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 ESCORT. 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.

A number of years ago, 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 2004 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. As we continued our trip soutward, my wife sarcastically said then that I was one lucky SOB

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

 

I have used Escort shifters for for the last 6 or so years with no tickets and I am now running an 9500ci in my amg with no problems. I cannot say much about K40 but I have had no problems with the several Escort Shifters & detectors that I have owned and used.

Just my 2 cents.

 

Mr. Radar guy... you seem to be the one peddling product... the K40 sucks... its nothing more then a great way for shops to make money on.

Laser interceptor combined with the Escort 9500 is a person's best protection now a days... Guysoflidar.com can back that up... notice they dont even bother to test the K40s any more?

 

Wow. Your first post on this forum and you are not only disagreeing with someone's opinion on a product, but basically calling him stupid in the process and accusing him of working for the company he is recommending.

I think he is a lot more believable than you.

EDIT: I have taken down the insulting post.

 

GOL is peddlers .... nothing more. For the right amount of money they will give ANYBODY great reviews.

 

I apologize, I just get upset when I see someone not speaking the truth about radar....ANYBODIES RADAR........

 

k40 is junk

 

A business being around for a long time does not mean it is putting out great product, it means its profitable... GM has been in business a long time too... doesnt mean they weren't putting out crap product either... I have seen side by side comparisons with the K40 and LI... everything calibrated correctly... K40 did a pretty **** poor job protecting the car...

What must be true is the company's sales are down and you are combing the web for articles where people are giving honest reviews of the products and trying to razzle dazzle everyone with marketing BS...

 

[quote=55fanatic;3774033]A business being around for a long time does not mean it is putting out great product, it means its profitable... GM has been in business a long time too... doesnt mean they weren't putting out crap product either... I have seen side by side comparisons with the K40 and LI... everything calibrated correctly... K40 did a pretty **** poor job protecting the car... So wait do you own and drive a MB or do you professionaly test radar and or laser systems..... I am confussed? Or are you simply referring to something you saw on the internet again? I saw they finally caught BIG FOOT too....... Does that mean it's true? The truth of matter is K40 pioneered the laser jamming industry back in 1993 and have been the innovators ever since. Dude dont give me that PROFITABLE BS. they are no more exspensive then any other remote radar. They dont sell direct to you and me like a lot of other radar MFG, now that is profitable.

What must be true is the company's sales are down and you are combing the web for articles where people are giving honest reviews of the products and trying to razzle dazzle everyone with marketing BS...


I do not work for any company, I simply offer the truth and try to set people straight on each radar detector. There is a lot of BS false testing done on the internet targeting certaing companies and claiming the very radar they sell is the best. I am not saying the K40 is the next best thing to sliced bread, but I am saying they make a very good radar detector and they have something to offer just like all of the other radar MFG.

 

I have owned and driven MBs... and while I do not test radar equipment professionally... I have been around testing... Independent from even GOL... a bunch of people gathered in the Boston area, rented a gun and they all tested there own equipment to make sure it was properly calibrated and working... What I observed was my friend with the LI get better consistant results then my friend with the K40...

 

I think maybe we should clarify what exactly we are talking about. If you are comparing a K40 Calibre to LI ( Laser Interceptor ) then your first problem is comparing two totally different products. First of all LI or Laser Interceptor is illegal in the US and no longer in business secondly, that WAS a laser jammer, the K40 Calibre is a radar and laser DETECTOR. The K40 EX and EX2 are there laser jamming devices. So unless you had one of those then yes you are right the LI wouldnt have performed better. Lastly, I can only assume that the mear fact you RENTED A GUN...... tells me that not only are you not a authorized radar tester but it wasnt done in a professional manner, you said yourself you are NOT a professional tester. So that to me is by no way a valid point. By the way what type of gun was it and what model?

 

<RANT>
First of all LI is not illegal in the US, i'm not sure where you are getting your information from but that is just flat out not true, I spoke with Cliff today and they are certainly in business. Also you misspoke when you say that one needs to be "a authorized radar tester". We are talking about laser here not radar, two completely different apples. A laser gun is quite simple to operate, it's "like a baby's toy". You aim the gun at a moving target (inside there is a crosshair) and pull the trigger, it responds with a distance and speed. One hardly needs to be a professional in order to test it. You don't need to be a professional or a genius to know that if you aim a speed measurement device at one car and don't get a reading and you aim it at a another car and get a reading that something doesn't add up?! Either way, if K40 is as good as you say how come there haven't been any independent tests other than the ones directly on their own website? Also K40 is in bed with all of the major car dealers, mercedes, porchse, etc. They fool people who buy high-end cars that know nothing about jammers at all and they think "oh yeah i need that" and they think it works because 90% of the time they don't speed!

Anybody who has a jammer installed whether it be an escort, LI, blinder, antilaser, laser park pro, or the k40 should have it tested with the same laser guns that are used in their areas. Why would anyone go through all the trouble and expense to buy a countermeasure and NOT TEST IT? I don't understand that, people are basically just hoping that it works as advertised. Anyone buying a product should always do research on it before purchase and you sure as hell better make sure it works after you buy it. Not just go cruising and that one time you are targetted and don't get pulled over say "yeah i jammer them" when they may not have been jammed at all! Even if the jammer is installed it all depends on the car and circumstance.

</RANT>

 

Maybe you should do YOUR research prio to posting and then check out these websites below;

http://www.laser-interceptor.co.uk/
http://www.laserjammertests.com/lase...ptorreview.htm

I agree they CAN be simple to be used, but to give a review on product without having professional knowledge of how radar and or laser products work is absolutely unreilable. That is my point, the LI product uses laser diodes which are powerful BUT.......... There are also many avenues that they MFG must go through to sell them because they are monitored by the FDA and they tend to send JTG codes back to the laser guns which is pretty much exactly like saying ( HEY PULL ME OVER ). Yes K40 sells ONLY to the independent dealers and have been targeting the luxury car buyers because there product is HIGH-END and that is the vary customer who can purchase a high-end product, a guy who owns a chevy or ford is probably not going to buy a K40 probably for the same reason why people who buy a MB or Porsche buy a MB or Porsche cause they can afford it. So what? People buy it, for two reasons;

1. People who buy , MB, Porsche, Ferrari, Lambo etc. do indeed drive fast, they are performance vehicles........

2. They have owned one in the past

To say people who buy $2,000 plus, radar detectors should test there systems is rediculas........ These people spend $100,000 plus for there vehicles do you honestly think they will bother testing it???????? Come on.

Yes your right people who drive Ferrari's, Lambo's, MB, Porsche dont drive fast.......?

 

Oh,

and by the way I did go onto K40 website and this is what I found;

http://k40.com/reviews/sml_2005test.html
http://k40.com/reviews/sml_2007_EX.html

Whis seem to be INDEPENDANT test done a SML ( Speed Measurement Labortories ). I believe they do not have people like GOL, or radarreview.net or any other places like that test there product is because they are extremely biased and sell the very product the rate the best.

 

So the Food and Drug administration monitors the sale of Radar and Laser Jamming equipment?

 

So what is stopping K40 for paying for an independant test and having this 3rd party company skew the results for there paying customer?

 

Yes....... Only if it's using actual laser diods, which K40 doesnt.

 

Well... SML or ( Speed Measurement Labortories ) does not sell product. Keep in mind there is'nt a Radar test facillity out there that doesnt charge something for them to test it. SML simply provided a result on that paticular product and NOT how the K40 outperformed or ABC company outperformed the other based on how much that company paid them. Interent websites that sell products while at the sametime other that very product tend to be biased to what they sell that is why K40 does not participate in those test. It is very hard to become knowledgable about radar detectors today, I would say call ther MFG ask them questions like;

1. How would this system operate in my vehicle
- What would I see, Hear, touch
2. What is my guarentee?
3. Why does your radar provide the best protection?

 

Since i love adding fuel to the fire... :whistle:

I have now pretty much done everything out there, recently a LI 4 head, and a few 9500ci on some Distronic Plus vehicles utilizing the mid city interface because I have nothing better to do...


they all have flaws

I will start with the LI system, supposedly this has parking sensors, though this unit was interfaced with a V1, it didn't seem to work. like the 9500ci and the K40 system, the bumpers have to come off, when you wire these in or custom install it, you literally make more problems for yourself as the wires are ran back to the control head in the vehicle, which in the long run is going to pi55 off the tech who has to take the bumper off. sure you can leave a service loop in it, but how long? 3'? regardless the units need a quick disconnect at the head and it needs to be weather proof... and corrosion as we use salt on the roads here.

the LI was set off and the 4 diodes were observed instantly lighting, 1 in each of the four heads.

the wiring of 1 unit was different than the others, and cliff at LI or in FL or whatever he is that took the call said go with what is already done as they are tested before shipping

I am not driving the vehicle so i can not tell you real world performance of it. I heard horror stories, but experiencing first hand is what i need to form an accurate opinion or it will be BS when talking to others

the 9500ci... it just seems they are trying to hard, has a crap load of features, but it does not seem complete... something is missing and I do not know what it is... maybe there is just too much stuff happening which screws it up... don't know

as for the display of the 9500ci, I have done 4 with the midcity interface and i have yet to use it. I would hate to install it as it looks pretty ugly, on the positive side, it isn't suction cupped to the window.

again with the mounting of the sensors, no one has considered the removal of the bumpers by service personal, which are going to cut the wires and you are going to be stuck trying to solder them back... like I said earlier, it will haunt you

as for the 9500ci on the road, no real formulated opinion, I have yet to have the laser unit go off, I had the radar portion go off a few times. The voice of the unit is so much better than the K40's. however, the 9500ci is too busy... too much happening, or trying to. you know when something is out of the ordinary when you miss a false alarm that has been falsing for the years prior that you drive by, I don't like the auto zone out of it... you gauge those false alarms as your system is working correctly. It isn't just me either, the owners of two vehicles don't like it either. But they are both prior K40 customers.

as for the installation, ample wire length and everything needs to be cut to fit properly! otherwise you will have 100 feet of cable stuffed somewhere in the car.. most likely a ball of wires.


the k40's turn... well now that they fixed the stupid wireless issues and we are back to hard-wiring, it seems better. I don't know who designed it but they need shot... I have never had so many headaches in my life because of "vehicle anomalies"

starting with the EX2 diffusers, they operate very very well. I would have no license by now if it were not for them! I do not like the mounts as they are steel, and rust, regardless if you prime and paint. they need to be aluminum! as mentioned earlier, a quick disconnect is needed.

the radar portion.. well they have a quick disconnect, though they like to disconnect sometimes, so you have to put some butyl on it to ensure it won't disconnect. Now unlike the wireless version, if one of the sensors are disconnected, you will know about it by some rapid chirps about 30 seconds apart. well let me rephrase that... it was like that in the beginning, then they went wireless, now it is wired again.

the wires for the front sensor are never long enough... the butt connectors that are packed with the K40 unit need tossed out... no professional should ever ever... i mean ever butt connect that system together. for the amount of money charged, it needs to be soldered hands down. further they need to go to a phone jack installation like the passport and the LI... simple enough

further why I am on it the leds, speaker, power connector also need to be plug in phone jacks.

the speaker or audio portion needs to be crushed... the voice mode is a joke.

I can tell you from experience that besides all the little flaws listed above the unit works superb, I would like to see it a bit more sensitive, but I am OK with it as it is.

The k40is the only manu that is putting their money where their mouth is, especially with the speeding ticket guarantee and warranty... escort is 1 year, K40 is 5 I believe, and if not the minimum 3 years when installed by a dealer.

I like the 360 coverage of the K40 unit, but most of all the simplicity of driving with it. there is nothing to read or to figure out, the left LED is front, the right LED is the rear, and both flashing is laser.... or you really messed up and you have a cop in front of you and in back of you

now this is my personal and hands on experience. there seems to be no difference between the range of the 9500ci and the k40 when driving either... which could be that escort used to build the K40 receiver... or still does... don't know anymore for sure.

do I wish the K40 would change a little bit? not really, I am happy with it and can live with the simplicity of it, but I heard there is stuff in the pipeline down the road... I am sure they are about to screw it up...

as for the V1... I don't know how anyone can drive with that thing... can you seriously get more than a mile with out it going off?

now I might as well say something about the midcity piece, for what it is and what it does, I guess you really have no choice but to use it, unless you want to sacrifice your Distronic cruise and park assist while the radar detector is on.

hope that helps someone...

 

Also I want to say the presentation to the end user from all the companies sucks, V1 has some nice lit, then escort... K40 you get a trifold... it needs to be better.

also if i were to get a new vehicle and had the option for any of the above units, I would do the K40...

http://www.laserjammertests.com/blin...entlawsuit.htm

 

[quote=jbondox;3806246]Since i love adding fuel to the fire... :whistle:

I have now pretty much done everything out there, recently a LI 4 head, and a few 9500ci on some Distronic Plus vehicles utilizing the mid city interface because I have nothing better to do...


they all have flaws

I will start with the LI system, supposedly this has parking sensors, though this unit was interfaced with a V1, it didn't seem to work. like the 9500ci and the K40 system, the bumpers have to come off, when you wire these in or custom install it, you literally make more problems for yourself as the wires are ran back to the control head in the vehicle, which in the long run is going to pi55 off the tech who has to take the bumper off. sure you can leave a service loop in it, but how long? 3'? regardless the units need a quick disconnect at the head and it needs to be weather proof... and corrosion as we use salt on the roads here.

the LI was set off and the 4 diodes were observed instantly lighting, 1 in each of the four heads.

the wiring of 1 unit was different than the others, and cliff at LI or in FL or whatever he is that took the call said go with what is already done as they are tested before shipping

I am not driving the vehicle so i can not tell you real world performance of it. I heard horror stories, but experiencing first hand is what i need to form an accurate opinion or it will be BS when talking to others

the 9500ci... it just seems they are trying to hard, has a crap load of features, Yes, I agree 12 components and two displays which can be extremely hard to position inside the vehicle. but it does not seem complete... something is missing and I do not know what it is... maybe there is just too much stuff happening which screws it up... don't know

as for the display of the 9500ci, I have done 4 with the midcity interface and i have yet to use it. I would hate to install it as it looks pretty ugly, on the positive side, it isn't suction cupped to the window.

again with the mounting of the sensors, no one has considered the removal of the bumpers by service personal, which are going to cut the wires and you are going to be stuck trying to solder them back... like I said earlier, it will haunt you

as for the 9500ci on the road, no real formulated opinion, I have yet to have the laser unit go off, That is because they are defaulted to the off position out of the box as are the majority of there 60 features.....I had the radar portion go off a few times. The voice of the unit is so much better than the K40's. however, the 9500ci is too busy... too much happening, or trying to. you know when something is out of the ordinary when you miss a false alarm that has been falsing for the years prior that you drive by, I don't like the auto zone out of it... you gauge those false alarms as your system is working correctly. It isn't just me either, the owners of two vehicles don't like it either. But they are both prior K40 customers.

as for the installation, ample wire length and everything needs to be cut to fit properly! otherwise you will have 100 feet of cable stuffed somewhere in the car.. most likely a ball of wires.


the k40's turn... well now that they fixed the stupid wireless issues and we are back to hard-wiring, it seems better. I don't know who designed it but they need shot... I have never had so many headaches in my life because of "vehicle anomalies" I have several installer friends who still swear by the wireless, but I agree because of the recent vehicles technology, it makes it alomost impossible to install there wireless system and I think K40 realizes this hense the wired system.

starting with the EX2 diffusers, they operate very very well. I agree probably one of the best in the market, small, easy to install and very powerful. I would have no license by now if it were not for them! I do not like the mounts as they are steel, and rust, regardless if you prime and paint. I heard they are working on new mounts ! they need to be aluminum! as mentioned earlier, a quick disconnect is needed. Quick dissconnect from the brain or from the device? Because if from the device simply cut and splice ......

the radar portion.. well they have a quick disconnect, though they like to disconnect sometimes, so you have to put some butyl on it to ensure it won't disconnect. Now unlike the wireless version, if one of the sensors are disconnected, you will know about it by some rapid chirps about 30 seconds apart. well let me rephrase that... it was like that in the beginning, then they went wireless, now it is wired again.

the wires for the front sensor are never long enough... the butt connectors that are packed with the K40 unit need tossed out... no professional should ever ever... i mean ever butt connect that system together. for the amount of money charged, it needs to be soldered hands down. further they need to go to a phone jack installation like the passport and the LI... simple enough I am still not sold on the phone jacks, they are hard to get through some firewalls and if you cut them to get the wires through the firewall you might as well not even have them because you are splicing anyway. If you dont cut the connectors off then you have a lot of access wire balled up somewhere inside the car and then that takes away from the custom install.

further why I am on it the leds, speaker, power connector also need to be plug in phone jacks.

the speaker or audio portion needs to be crushed... the voice mode is a joke.

I can tell you from experience that besides all the little flaws listed above the unit works superb, I would like to see it a bit more sensitive, but I am OK with it as it is. My opinion on the K40 is they have the perfect mixture of sensitivity and slectivity, I wouldnt change a thing.

The k40is the only manu that is putting their money where their mouth is, especially with the speeding ticket guarantee and warranty... escort is 1 year, K40 is 5 I believe, and if not the minimum 3 years when installed by a dealer. 3 Year product and 1 year speeding which I believe can be extended.

I like the 360 coverage of the K40 unit, but most of all the simplicity of driving with it. there is nothing to read or to figure out, the left LED is front, the right LED is the rear, and both flashing is laser.... or you really messed up and you have a cop in front of you and in back of you

now this is my personal and hands on experience. there seems to be no difference between the range of the 9500ci and the k40 when driving either... Agreed no difference in range infact in some instencies the K40 pick up further out then the Escort, maybe because is was busy telling me the weather forecast. which could be that escort used to build the K40 receiver... or still does... don't know anymore for sure.

do I wish the K40 would change a little bit? not really, I am happy with it and can live with the simplicity of it, but I heard there is stuff in the pipeline down the road... I am sure they are about to screw it up... Now I think they if they do have something in the works it will set the market, they did it before they will do it again...........

as for the V1... I don't know how anyone can drive with that thing... can you seriously get more than a mile with out it going off?

now I might as well say something about the midcity piece, for what it is and what it does, I guess you really have no choice but to use it, unless you want to sacrifice your Distronic cruise and park assist while the radar detector is on.

hope that helps someone ...I hope this helps any one making the right decision when purchasing a radar]

 

the Distronic on the 2010 is 24.165 Ghz to 24.175 Ghz. the most common gun here is the Stalker at a freq of 24.150Ghz though the test gun (the cops) I have seen it at 24.11-.13 on multiple passes (10+) do I believe that the midcity piece is flawless and the end answer? no! but it still gives the driver a fighting chance when the distronic plus is on.

I am sure you know, as you seem close to K40 :cough: that I did come up with the first D+ bypass, nothing fancy, just took the K band emitters out of the loop but you lost cruise control when the K40 was on.

also the cut and splice... no! the techs or the body repair person will just cut it, and leave it... then the owner comes back to the dealer saying it doesn't work.... quick disconnect. I know K40 is cheap, but come on...

listen to people who have installed them... not just answer tech calls.

 

in fact I think K40 should be coming up with the interfaces for the distronic, not mid city,, also killing the whole K band is not the answer.

further the tech there at K40 needs to be at least doing an install a week, so when the call arises for a tech question, he might be familiar with what they are saying.

 

Since I started this thread topic and have read all of the various factual and conjecture comments associated with the various radar detector / laser shifting systems, I though it would be good to weigh back in on my ongoing experice. Having had a new Escort Passport 9500ci system professionally installed into my 2007 M-B ML63 AMG back in January 2009, replacing my previous installed K40 Caliper system, this has been my actual road-going experience:

I am very pleased to say that the Escort system has so far worked as advertised. From my previous experience with both the hardwired and wireless K40 systems that were installed in this and a previous vehicle, I can attest that the Escort system is far superior. By that I mean the following:

1. While not measured to the level of precision of professional testing, I believe the radar detection range of my Escort system is more sensitive, providing an early warning by approx. an additional 1/3 distance. That is based on my passing known/established speed traps and where/when the Escort system would first alert me, compared to the point where the previous K40 system would register an alert.

2. I have been subjected to numerous laser detection incidents and have had time to slow down enough to not have any officer using that detection method pulling me over. I have no idea how long the Escort system is causing a "JTG" register to the officer's laser gun but so far in approx. 5-6 incidents, it has prevented me from getting a speeding ticket.

3. The GPS capability with speed trap and red light camera location database has been very helpful, especially when I am traveling on an unfamiliar road. It provides a "heads up" far enough in advance to allow me to make sure I do not try to make it thru a yellow light and risk a ticket.

4. The enormous amount of false alarms I had with both of the K40 systems is ancient history, providing me with a much more pleasant ride without those most annoying unnecessary distruptions.

5. The fact that I can update the red light database from the web on a regular basis, primarily just before embarking on a long tirp, has been very reassuring that I have the latest information.

6. The one negative on the Escort system is that I do miss the true stealth installation within the dashboard that I had with the K40 system. But the added information in the Escort's small display modual is helpful at times, alerting me to my current speed when it detects radar and the closing distence to the red light camera.

7. One last thing, we did not have to remove either the front or rear bumper to do a proper, mfgr.-recommended installation.

While no system is perfect and they all have their drawbacks, I do like this Escort 9500ci system the best so far. Hope this helps all of you who are trying to make the most educated choice based on other people's real life driving experiences, vs. the various tests that seem to have quite a few "qualifiers" that may possibly compromise their real accuracy and hence value. Ultimately, having one of these systems is much better than having a visible and distracting (cluttered), dash/windshield mounted unit with power cord, let along drivng blind. Best of luck in whatever your choice is.

AVB-AMG

 

now what would you think of a company that comes out with that and does not make it update-able? wouldn't that be just stupid!

especially when the company is trying to come up to today's gadget technology.

I heard some stuff that it will be available, but as always... trying to get on-board with today's times, they have a glass half empty...


AVB-AMG, some bumpers do have to come off, not for the dual laser shifters though, but for the radar receiver. to have it behind the thin plastic grill or the mesh... I have done a few of those for friends and family :whistle: I don't know which one though... I did get smarter though over a period of time, I would just fabricate a steel mount for the unit and drop it down to where I want it, then anchor the unit with stainless steel hardware

which also is something i want to mention... K40 has still been sending units without stainless steel hardware... so the screws rust up here... waz up with that?