caballo

I presently own a CLK 320 and just ordered a new C 350 due in Feb.
I have a remote mounted K40 radar detector in the CLK and want to buy and have installed a new remote detector for the 350. K40 offers one that integrates with Bluetooth, (but at $1600 is more than I want to spend). My research shows that both Bel and Escort brands are top rated whereas K40 is so bad it's not even rated. Plus both the Bel RX7 and the Passport Escort SR7also offer laser shifting/jamming.

Can anyone recommend a brand and model? Does the C350 have Distronic Plus which seems to interfere with K band, (altho that is usually turned off in mine now)? I did not have the detector on CLK dealer installed, infact they recommended the local installer I used. It did not invalidate the CLK waranty, but has MB changed stances on that and would it invalidate the 350's waranty?

Thanks,
Caballo

PoaMike

Congrats, first off on the new car and secondly welcome to MBworld! I dought it will void the warranty and I have hurd that a valintine1 is the best you can buy. Im also looking into getting one so keep us posted! Hope that helps.

-Mike

Savage c-300

my friend has the Valintine and its sweet! it has directional indicators of where the radar signals are coming from. i personally have the beltronics and it has saved my butt a lot of times.

emps

No question, Valentine1 is the only radar detector to ever buy. had it in my M# for 4 years and not one ticket. Get the remote display as well to that cops don't see any lights in the window. I hardwired mine so there weren't any cables running from the top of the windshield to the lighter, but I haven't seen any wiring schematics for the C to hardwire it yet to the MB. Shouldn't be too hard with the wiring in the sunroof control area.

Savage c-300

if you dont want to mess with the hardwiring, its not that difficult to hide the exisiting wires it comes with. these detectors usually use flat telephone wire-like cables to power the unit. i actually use a regualr telephone wire extender to get more wire length and tuck in the cables where the windshield and the roof meet to hide the wires. its a super clean look and easy to remove. i have done this in my old civic and pathfinder. planning to do it to the C when i get a chance.

emps

I ran the rj11 wire for the remote display from the main power unit in the overhead via the driver side pillar. It was much easier to hardwire to the interior running lights on the BMW than to have it jacked into the cigarette lighter using the rj11.

PoaMike

Maybe a Noob question but, I didnt know that it was illegal to have detectors?

XJ9

Radar detectors are illegal in virginia, washington DC, on military bases, and in certain Canadian provinces.

XJ9

I believe there is a company that sells a total stealth display adapter that puts the Valentine radar warnings on the instrument cluster.

emps

If you get tailed do you want to be pulled over with lights flashing?

caballo

Thanks to all for responding. I definately won't be able to install myself and will have to go with a pro for that. I am still researching and there a few good sites with reviews of not only the detectors, but also the technology and trends out there. http://www.radarbusters.com/ (read Radar Roy's guide); http://www.speedzones.com/; https://radartest.com/index.asp

http://www.drivewire.com/ seems to be the lowest priced Escort online authorized dealer, (necessary for manuf. warranty) SRX=$749 /free shipping

I'm down to the Beltronics or Escort remote mounts, not windshield mount. I'm confused if Valentine makes a remote mount. Also can't decide if I need laser jammer/shifter or not......research says laser detectors only tell you when you have already been zapped and a ticket will be forthcoming, but shifters jam the signal. It's probably overkill for me, since I only do small amt. of hiway driving, but figure I may as well get it now with the detector.

Still need to know, tho, about installing this on the C350. I saw a warning about MB's Distronic Plus and the detectors, and I'm not sure if the C has that. Does anyone know? I'll call the dealer next week.

Also, is there a good mount place under the dash by the steering wheel for the display? I don't want to put it on top the dash.
Thanks,
Caballo

stephensong

I have been using escort since 1982 and have never gotten a ticket. I have been stopped and the trooper looked at the escort and did not take any action or even mention it. The Laser jammer/shifter is not part of the escort package and is sold as a separate item. The only place that has laws banning these devices are VA and Washington DC.

A local Seattle dealer (Phil Smart) sells and installs the escort laser jammer. The cost of the jammer is $349 I do not know what the install will run. This is the way to go as the insurance industry is about to donate laser equipment to states in an effort to reduce the severity of injuries due to traffic accidents and the additional premium that they can charge to their insureds who have gotten moving violation tickets.

XJ9

First of all, you dont have distronic plus so thats not an issue...

Valentine one does not make a remote mount unit but the existing V1 can be converted to remote mount. V1 also does not include a jammer which you *do* need. The assertion is correct that a laser detector alone doesnt do much other than tell you that its time to pull over and get out your license. If you are looking at escort then definately consider the passport SRX which is remote radar plus 3 laser jammers. The SRX laser jammers are actually made by blinder which is an excellent product.

Consult a professional installer local to you and take your vehicle over and specifically discuss placement of the detector display. A good installer will be able to mount the control unit integrated into your instrument cluster or center console so that it looks like it belongs there.

caballo

Thank you XJ9!