C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

Cop Tested Radar Detector

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old May 25, 2004 | 04:08 PM
  #1  
ToreRITO's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
2002 C32 AMG
Cop Tested Radar Detector

Just got busted on my way to Dallas in Ennis TX by some Red Neck Cop in a red neck town. My fault for not having a good detector. My Piece of Sh... Uniden is worthless for laser and other frequencies at a distance.

I will like to get something new for my 02 C32

What do you guys recommend i buy.

I know youall are wicked

re. speed so it should be a no brainer

Torerito
Reply
Old May 25, 2004 | 04:18 PM
  #2  
Brunelleschi's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 13,969
Likes: 0
From: Florida
In the market
V1 hands down!
Reply
Old May 25, 2004 | 04:24 PM
  #3  
RLPIII's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Las Colinas, TX
2009 GT-R
Unfortunately, Ennis is known to be a speed trap. I've heard the Valentine is supposed to be the best. I've not decided on one yet either.
Reply
Old May 25, 2004 | 04:26 PM
  #4  
bverotti's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: Antwerp, Belgium
C32
Read my lips : no laser detector will save you from getting a ticket. By the time your foot touches the brake after a laser warning it is already too late. Radar is instant on and takes a split second to read your speed.
The only protection is to get a laser jammer. The problemwith that is that the new laser guns also detect your active jamming. Most cops hate that and in most countries this is highly illegal because you are intentionally interfering.

Against radar you have a fair chance, especially if they are pointing the radar towards you.
I have the Bel 975 for many yours now and it has saved my licence more than once.
But remember, even a radar detector will not give 100% safety. For example if you are pushing your C32 over 200 kmh and get a radar warning you will probably not have enough time to slow down to lets say 120. Sometimes a small ticket is still beter than licence gone.
BV
Reply
Old May 25, 2004 | 04:35 PM
  #5  
SJT03CLK's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis, MO
2004 C32 AMG
Escort Passport 8500 (or Escort Solo 2 for cordless). I have these on both of my cars and would recommend these over the V1 for sure. If you google radar detectors, you'll find the 8500 beats the V1 everytime.
Reply
Old May 25, 2004 | 04:44 PM
  #6  
jayitx's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: Grapevine, Texas
2004 Capri Blue C32
Smile

I too have the Escort Solo 2 wireless. Aside from a lot of false laser alarms, it works very well. I guess flase positives are better than no alarm at all....
Reply
Old May 25, 2004 | 05:04 PM
  #7  
ToreRITO's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
2002 C32 AMG
So its pretty much a fact that the newest models cannot "detect" laser in advance to allow a slowdown. Then the option is to get a jammer.....are they legal in TX??
Reply
Old May 25, 2004 | 05:04 PM
  #8  
Micah's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
Originally posted by bverotti
Read my lips : no laser detector will save you from getting a ticket.

That's not true. You can get an advance warning if the cop shoots a car ahead of you. The laser beam has about a 4 ft diameter at 1000 ft and will go around and over the car ahead and hit the laser detector. Then you can hit the brakes before the cop aims it at you. I know this to be a fact from experience.

V1 is the best, in terms of range, features, and durability. Don't believe the "tests" that are conducted by retailers of other detectors.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 25, 2004 | 05:38 PM
  #9  
Prasith32's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: Boston/Hartford
Hi,

I have the escort 8500 and am very happy with it. I would highly recommend it. It has saved my butt many times and it is excellend with K and Ka which is all that NE cops use these days. I have dropped it numerous times and it is very durable as well.

I looked into the V1 but honestly unless you are willing to hardwire it I don't think it is worth it. It is just too big and bulky. Also the escort is comparable I am not sure about better but definitely comparable and a lot nicer looking.

It is very rare that you will detect laser. Cops usually shoot it at a close distance because they aim for the front license plate or bumper. Even if you shoot it at a large distance it is tough to detect.

I looked at a laser shifter/jammer by escort as well and thought about doing the whole hardwire route with the SRX. They have a very good package.

However I am not the hardcore speeder that I once was. It really is pretty dangerous and I really only speed on the highways and only on long trips where i can actually save time.

Call me crazy but since I started autoX and track I haven't felt the need to speed through the city streets anymore.

my .02

Prasith
Reply
Old May 25, 2004 | 05:44 PM
  #10  
jayitx's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: Grapevine, Texas
2004 Capri Blue C32
Yes it's true that if the cop points the laser at the guy ahead of you, your detector should pick up the laser and alarm, giving you time to slow down. I have also had this experience, even with an old Uniden. My Solo S2 picks up lots and lots of laser.

Why should we not believe the tests from other retailers of detectors, and believe the tests of the V1? What makes their tests more believable than anyone else's? Sounds like another example of opinion and preference, like so many other topics on this board.
Reply
Old May 25, 2004 | 06:21 PM
  #11  
Bux's Avatar
Bux
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,553
Likes: 1
G
either the V1 or escort 8500 ..both are top of the line..but i really do like the arrows of the V1 ...like the other day my front arrow lit up as a cop was coming at me and then the rear arrow turned on and got stronger cause he made a U-turn and came behind the group of cars i was with
Reply
Old May 25, 2004 | 06:22 PM
  #12  
s4iscool's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 677
Likes: 0
many of those "tests" are biased of flawed. The best tests are done in Car and Driver, and the V1 is the one that wins hands down. You can not duplicate the directional arrows and they are invaluable to anyone who has used it. The newer V1s are less bulky than the originals ( i know ive had 4 over the last 10+ years) and not once have I gotten caught off gaurd by a radar gun. Without the arrows, youll be left guessing when the threat has passed...and with todays sensitivities in radar detectors, that could be a long time.

Dont knock something until you have tried it, and the V1 rocks everytime, especially with the stealth remote setup and hardwiring (which is pretty damn easy anyways)

Most people cant initially justify the price, but once you have one, its $450 well spent.
Reply
Old May 25, 2004 | 06:26 PM
  #13  
pointman's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 2
From: nj
a car that can't do the throttle reset.
v1 or k40 hidden module.
Reply
Old May 25, 2004 | 07:15 PM
  #14  
Vader13's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,069
Likes: 0
From: So-Cal
W211 E55 AMG, ML63 AMG, Past 996GT3,ZCPM3,Brabus C32,ML 500
I tested the V1 today..

I beat 2 cops hiding with it..
Reply
Old May 25, 2004 | 09:12 PM
  #15  
Hussain's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
too many to list
V1 is a religion and Im a believer. I have two V1's and I love em. They have saved me from numerous tickets, however true there is no laser detector that will save you from laser and instant-on. Solution: V1 + Lidatek laser jammer. Mike Valentine (founder of Valentine One Research) is on another message board I used to visit when I had my porsche (www.6speedonline.com) you can search for radar detector on that website and read his recent posts regarding this matter. There is a constant battle between V1 and passport escorts and which is better.

VALENTINE RULES!
Reply
Old May 25, 2004 | 11:43 PM
  #16  
ToreRITO's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
2002 C32 AMG
Thanks to all the experts here.....
Reply
Old May 26, 2004 | 03:29 AM
  #17  
bverotti's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: Antwerp, Belgium
C32
Originally posted by Micah
That's not true. You can get an advance warning if the cop shoots a car ahead of you. The laser beam has about a 4 ft diameter at 1000 ft and will go around and over the car ahead and hit the laser detector. Then you can hit the brakes before the cop aims it at you. I know this to be a fact from experience.
.
Yes you are right in some very particular situation like you describe. however if you are fairly close to the car in front of you you will lickely not get any warning because the laser beam will get absorbed/reflected by the car in front of you. I tested this a few times with a cop I know very well (over here the aim at close distance, like 50 meter, at the lincence plate and they rarely miss).
If you are the fastest guy on the road you can bet that the cop will point at your car directly and you will not stand a chance.
But overal you do not stand a chance against laser with just a laser detector.
Reply
Old May 26, 2004 | 09:24 AM
  #18  
AMG BRED's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,987
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, Fl
CLK63 Black Series
i have the Escort 8500 as well and i can swear by it.. talk about saving some ***.. doing a 100 mph.. the detector goes off.. the cop does instant on.. i am pretty sure he nailed me at 100mph.. but he was hidden in the cut so i didn't see him, all i know is the detector went off on KA band.. i floor it.. i know it takes a Crown Vic. 10.5 secs to reach 100mph from stop, by the time he catches up i will be at the next exit which was only 1/2 mile away.. soo i floor it and take the next exit over, go into the back of the shopping center.. and few secs. later i see a state trooper drive by..

not a good radar detector storry but thought i'd share anyways.
Reply
Old May 26, 2004 | 09:54 AM
  #19  
Micah's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
Originally posted by jayitx

Why should we not believe the tests from other retailers of detectors, and believe the tests of the V1?

I did not say you should believe the tests conducted by Valentine, did I? As with anything, you should trust independent research more than "research" from someone with an obvious agenda. The only tests I've seen that don't declare the V1 the winner are from retailers of other detectors, since the V1 is available from Valentine only.
Reply
Old May 26, 2004 | 10:13 AM
  #20  
Humbler's Avatar
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Denver
C32R+ Sl55 splitter+ pulley AMG w/integrated PassportSR7
I own a passport escort 8500 with the laser jammer, and I have to say from my own experience that I love it. The laser jammer has saved me a dozen times or more. I have also been please with the k and ka band sensitivity. My radar detector is integrated throughout the car, so there is no radar detector attached to the windshield or dashboard.

In several situations, I've seen the cop (a.k.a. vulture) look in disbeleive at his radar/laser gun or tap it on his leg (motorcycle cop) because he didn't get the reading.

I travel 100+ mph daily. In my opinion, I'll take the passport escort 8500 with the laser jammer any day of the week.
Reply
Old May 26, 2004 | 01:25 PM
  #21  
lap's Avatar
lap
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
From: Great White North (the one with the crappy dollar)
2002 c32
what about "stealth" features?

Unfortunately I live in Ontario where the Province has deemed it illegal to operate such devices. It was ok when the better units provided VG-2 proof defence. Now however it seems the Guys with the Disco Lights have upped the ante with Radar Detectors that will ID everything (incl. V1's; Escorts, etc)!!!
Is there anything on the horizon that will be "stealth" again?

TIA
lap
Reply
Old May 26, 2004 | 03:41 PM
  #22  
ntguru's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
hidden installs

FWIW, there is an aftermarket company that makes OEM-style rearview mirrors (don't know if they modify OEM's or just make thiers exactly like OEM) with Valentine 1 and K40 displays built into the lower right part of the mirror. Very stealth and very cool if you ask me....thinking about one for my 996TT.
Reply
Old May 26, 2004 | 04:16 PM
  #23  
cschow's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
2006 Corvette Coupe
I don't know why everyone thinks that a V-1 display built into a rear view mirror is stealthy. Seems to me such a display would be quite visible when you're hit with radar/laser at night.
Reply
Old May 26, 2004 | 04:25 PM
  #24  
s4iscool's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 677
Likes: 0
Originally posted by cschow
I don't know why everyone thinks that a V-1 display built into a rear view mirror is stealthy. Seems to me such a display would be quite visible when you're hit with radar/laser at night.
exactly, and scabs will pick up your signal and mooch off you...best is whent he remote display is out of site from outside.
Reply
Old May 26, 2004 | 05:20 PM
  #25  
ntguru's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
LOL, especially in the turbo, I enjoy it immensely when scabs--usually in a Maxima or TL or a ricer--try to play follow the leader!
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:29 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE