2009c63soon

OK, I figure I can't be the only current / pending C63 owner considering a radar detector. In a car this nice I'm looking at a custom install.

I'd really appreciate any feedback from other board members re: your experience or choice with any of the following:

K40 Calibre - I like the non-destructive bluetooth install
Beltronics STI-r - Undetectable detector
Valentine 1 - everyone love it but no way I wan't a screen mounted unit and even though there is a cool custom integration, it's one that must void the MB warranty.

So, I'm split between the k40 and the STI-r. With either one I plan to install any cockpit items (the 2 blue lights for the K40 or the control and readout panels for the STI-r) in the ashtray so I can have them completely concealed when I choose and there will be no need to drill through anything visible on the dash.

So, thoughts, verdict, advice?

Thanks!

Last Emperor

i was thinking of one too, but def not looking to install or drill anything

why would the valenbtine 1 void the warranty?

what about a small windshield mounted one, that you can just remove

Mr. AMG 20

I have the passport 8500 x50 mounted on my windshield that is hardwired and it works great.

ChicagoX

V1 with rearview mirror etching and mute button in ashtray.

STLTH_AMG

You want to get the latest escort passport 9500ci. it's made to be custom installed with rear and front sensors, it has the same GPS technology as the 9500i! let me tell you though, a radar detector is useless without a laser jammer combination, so make sure to invest in one too. My suggection is to invest in LI (Laser Interceptor), the best out there! good luck out there.

XtinaNoel

ii have the k40 in my c63 its pretty cool and its been working for me i paid 1600 from mb

Last Emperor

damn 1600 for a radar

count me out

CarolinaAMG

I have a V1 and used it on my C32 before I traded it in and now have a K40 on the S65. I like the V1 better, it had better range and sensitivity. If I were you, I'd get the V1 and hardwire it and use the concealed display. You'll get better detection and some stealth while saving money over the K40.

jbondox

just had an **** retentive client say his K-40 performed equally or if not better than the V1, and that the Laser diffusers saved him a dozen times each way on a 50 mile trip... so basically it paid for itself and did it's job.

I tried to ask him how many false alarms from the V!, he said there were way more than the K40 but he put the V1 away because he felt confident enough with the K40

there is no integration like the K40 hands down the nicest.. no goofy **** box/controller or anything else mounted to the vehicle interior... all hidden and stealth

2009c63soon

Yeah, I think I'm leaning strongly towards the K40 - really lke the idea of no messing with my interior and looks like a quality option. I think I'll put the 2 blue lights in the ashtray and that shuold be that.

Thanks to all for sharing your thoughts and experiences - much appreciated

SRQLAW

I have the K40 Calibre in my CLK - I love it especially b/c with the top down - I do not want to worry about someone stealing my radar - on the other hand - is it worth the extra $$$ - you have to decide - the full radar/laser package was over $2k. I also have the 8500 in my wifes C32 - also a nice unit - and a hell of a lock cheaper... I do not think you can go wrong with any of the units you mentioned - you just have to decide what kind of install you are looking for and how much $ you want to spend

Tump43

I have the K40 in my C55, very stealth install with the new laser detctor/diffusors up front, moved to the grill. Moved the radar detector there as well. I also upgraded to the new "brain" -- very few false alarms, pretty good detection, saved me from at least one ticket. Paid for itself in under one year.

mrtesting

Where can I purchase these in Canada?!? I have a really heavy foot and I hate traffic and morons who drive 75 on a 100 Max Highway! I would appreciate any tips!

Thank you in advance!

shaker

web site www.k40.com
Seems to be only 1 Canadian distributor according to this link:http://k40.com/loca_cana.html

jbondox

I thought radar detectors were illegal in Canada?

jbondox

Put the LEDS in the cluster, you can do it easily

mrtesting

Are they not illegal almost everywhere?

Flame3g

man i wish i would of had something i just got a speeding ticket

matt6613

I'm getting this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em6saaXQiwQ
done by technicar in west palm beach

jbondox

nice install, but I'd rather be looking fwd and having the LEDs of a K40 letting me know what's up. without taking my eyes off the road. When I do speed it isn't 70 in a 60 zone now 72... it is usually 90 in a 60, and the unit will be on. occasionally triple digit speeds for a short period of time depending what is in front of me. Also you can't really take your eyes off the road, because you want to scan for the cop in the shoulder... with the K40 the LED's will alert you and when correctly positioned will shine in the direction of your eyes which can be picked up without ever taking your concentration on whats in front of you

2009c63soon

It is a nice install Saw another V1 install in another thread that puts the readout in the digital display of the speedo - no doubt voiding the warranty though.

While both are nice options, from reading the V1 site, it seems that their device loses much of it's capability with a stealth (under the hood) install though. The most subtle install they recommend is a smaller unit on the top of the windshield with the display elsewhere in the car. They claim that under the hood the unit loses much of it's line of sight, especially to anything but straight in front. Seems to make sense. one thing I like about the K40 is the separate front and rear detectors behind the fenders. Apparently this caused lots of false alarms when first introduced but they now have that fixed. I also like the option of putting the 2 jammers behind the mesh on the front of the C63. I guess i'll have to pay for the privilege but since it cost me $900 to avoid points with a ticket last year, probably worth the spend.

AVB-AMG

I have had the professionally-installed stealth K40 CALIBRE Bluetooth radar detector / laser detector/jammer in my 2007 ML63 AMG for 18 months and have decided to remove it and have a new remote ESCORT 9500ci radar detector / laser detector/jammer professionally installed. After having had both the earlier generation K40 hard-wired system on my earlier 2004 BMW X5 4.4i I had decided to upgrade to the Bluetooth K40 CALIBRE system for the ML. While I have not had any tickets since I have owned the K40 I have become very frustrated with the high number of laser false alarms, (due most likely to the power being drawn from a very fluctuating electrical circuit in the ML), the frequent X-band false alarms (which I can’t do anything about since the state police in my state still use that band for most of their radar), and finally, now having experienced my second failure of the front radar detector unit. The 1st one was replaced at no cost to me under the 1-year warrantee. But now that it has happened for a second time, rendering the entire system inoperable, makes me realize that there must be a quality control problem with K40 and is inexcusable IMO for such an expensive system.

Also, an important fact that I have learned is that detection and jamming of laser is better accomplished by the use of two front-mounted transceivers instead of one. Both the BEL and Escort systems, as well as other newer top-of-the-line units use two transceivers while the K40 Caliber system still only uses one.

I believe that most state police departments are migrating and upgrading to the use of laser as they can afford to, phasing out their radar units. Also, I agree with this review that 95% of the speed traps use radar and laser aimed at oncoming traffic as opposed to a patrol car running up on you from behind. Therefore the superior advantage of the rear detector sensitivity on the K40 system is not that important. Finally, being able to understand the frequency and thus the type of radar being detected is a real advantage that both the BEL and Escort systems afford. The K40 premise that their clients don't want to have too much "stuff" cluttering their vehicles dashboard may be true, but their systems greater vulnerability to laser aimed at a headlight area instead of the front license plate, especially on a large SUV, could mean the difference of an expensive (both $ & points) ticket.

I could have my malfunctioning K40 CALIBRE system repaired but would still have to endure the other annoying issues. So I am going to have it removed and replaced with the ESCORT 9500ci. in the next couple of weeks.

Of the current (Jan. 2009), options for concealed/stealth radar and laser detectors w/laser jamming, referred to by the different manufacturers as either "blocking/shifting/diffusing", I think that the ESCORT 9500ci is the current state-of-the art system. While other systems can achieve similar results I am comfortable with an established company like ESCORT that is highly regarded in their field and will stand behind their products. I like the Escort’s ability to incorporate the GPS capability to add warnings for traffic light cameras, another increasing threat in many locations. I also appreciate its ability to automatically “learn” where false alarms are generated/located and will store those locations in its memory to prevent future false alarms. While not as “stealth” as the K40, from what I have read, heard and seen, it is far more sophisticated, accurate, powerful and dependable. When we are paying around $1,800 - $2,000 for the electronics hardware + installation for these type of systems, I for one want to make sure that I have selected the best current technology. The 8/06/08 comparison test results from the website RADARTEST.COM that performed a head-2-head test between the K40 CALIBER vs. ESCORT 9500ci has convinced me that my money will be better spent on the later one. You can read this test for yourselves at:

http://radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=100584

Some Background / History Info:

While it is quite expensive, I have always liked the concept of the K40 CALIBRE radar and laser protection system. In the summer of 2007, the test results I had read on the web indicated that it was one of the best systems available at that time:

http://k40.com/images/pdf/reviews/SML_2005_TEST.pdf

One unknown issue to me then was whether or not the Bluetooth wireless connections would interfere with or be interfered with by the M-B hands-free, voice-activated Bluetooth cell phone system or the front park control radar. I am glad to report that I have not experienced either of those possible problems. I had the K40 blue indicator lights installed inside the white plastic sleeves of the directional blinkers behind the instrument cluster. They blink blue with the left blinker for front radar detection and right blinker for rear radar detection and both at once for laser in either direction. The small audio speaker is mounted under the dash. the entire system has a wireless Bluetooth remote control unit that is used to turn the system on/off, change modes, etc. and can easily fit in the ML's pull out try in the dash central console. This type of installation is considered the most "stealth" and least disruptive on the vehicle's interior.

K40 also offers a second option of two surface-mounted hard-wired matte black colored "pods" that are a combination red LED light and small speaker. This option, while not as "stealth" as the first method, is quite subtle and probably is the preferable installation method for a leased vehicle. I had the hardwired K40 radar/laser detector/diffuser system with the surface-mounted "pods" mounted on the horizontal shelf area of the instrument cluster on my '04 BMW X5 4.4i (Full Aero Kit, Sport Pkg.). The radar detectors worked quite well, but the laser diffuser was priceless! The entire system also uses advanced technology to make it invisible to most radar detector detectors used by most law enforcement agencies. It worked quite well and saved me many $$$ and points on many occasions, easily paying for itself. The best experience I had was while driving south on US Rt. 13 on Maryland's eastern shore. A Maryland State Police speed trap using Laser "zapped" me as I was cruising around 80 mph. As we know, laser detectors are worthless since the just light up like a Christmas tree, screeching away, essentially saying "you’re busted!" The K40 laser diffuser apparently effectively did what it is advertised to do and caused a "non-reading" on the trooper's laser gun. As I slowed down to a speed of approx. 60 mph and approached the troopers, the one holding the laser gun kept aiming it at me then turning it sideways, looking rather quizzically at it, doing this several times, as I drove past trying as hard as I could to suppress a smile. My wife sarcastically said then that I was one lucky x*#@!, as we continued our trip southward.....

I hope this extremely long-winded sharing of my experience helps all of you make your selection of a system that works for you.

AVB-AMG

qship5

Go with the V1 and a Laser Interceptor. You can have the V1 unit hidden in the car and use the Mid City Engineering interface to display the info in the dash. I just can't live without the arrows to tell me where the radar source is! As has been mentioned in previous posts, laser detector is nothing more than a device to tell you that you are toast and get the checkbook out. The LI is awesome and can be installed very stealth. It is the best laser jammer out there.

While the 9500Ci is supposed to be good, I don't think their laser jammer is in the same league as the LI. Not sure about the current crop of K40s, but I had their undetectable a while ago in a previous car and the number of false alerts drove me nuts.

Just my $.02

Qship

hkmp5roxs

Are you in the area as well?
I just went to them but they are so expensive.

suicidal4life

Thats the setup I have on my W210 and I love it.

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-pictures.html

However on some of the newer MB's it's possible to integrate the V1 alerts into the stock instrument cluster readout. Much cooler setup! I think the company is Mid City or something like that.

Also any radar detector is not complete without a good laser jammer. Laser Interceptor is pretty much considered the absolute best jammer and I'm very happy with mine.

Edit:

Heres a link to a guy installing a hidden V1 in his 09 C300

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w204...ml#post3193701