Has anyone built in a radar detector in their E? If so what kind and how much? Alternatively does anyone know of a good battery operated, small detector. It's been a long time since I've owned one but with this car wanting to drive right out from under me I thought I'd better start looking.

 

Check out this thread..... you had the best IMO.

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=38903

Mark

 

The Escort Solo II (about $320) is about the only respectable battery model. it was just redesigned so it would be out of date anytime soon.

The built ins are expensive and questionable by some based on having to locate the unit under the bumper. K40 and Escort are the main hidden detectors but they are $1,000.

The two best units are the Valentine one ($345) and the Escort Passport 8500 ($299). There are numberous reviews on each companies web site but the Porsche people all use the V1.

For what its worth, I bought passport 8500. It worked great but I sent it back because I felt 'foolish' having it, especially when I got funny looks from friends and neighbors.

Good luck.

 

I've had the Solo II for about 4 months and it works great. I used the Passport 8500 in my previous car but wanted the uncluttered look of wireless. So far so good in terms of ticket avoidance!! The display is a little hard to see in bright light but that's a minor thing. As long as it barks when it sniffs radar!!

Bruce

 

I stopped using a radar detector after a friend got his car confiscated because he had a radar detector.

My question: what do you do in states where radar detectors are illegal?

 

I have heard that only VA and DC have banned them. And trucks cannot use them but other than that the FCC says it's just a radio receiver. They took his car because of his detector??? Unbelievable. You sure he wasn't running drugs or something?

 

BMcD,

Where do you mount yours. I looked at the specs and it says it weighs over a pound. Any problem with mounting? I'm with you on the cluttered look.

 

STKLAW - I keep it just to the left of the inside mirror and just below the top of the windshield. I'm 5'10" and I keep the seat pretty low in the car. I don't even see it when I'm driving.

Bruce

 

Ok, here's my take...

Valentine 1. Period

I have a buddy with a K40 in his 911 and I have driven his car.. and personally found the v1 superior in detection, falsing, and also the bogey counter too.

If you live in an area where RD's are illegal. You either have to get a K40 (stealth installation).. or a v1 mounted behind the visors or downlow on the windscreen... then run a remote display down to where the driver can see it (esp at night when the detector lights up). The k40 and V1 are both "VG2" proof (the detector detector).

I have had the v1 now for several years.. and it STILL AMAZES ME.

I plan on having mine hardwired once I get my NAV replacement car. I did the hardwire on my 5 series myself in 10 minutes.. it's easy.. but the E500 scares me.. esp with all the bugs we've seen so far.

Hope this helps
Peter

 

I beleive he had his BMW confiscated only for having a radar detector --- in Ontario. I would be interested in comments from Ontario residents.

I thought htere were other states that had banned detectors --- may be I ma wrong. What do you do in VA and DC? Particularly if hte detector is permanently mounted.

 

One bad thing about living here--can't use the RDs. I would love to use a radar detector and God knows I need it, as well, but don't want to do anything illegal (including stealth installations). Oh well.

I thought Kentucky and Tennessee had also banned radar detectors. That story about Ontario is horrible. I lived in Toronto for three or four years, it's a great city. Too bad Ontario has ***** that do this sh**.