lark

I am thinking about having this installed in my ML350 - not that I drive so fast, but because I seem to be going faster than I think in this truck! I haven't been able to find too many reviews on this unit, and was wondering if anyone has personal experience.

Where did you put the display? How long did it take to install? I have been quoted 4 hours to install the detector and the laser shifters. Total cost, with detector is about $1,200.00.

I decided not to get the Escort 9500ci because it is gawd-awful expensive to install and I will not get a dash mount. I understand the 9500 is a superior detector, but I'm just not going to pay $3,000.00.

roadrutz

No personal experience, but according to Radar Roy and others (of whose credibility I have no idea) the QI45 uses exactly the same laser "shifters" -- love that term! -- as the 9500ci. Installation should take 45 minutes (hence its name -- Quick Install 45) in part because there is only one wire to run through the firewall, and the shifters add another 15 to 30 minutes. The main difference from the 9500 is lack of rear protection.

lark

Although I did note on the Escort web site - the fine print at the bottom - that some cars may take longer. MB is listed as one of those. I think it has to do with the firewall or something.

The installer I contacted, who has a fantastic reputation, snorted at the idea of a 45 min install on the MB.

I had not seen that the shifters were the same as the 9500. Thanks.

ninjajim4

should check out radardetector.net. lots of info on there. i hear those shifters are not that great. i don't think there's really a great place to put a remote unit either. i think the best (cleanest) solution is the V1 interface that hooks into the display, though i have some issues with the design of that as well

lark

Where does the V1 go if the concealed display is used? I read the explanation on the Valentine web page to say that the display on the main unit is blacked out, but the actual detector must still be on the dash/window.

Maybe I missed something on the Valentine page? I do not want a detector mounted in the interior either on the dash or the windshield.

ninjajim4

you're right.. that is a standalone detector, not a vehicle integrated one. you could technically put it in the engine bay, but you would lose rear detection. i just have mine clipped to the visor.

did you look at the sti-r at all? i think that combined with a separate laser system would be pretty ideal. though i also like the arrows on the v1

lark

I believe the sti-r has been discontinued. Didn't Escort buy Beltronics? Beltronics RX45 looks identical to the Escort Qi45

ninjajim4

not sure who bought who, but yes they're the same company now. i still prefer their bel lines better *shrug*

if youre trying to buy direct off their site, yea i'm sure they're not pushing it anymore since they have other more expensive stuff. but then that's kind of my point -- you get as good/better coverage with the sti, while not paying for mediocre laser stuff packaged in with it, at a lower price for the unit itself as well.

lark

Thank you. I will look at the sti and see if it is still available. I'm a novice at this, and appreciate your advice.