alanme123

So I am trying to find a place that will hardwire a radar detector. I want a radar detector, but just don't want to have the wire going around everywhere. Does anybody know in the OC area of any places that does this sort of stuff?

Bob338

Most any good car audio shop can do it. It's not rocket science. Or, go to a good independent M-B shop. They have a bit better knowledge of the wiring in our later models.

Arrie

I bought an Escort 9500 detector. Then I went to their internet page and ordered the "straight" extension power cord. Ran the cord from the glove box outlet on top of the dash in the crack between windshield and dash to the left bottom corner of the windshield. Mounted the detector in the corner with the succer cups.

The only two places you can see the power cord are at the end of the glove box where the cord comes out from the box and right where it comes up to the detector. With passenger door closed only visible cord is at the detector.

Pntblnk

What type of detector are you getting / do you have? If a standard window mount any Best Buy or local stereo shop can hook you up for ~$40.

If you are looking at a custom install like the Escort 9500ci or Beltronics STiR+ then you will want a more capable installer.

The other option is to use a Mirror Tap kit and do it yourself. Takes about 15 minutes and your done. Check them out HERE



**no affiliation with these guys, just like their product.

MB500

Try LaJolla Audio if San Diego is close to you.

BM2BZ

funny thing is they have that for a gallardo but nothing for bmw and mercedes .

alanme123

Thanks for the info guys, I thought it was much harder than this. Didn't know I can just run it from the glove box. If I run it from inside the glove box, will it still close?

I am also thinking about the Escort 9500. Anybody have other recommendations and why? Fairly new to these things..

One last thing.. If I hardwire it does that mean it will turn on automatically every time and there will be that noise every single time I turn on the car?

RSIKR

I did the same with the included straight cord that comes with the Valentine 1. I use the included visor clip on the driver's side to the left of the rear view mirror to mount the detector. Less noticeable from the outside of the vehicle and no suction cup marks on the windshield. If I stop and/or not using the detector, the it goes in the glove box and the detector end of the cable behind the sun visor.

You can push the flat power cord behind the molding with your fingers up the A pillar post on the glove box side and at the top of the windshield. If you need to tuck it in and can't with your fingers use the back of a pocket comb or similar rounded plastic object.

I am a Valentine 1 fan, works great, saved me a few times. They include all of the different mounts, cords, power wire options, extra suction cups etc. The unit is upgradable. Nothing extra to buy. They sell direct only.

Good luck on your installation!

wally AMG

Try MB dealer at Laguna Niguel... but you may pay twice as any audio shop..

alanme123

I tried finding the outlet in the glove box and I could not find one. Is this different because I drive a 2012??

Wally AMG, MB shops do this?!

Pntblnk

If you are thinking the Escort 9500ci jump over to the Belscort STiR+. Far superior unit and you aren't paying extra for the ZR4 laser shifters (that don't work anyway) I went with the STiR+ after months of research and used the MidCity Engineering integration module so the display appears on the gauge cluster. You would never know I had a detector in the car. If you go that route get in touch with Rocco's AutoTech to do the install. First class operation!

alanme123

I heard about the MidCity Engineering integration. How much did it cost in total for you to do this?

alanme123

I looked into the stir+ and it costs around 1.2k!! I was thinking about the 9500ix not the 9500"ic". I thought the ix was already expensive and probably not going to be spending twice the money on this. Damn!

hyperion667

good for you for getting one.....they have saved my tail a few times

alanme123

Just got my new 9500ix hardwired at a local best buy for 25 bucks. Only protruding wire is when it is coming out of the detector into the crack at the windshield. Put it at the centre of the windshield. Wanted to put it on the left bottom corner, but guy said that it won't work as well as putting it in the middle.

Pntblnk

He's correct. The center of the window allows for the detector to be pointed straight ahead rather than angled left due to the curvature of the windshield. High on the window gives the detector horn (sensor) a higher view to get over or around cars travelling in front of you. The other item he forgot to mention is that it should ideally be level and not pointed toward the sky or the hood. All of these things will give your detector the best chance for catching the radar signals at the farthest possible distances.

Btw - great detector and one of the top 3 in window mounts. I just picked up one for my wife's MDX and she loves it. It is quiet when travelling her normal routes and when it goes off she knows to slow down.

alanme123

Thanks for the valuable info. Did she do anything to the radar when she got it? I do not know much about radar and I just set it to auto mode. Would this be sufficient for average everyday use?

Pntblnk

I set it up for her to run highway mode (most sensitive) and let the auto lock feature lockout the false alerts (has to see the false three times in the same place) and within 2 weeks it quieted down and now only goes off when there is a threat.

autoradarinstal

Auto Radar Installers is a Mobile Service that will come to you if your anywhere in Southern California and Custom Install your Radar Detector and Laser Jammers to your car.