Anybody running one of the Midcity Engineering integration modules for an Escort 9500ci? I am ready to pull the trigger on one but have a couple questions first. Thanks in advance.

 

What's the integration module? That unit is the Mercedes of radar detectors. My brother has one in his beemer and they are phenominal!! I'm fixing to pull the trigger too.

 

Midcity has a module that allows the display of the Escort 9500ci / Bel STi-R+ to be shown on the factory display (center of speedo) and controlled through the steering wheel controls. Very stealth install of a phenomenal detector.

The new STi-R+ is 2/3's the cost of the 9500ci and you don't waste your money on ineffective ZR4 laser shifter that come with the 9500. The range and off axis pick up of the STi-R+ is the best in the industry.

Check out : www.bestradardetector.com has some of the best prices / service around. No affiliations but was a recent customer and very pleased.

 

It's true the V1 guy co invented the escort?

damnit, just when I thought I had this figured out, LOL....
I'll consider it for my next AMG

 

What about the 9500xi? It looks like the portable version of the ci and has Escort live. Uses an app for smart phones and you can program the detector and somehow communicates with millions of drivers on the road. Not sure what it shares? Unbelievable technology in these detectors these days.

 

I love my Valentine 1. Can't beat the arrows.

hyperoin, yes it is true that Mr Valentine was the co-inventor of Escort.

 

The Escort Live program is helpful if you use the detector in cities where there are red light and speed cameras. You pay for the program to update the unit.

I only use the Valentine for highway travel.

For highway driving I agree you can't beat the arrows of the Valentine.

Many of the radar detector evaluators like Radar Roy do not rate the V1 because they do not sell it. V1 sells direct.

 

We purchased two Midcity Radar Integration units for use with the Valentine radar detector a while ago . One is in my office manager's C300 lease car. The other was in my wife's C63. We pulled it before selling the car. We haven't gotten around to installing it in her W212 but we will, she definitely wants it in her new car.
The unit displays in the instrument cluster when the cluster center display is set to audio display. The detector lights are disabled, however the audible warning continues to work. The Midcity unit worked well in both cars. Both my wife and office manager really like the functionality

 

Valentine One compatibility....where did I miss that. They only offer them for the Escort 9500ci and the K40 detectors now. Wish I had gotten one when they supported the V1. Great unit and can see why your wife wants it back in the car.

 

I don't know why they don't now list them for Valentine. We purchased ours a couple years ago and then got busy and didn't install them until last summer.
Give them a call, they are a small and responsive company. Maybe they can hook you up.

 

I'll give Dan a call in the am. I have spoken with he and TJ several times but didn't specifically ask about the V1. How do the arrows display on the cluster?

 

I have the 9500Xi. It has never failed me & i can move it to any car at any time.

I wish it was hidden, but portability is just as important to me.

 

Any word on how well these installs work with distronic? I had to diable k band on my v1 so it wasnt constantly going off.

 

Yes, the arrows do appear in the center info display.

 

They have two modules, one is specifically programmed to work with the distrionic feature and runs ~$150 more. Think it was $599 vs $449 for vehicles without.

I spoke with TJ this am and sure enough they currently offer an interface for the V1 but it is NO WHERE on their site. Might have gone that route had I known.

 

Is it the same price for the V1 module $449 w/o Distronic?

 

TJ or Dan from Midcity can tell you for sure. I can only speak to the module for the 9500ci / STiR+ being $449 / $599. They are at the CES show so email may be the easiest way to get an answer. They have responded to me next day each time I've had a question.

Midcity Engineering
830 N Milwaukee Ave,
Chicago, IL 60642
tel: (312) 421-1114
fax: (312) 421-5498

Email: sales@midcityengineering.com

 

I got the same pricing back from them - did you guys pull the trigger?

if not want think they woudl knock off 50bux each and we all eat?

 

My Install:
https://mbworld.org/forums/5085642-post6.html

 

Nice set-up. I had mine done a couple weeks ago and need to post up some pictures. I went with Laser Interceptor jammer heads and mounted between the grill slats in the second row all the way out. StiR+ is mounted about 4 inches lower than yours. So far I am very happy with the integration with the STiR and have all needed controls. I use my laptop to update my setting and camera maps. Have you had the shifters tested yet? Found out the hard way that parallel to the front of the car and level to the car / world make all the difference. Enjoy and nice job on the install.

 

I know this is an old post but if you get the Midcity module for a V1 where does the actual detector go?

 

We have ours mounted up near the inside mirror. You could possibly mount it up front in a weather proof enclosure but the rear antenna would be blocked, so you would lose the rear radar information. Unless of course you ran two detectors.......

 

for those who have V1 or passport on the windshield, does it work ok? i tried borrowing 8500x50 from my brother in-law and the darn thing was quiet as heck. i think windshield is blocking allot.

 

it's flawless; saved my butt multiple times

 

They work great. He more than likely has X and K band turned off by default. Here in Boston most Police use Ka and laser. Also the portable radar street signs that display your speed use the older K band as well.