Radar detector advice
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Washington D.C. area
190 2.3 and C320
Radar detector advice
Hi, guys and gals, I drive a 2002 C320 Sedan and I am looking for a good radar detector that costs under $200. Do you have any advice or experience? Which radar detector do you recommend? Will use of a radar detector interfere with the electronics of the car? Thanks for your help!
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,403
Likes: 21
From: South Florida
Fast Cars!
Re: Radar detector advice
Originally posted by aborwick
Hi, guys and gals, I drive a 2002 C320 Sedan and I am looking for a good radar detector that costs under $200. Do you have any advice or experience? Which radar detector do you recommend? Will use of a radar detector interfere with the electronics of the car? Thanks for your help!
Hi, guys and gals, I drive a 2002 C320 Sedan and I am looking for a good radar detector that costs under $200. Do you have any advice or experience? Which radar detector do you recommend? Will use of a radar detector interfere with the electronics of the car? Thanks for your help!
its not going to mess up the electronics, i have a Bel forgot which model it is but its wireless and runs on 2 AA batteries. It works pretty good and its good because i dont need any wires.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,924
Likes: 1
From: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
C230 Sports Coupe
valentine makes great ones but they are $$$. I have a cobra I like it alot. I have it wired underneath the console.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
Are radar detectors legal in the States? You guys are pretty lucky, they're illegal here in Canada. Once, I was driving along with traffic, everyone travelling above the speed limit (within reason, 15-20km/h), when all of a sudden one car slowed down to the speedlimit and he/she got pulled over, probably because the cop thought he/she had a radar detector. I've read a few stories about it happen on some local messageboards too.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,403
Likes: 21
From: South Florida
Fast Cars!
Originally posted by vyse
Are radar detectors legal in the States? You guys are pretty lucky, they're illegal here in Canada. Once, I was driving along with traffic, everyone travelling above the speed limit (within reason, 15-20km/h), when all of a sudden one car slowed down to the speedlimit and he/she got pulled over, probably because the cop thought he/she had a radar detector. I've read a few stories about it happen on some local messageboards too.
Are radar detectors legal in the States? You guys are pretty lucky, they're illegal here in Canada. Once, I was driving along with traffic, everyone travelling above the speed limit (within reason, 15-20km/h), when all of a sudden one car slowed down to the speedlimit and he/she got pulled over, probably because the cop thought he/she had a radar detector. I've read a few stories about it happen on some local messageboards too.
Admin Alumni
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,143
Likes: 19
See Garage
Aborwick, The top three of radar detectors, Valentine One, Bel 980 and Cinci Microwave Passport 8500 are all priced above $200. My Bel 980 cost me $239 a year ago... maybe they're less now. Passport is a little more, and Valentine quite a bit more. I personally believe detectors under $200 are a waste of money.
Drivers here have the same kind of allegiances for their radar detectors like they do for their cars, so you will find supporters of all three. I'm in the Bel 980 camp, but only because it's the best value for money. IMO, all three perform better than your ability to slow down if you're first in line.
Do a search in this forum on radar detectors, and RD tests for more info.
BTW, a couple states in your neck of the woods have outlawed detectors. Can't remember which. Someone closer to DC can clarify. I don't want to mislead.
Drivers here have the same kind of allegiances for their radar detectors like they do for their cars, so you will find supporters of all three. I'm in the Bel 980 camp, but only because it's the best value for money. IMO, all three perform better than your ability to slow down if you're first in line.
Do a search in this forum on radar detectors, and RD tests for more info.
BTW, a couple states in your neck of the woods have outlawed detectors. Can't remember which. Someone closer to DC can clarify. I don't want to mislead.
Last edited by MB-BOB; Aug 3, 2002 at 12:10 AM.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,403
Likes: 21
From: South Florida
Fast Cars!
Originally posted by MB-BOB
Aborwick, The top three of radar detectors, Valentine One, Bel 980 and Cinci Microwave Passport 8500 are all priced above $200. My Bel 980 cost me $239 a year ago... maybe they're less now. Passport is a little more, and Valentine quite a bit more. I personally believe detectors under $200 are a waste of money.
Drivers here have the same kind of allegiances for their radar detectors like they do for their cars, so you will find supporters of all three. I'm in the Bel 980 camp, but only because it's the best value for money. IMO, all three perform better than your ability to slow down if you're first in line.
Do a search in this forum on radar detectors, and RD tests for more info.
BTW, a couple states in your neck of the woods have outlawed detectors. Can't remember which. Someone closer to DC can clarify. I don't want to mislead.
Aborwick, The top three of radar detectors, Valentine One, Bel 980 and Cinci Microwave Passport 8500 are all priced above $200. My Bel 980 cost me $239 a year ago... maybe they're less now. Passport is a little more, and Valentine quite a bit more. I personally believe detectors under $200 are a waste of money.
Drivers here have the same kind of allegiances for their radar detectors like they do for their cars, so you will find supporters of all three. I'm in the Bel 980 camp, but only because it's the best value for money. IMO, all three perform better than your ability to slow down if you're first in line.
Do a search in this forum on radar detectors, and RD tests for more info.
BTW, a couple states in your neck of the woods have outlawed detectors. Can't remember which. Someone closer to DC can clarify. I don't want to mislead.
Ohh yea i forgot they instruction manual said there not legal in D.C.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,261
Likes: 13
From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
The Valentine 1 is by far, the best Radar Detector on the market. Hands down, it will beat out any of it's competition.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 8,189
Likes: 1
From: SF
2007 VW GTI
they're not legal in virginia either. 
i still don't quite understand why a cop will pull over a guy who's driving safely at a consistent speed over the speed limit as opposed to not pulling over the idiots who drive WAY over the limit and weave in and out of cars without looking whatsoever. i like police but give me a break. anyone who has driven on I95 can attest to this...
i still don't quite understand why a cop will pull over a guy who's driving safely at a consistent speed over the speed limit as opposed to not pulling over the idiots who drive WAY over the limit and weave in and out of cars without looking whatsoever. i like police but give me a break. anyone who has driven on I95 can attest to this...
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB, Canada
2002 C230K, Silver, 6-speed, Evo, Roof, Leather, CD, Staggered C7 Wheels
Originally posted by vyse
Are radar detectors legal in the States? You guys are pretty lucky, they're illegal here in Canada.
Are radar detectors legal in the States? You guys are pretty lucky, they're illegal here in Canada.
Cananda does extend beyond Toronto, beleive it or not
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB, Canada
2002 C230K, Silver, 6-speed, Evo, Roof, Leather, CD, Staggered C7 Wheels
I use Bel 985 (newer version of 980) and I'm very happy with it. It cost me around 230 USD as well.
Like MB-BOB said, the top three RD's are similarily good. Naturally their makers highlight magazine reviews that favoured their products
Like MB-BOB said, the top three RD's are similarily good. Naturally their makers highlight magazine reviews that favoured their products
Banned
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 1
From: House of Imports, MBZ (So. Cali.)
'06 ML500 w/Apperance pkg & '07 SL550 w/AMG pkg
Originally posted by Accord
The Valentine 1 is by far, the best Radar Detector on the market. Hands down, it will beat out any of it's competition.
The Valentine 1 is by far, the best Radar Detector on the market. Hands down, it will beat out any of it's competition.
Accord,
Do you have a website or place that I can purchase the Valentine 1? I traditionally don't have a heavy foot, but I do like to put my car through its paces every once & awhile & don't need the higher insurance premiums. Thanks in advance!!!!
MarcusBenz
H.O.I. MBZ
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,261
Likes: 13
From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,744
Likes: 1
Originally posted by MarcusBenz
Accord,
Do you have a website or place that I can purchase the Valentine 1? I traditionally don't have a heavy foot, but I do like to put my car through its paces every once & awhile & don't need the higher insurance premiums. Thanks in advance!!!!
MarcusBenz
H.O.I. MBZ
Accord,
Do you have a website or place that I can purchase the Valentine 1? I traditionally don't have a heavy foot, but I do like to put my car through its paces every once & awhile & don't need the higher insurance premiums. Thanks in advance!!!!
MarcusBenz
H.O.I. MBZ
Valentine's Online Store
Almost a Member!
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ USA
ML320
I have a passport 8500, it picks up every band of radar, and works very well, in open areas i caught a cop up to 1.5 miles away. On the town streets, probably about 3/4 of a mile to 1 mile, plenty of time to adjust your speed. Plus it has some very nice options.
If i had the money i would get a valentine one, and in fact im thinking of saving up for one. I would just spend the extra cash and get that, it has a good accessory for hiding the detector as well for 40.00 more
If i had the money i would get a valentine one, and in fact im thinking of saving up for one. I would just spend the extra cash and get that, it has a good accessory for hiding the detector as well for 40.00 more
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,261
Likes: 13
From: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
David, I do not have pics, although I can probably manage to take some.
I had my dealership doit for me. Basically the V1 is placed right above the mirror on the right side and there is a very small wire sticking out right near the mirror. All you do is disconnect that wire and you can take the V1 down like you normally would and place it in my glovebox.
I always take my V1 off and put it in my glovebox when I park my car, because I had a car of mine broken into once and the only thing the person stole was the V1. I guess these theifs go around parking lots looking on the windshields to see if a person has a radar detector.
I had my dealership doit for me. Basically the V1 is placed right above the mirror on the right side and there is a very small wire sticking out right near the mirror. All you do is disconnect that wire and you can take the V1 down like you normally would and place it in my glovebox.
I always take my V1 off and put it in my glovebox when I park my car, because I had a car of mine broken into once and the only thing the person stole was the V1. I guess these theifs go around parking lots looking on the windshields to see if a person has a radar detector.
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Turkey - istanbul
MB SLK 200 Kompressor , BMW Z4
To sum it up
What i understood from the messages here is that the production, marketing of radar detectors is legal in States.Owning is also legal but using is not.
Good way to screw customers in both ways.Nice system.
Good way to screw customers in both ways.Nice system.
