA can't help you out there. Army or AF?
Good luck and welcome to TX.