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Ho folks
Hello and thank you for your post. I recently purchased a GL 550, and wanted to hard wire radar detector, have done that before in my BMW 5 series in the overhead console. However I really find it hard to detach the console in GL class than the BMW and was concerned that I may end up breaking it. I have a pry tool set (
true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00) even that didn't work. Was wondering how much force to remove the console or any particular instructions as to how to apply the force. I will really appreciate that.Thanks a lot.
What year GL ?..If it's ike my '13 ML you insert a flat tool like a spatula under the back edge between headliner center and push it in to "release" as tab which will then allow this end of the console to pivot swing down
What year GL ?..If it's ike my '13 ML you insert a flat tool like a spatula under the back edge between headliner center and push it in to "release" as tab which will then allow this end of the console to pivot swing down
2015, so I have to push it in rather than pull it down?
Sorry to resurrect and old thread but I would like to do this on a '15 GL550 and follow what pittx52011 did but have a few addt'l ?'s:
1. What brand cord (inviscord / mirrortap) and what length 12", 20", etc for GL console?
2. Any issues with detector turning on / off with car ignition?
3. Any issues with detector interfering with car's built in systems, lane assist, sonar, etc?
4. Can you still fold down sun visor with detector mounted on front windshield?
Sorry to resurrect and old thread but I would like to do this on a '15 GL550 and follow what pittx52011 did but have a few addt'l ?'s:
1. What brand cord (inviscord / mirrortap) and what length 12", 20", etc for GL console?
2. Any issues with detector turning on / off with car ignition?
3. Any issues with detector interfering with car's built in systems, lane assist, sonar, etc?
4. Can you still fold down sun visor with detector mounted on front windshield?
1. get the longest invisicord..tie wrap the excess...better too long than too short
2. depends on where you tap..I'd look for full time power..just leave the detector on..manually turn off for days of sitting...they take very little power..9500ix has auto shut down
3.no but you don't say what make of detector but regardless you should see no issues
4.yes..mount to windshield immediatley high right side or rvm
I revised my 9500ix for a Bel STiR+
If you have not yet purchased I recommend looking into the new Radenso Pro SE http://radenso.com/ They are new and have some growing pains but it performs well and looks promising.
1. get the longest invisicord..tie wrap the excess...better too long than too short
2. depends on where you tap..I'd look for full time power..just leave the detector on..manually turn off for days of sitting...they take very little power..9500ix has auto shut down
3.no but you don't say what make of detector but regardless you should see no issues
4.yes..mount to windshield immediatley high right side or rvm
I revised my 9500ix for a Bel STiR+
If you have not yet purchased I recommend looking at the new Radenso Pro SE http://radenso.com/
Nanook-
Thanks so much for your reply...I really appreciate it! I see on the last post (first page) someone used a 20inch mirror tap for a GL so I will most likely get that (as the next size up is a 36 inch which may be overkill).
2. I was going to tap where you told pittx52011 to tap. Heavy red with black tracer for Power and Large Brown for ground. I think that is located on the right side of the console. I have the same vehicle as pittx52011 so I assume I should have no issues using those wires as he did (2015 GL550)
3. Bel RX65 (M4 version). Yes it's an oldie but still a goodie Still gets the job done even without the gps functionality. I may upgrade at some point in the future but not sure what to get other than either a V1 or the 9500.
4. Any specific reason why I should mount to passenger side versus driver side? I plan on using a visor mount instead of a suction cup on the windshield. Also, not a fan of the rvm mounts either....they look so obvious. I like to "hide" it as much as possible.
Mount either side of mirror..when I had mine I preferred it on passenger side..if you don't run the V1 with all the additional gear/phone app etc it will drive you crazy falsing...I have one in my ZR1 and be prepared for constant falsing in the city,,,,highway it's great but with more vehicles running rear radar...lane sensing etc like Audis it goes crazy..and the 9500 as good as it was in it's day...(I run 3 right now)...there are better
Thanks for the update.
Not sure how old your V1 is. Mine is about six months old and I rarely get false alarms (unless I'm behind a newer Audi or a Cadillac that is).
Just wanted to post back and advise that I was successful with the radar detector hard wire. Thanks for all your help and guidance.
Only issue I ran into is when tapping into the wires on the wiring harness, the power (red with black stripe) went into the metal fitting ok. But the ground (big brown wire) was so big it was hard to get a secure fitting of the tap into it. So I did the best I could and then I put a piece of electrical tape around the wire bundles in hopes that it eventually doesn't work its way out.
Also, did I read that there is a film or something on the front windshield that will impede signal strength of the detector which is why they suggest to mount it up high? I mounted mine on the sun visor which I like because it's out of the way.
Just wanted to post back and advise that I was successful with the radar detector hard wire. Thanks for all your help and guidance.
Only issue I ran into is when tapping into the wires on the wiring harness, the power (red with black stripe) went into the metal fitting ok. But the ground (big brown wire) was so big it was hard to get a secure fitting of the tap into it. So I did the best I could and then I put a piece of electrical tape around the wire bundles in hopes that it eventually doesn't work its way out.
Also, did I read that there is a film or something on the front windshield that will impede signal strength of the detector which is why they suggest to mount it up high? I mounted mine on the sun visor which I like because it's out of the way.
Glad to hear!
Regarding the windshield, you'll be fine.
Only ones I have heard about were the prior gen S class. All the newer ones as well as the x166 do not have any special films on them.
I've just done mine also (went with the SAVVY on the V1). Easiest install ever.
FWIW, flipping through my 2014 manual earlier today by chance I notice an image of the windshield with zones where the solar reflective properties were omitted for uses like this and toll reader things. RTFM, as is often rudely stated (I mean it tongue in cheek) and YMMV.
I know we like our V1 and the hardwired ones make it look neat. Anyway, I just found out while driving to Canada in my ESCALADE when the LEO pulled me over and ask for my license, insurance and "radar detector." I have used V1 since 2002 and have the updated one when he claims to have detected my V1. I did not see any bogeys and was surprised I got pulled over for not speeding. I guess it's time to move to a redline or passport beltronics which are spectre 3 cloaked. Sad day indeed since he took my V1 and gave me ticket for owning a RD.
07-16-2015, 11:11 AM
Still gets the job done even without the gps functionality. I may upgrade at some point in the future but not sure what to get other than either a V1 or the 9500.
