Built in Radar (behind grill) which is better?
#26
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 827
Likes: 152
From: Simi Valley, California
2018 C63 Sedan
I've had the Valentine for 8 years and had it updated once. I have used it in my last three cars and until I had it hardwired in my current SL55 I transferred it from car to car. That said, I just had the k40 calibre system including front and rear detectors and also the front diffuser installed. A friend had one and I loved the stealth install. My Valentine was by the rear view mirror and visible to all; especially with the top down. I've only had the k40 for a week but I'm sure getting used to it. The little blue lights by the speedo are very cool and not noticeable at all. I thought the Valentine was great and still do. I transfer it from car to car now and feel like I have an old friend with me. Part of the reason I switched in the SL was because I wanted the diffuser also. I was going to get the Blinder 20 and keep the Valentine but as I've said, it was too visible. I got a good deal on the package and will let you know how it works out. After a lot of research I came to the conclusion that the k40 was as reliable as the Valentine or The Escort or the Belle. It wasn't always true, but I think the k40 people really got their stuff together on the latest models. Some sights still knock the k40 such as Radar Roy and I respect their opinion very much. I just hope they are wrong on the Calibre which is bluetooth. Anyway it is by far the coolest install. On the speed channel the shoe Unique Whips only do one install on their high end cars and that is the k40. Bentley Gold Coast in Chicago is one of the top high end dealers in the world. I have a friend who works there and he says they only install k40 in all the Lambos', Bentleys', etc. Hope the info helps even if it is a late post
#27
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 51
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From: NYC
CLK550, Sports Suspension, Black Opal
well in the end, I wound up getting the K40 Calibre with front and rear detectors and front and rear defusers installed. very nice installation. Just drove 200 miles from NYC into PA. Not too shabby
#28
One feature that I love about the V1 that no one has mentioned is the bogey counter. Someone mentioned about getting a false alarm everytime they went by a weigh station. If that's on your daily commute and it goes off all the time, you get used to it and may speed on by. If a policeman were smart, they'd park there and zap people with radar. With the V1, you would show the normal alarm, but the number display would show "2" and you'd know that there were more than the normal false signal there. That's been fantastic for me on many occasions. I also like the transferability of it from car to car. Does the K-40 have this feature on it?? I wasn't aware that if it did or not. Also, the directional arrows are helpful as well. Just my $.02.
#29
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 827
Likes: 152
From: Simi Valley, California
2018 C63 Sedan
The k40 is not transferable from car to car in the sense of everyday transferability. You can uninstall and put into another car but it is a couple of hour project. You are right about the bogey counter. You have to get used to not having that. In my case, on the e-ways I'm off the gas whenever either one goes off once, false alarm or not. You have to get used to each unit. I just hope the k40 forwarns as well as the Valentine.
#33
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 51
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From: NYC
CLK550, Sports Suspension, Black Opal
There really isn't anything to see. That was the intent. Mobile Audio Specialists in NYC did a nice job. I wanted the two blue LED's inside the instrument pod. The had to locate free space to place them. It varies from car to car and year to year. For my CLK 550/07 they are just above the turn indicators. (I'll post a picture when I have a chance though). The audio helps. If I could make an improvement, I would have the LED' change color for signal strength in addition to just flashing faster. Not a big deal. I like it.Get a few false positives, but no more than my Bel65 did.
#34
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8,137
Likes: 25
From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
There really isn't anything to see. That was the intent. Mobile Audio Specialists in NYC did a nice job. I wanted the two blue LED's inside the instrument pod. The had to locate free space to place them. It varies from car to car and year to year. For my CLK 550/07 they are just above the turn indicators. (I'll post a picture when I have a chance though). The audio helps. If I could make an improvement, I would have the LED' change color for signal strength in addition to just flashing faster. Not a big deal. I like it.Get a few false positives, but no more than my Bel65 did.
Here's how my install turned out.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...11#post1874911