S-Class (W220) 1999-2006: S 320 CDI, S 320, S430, S 500, S 600

Mounting a Radar Detector in a W220

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jan 26, 2005 | 12:08 AM
  #1  
chili's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Mounting a Radar Detector in a W220

Hi,
I have an '04 S500 in which I want to mount a Valentine radar. I can't seem to get a good signal when mounting to the windshield. Any suggestions on where to mount the radar? Thanks in advance!

C.D.
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2005 | 10:19 AM
  #2  
DMI+RY's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
From: NYC
W220
Cool

Hi chili

Use "Search" option through this forum. There are many threads regarding this issue.
In two words - your windshield has shield that blocks signal. There is a small area on the center bottom (slightly on passenger side) of the windshield that designed to allow signals to pass through... Again - search forum - you will find all the instructions.

I recently installed Passport 8500x50 mounted on top (just left of the mirror) and my reception is quite adequate (within two months 8500x50 already paid for itself ).

Reply
Old Jan 26, 2005 | 12:16 PM
  #3  
Man-Du's Avatar
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by chili
Hi,
I have an '04 S500 in which I want to mount a Valentine radar. I can't seem to get a good signal when mounting to the windshield. Any suggestions on where to mount the radar? Thanks in advance!

C.D.
I've researched and performed several experiments, and let me confirm it with you, NOTHING WORKS!
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2005 | 12:51 PM
  #4  
s0vietbenz's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 966
Likes: 0
From: Marlboro , NJ
1995 w140 s500
does the w140 s500 have the same problem with the windshield, I just got the radar yesterday.
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2005 | 12:57 PM
  #5  
DMI+RY's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
From: NYC
W220
Well... That's weird...

Another option I was considering is a built-in radar (like Escort SRX or SR7).
How do you testing your radar placement for proper reception of the signal?
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2005 | 01:25 PM
  #6  
DMI+RY's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
From: NYC
W220
Arrow

Originally Posted by s0vietbenz
does the w140 s500 have the same problem with the windshield, I just got the radar yesterday.
Negative...
W140 does not have that feature.

This UV shield (or whatever that name is - I forgot) is a thin metallic layer, sometimes you can see it on W220 when windshield is sort of reflects like dark blue mirror from outside... Apparently this feature was introduced somewhere in 2000, i.e. W220 MY01 and later have this windshields. Yet I cannot confirm that my MY01 S500 AMG has this windshield enhancement…
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2005 | 04:35 PM
  #7  
masturkev's Avatar
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, Texas
2002 Mercedes S55
Mounting radar in W220s...

I have my Valentine hardwired and mounted high and to the left of my rear view mirror. In my opinion it works at about 70% of its potential versus it being mounted in my Ford F-250. As far as testing it, I got lucky one day and ran into a speed trap, pulled over, and moved my Valentine around until I got the highest signal. Seems to be working fine for me in the S55 however, works alot better in the F250. I'm still searching for another way so my detector can work at its 100% potential. I'll post some pictures later this evening to help you out.

Last edited by masturkev; Jan 26, 2005 at 04:57 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2005 | 07:09 PM
  #8  
chili's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by masturkev
I have my Valentine hardwired and mounted high and to the left of my rear view mirror. In my opinion it works at about 70% of its potential versus it being mounted in my Ford F-250. As far as testing it, I got lucky one day and ran into a speed trap, pulled over, and moved my Valentine around until I got the highest signal. Seems to be working fine for me in the S55 however, works alot better in the F250. I'm still searching for another way so my detector can work at its 100% potential. I'll post some pictures later this evening to help you out.
Thanks in advance for any pic's! I tested the Valentine in a similar manner. I have a buddy on the force that shot radar at the car from several hundred yards away. From some mounting spots, the radar barely beeped! Right now, I have the Valentine mounted just to the left of the rear-view mirror within in the black dots (radio antenna?! in the windshield). If I move the radar just to the left, the radar sets itself off beeping. If I go further to the left, I don't get a good signal. I have read through the entire manual but cannot find this small patch of area without the film (towards the bottom of the windshield near the passenger side ?) nor can I find the area in the sunlight or in the garage. Also, any hints on hardwiring the Valentine in the S500 (i.e.--how do I take off the visors & hardwire into the homelink or other power sources). THANKS!!

C.D.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 26, 2005 | 09:50 PM
  #9  
Thericker's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 9,155
Likes: 20
From: Southern, CA.
V12-Biturbo
Hey Masturkev what ever happened to you posting....

Originally Posted by masturkev
I have my Valentine hardwired and mounted high and to the left of my rear view mirror. In my opinion it works at about 70% of its potential versus it being mounted in my Ford F-250. As far as testing it, I got lucky one day and ran into a speed trap, pulled over, and moved my Valentine around until I got the highest signal. Seems to be working fine for me in the S55 however, works alot better in the F250. I'm still searching for another way so my detector can work at its 100% potential. I'll post some pictures later this evening to help you out.
Some pictures of your 03' Face lift bumper + hood?
Steve Krabbenborg is going to be installing my new Bi-xenons in 2-3 weeks, on his Feb trip to Calif....I'll be taking some new pic's
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2005 | 11:00 PM
  #10  
gbahri's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 1
From: J to the V I double L E, Florida
2003 CLK320
It is in the manual. I remember reading it in my moms manual. If all else fails, go to the dealership and ask.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2005 | 06:45 AM
  #11  
chili's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by gbahri
It is in the manual. I remember reading it in my moms manual. If all else fails, go to the dealership and ask.
Thanks for the info. I will re-read the manual this weekend since multiple people remember seeing the windshield info. in the manual. I have gone to three dealerships in the NJ/NY area and all have sent me out to their aftermarket installers. No one seems to be able to give an intelligent response on where to mount the radar. All give the excuse that since it is an aftermarket item, they don't know where to put it. Moreover, I went to schedule warranty work & I could not find anyone to give a loaner car (TX car)!! I was suprised at how rude the service managers were, especially after purchasing one of their flagship models.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2005 | 01:14 PM
  #12  
masturkev's Avatar
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, Texas
2002 Mercedes S55
Here are the pictures I promised...

I know I said yesterday evening but it was late and I have a dial up connection at home so you understand. Sorry TheRicker, I will have pictures of my car soon. I don't own a digital camera and finally got a hold of one yesterday but it was too dark outside to take any good pictures by the time I got home. Anyways, glad to hear you finally got your bixenons! Man, I'm jealous! How much did you pay for those babies?

As far as hardwiring it, I ran the wire across the headliner, down the side of the driver side pillar, and down under my dash. I connected one wire to a switched 12volt power source under my dash and the other to the negative ground wire. I used a probe to test to find a positive wire when the ignition is switched on. I wish I could remember the color of that wire. I would have to go under my dash and remove the panels to take a look. Let me know if you need that information. I'll take a look if you do. Good Luck!
Attached Thumbnails Mounting a Radar Detector in a W220-valentine-close-up.jpg   Mounting a Radar Detector in a W220-valentine-dash.jpg   Mounting a Radar Detector in a W220-valentine-dash-zoom.jpg   Mounting a Radar Detector in a W220-valentine-front-outside.jpg   Mounting a Radar Detector in a W220-valentine-side-view.jpg  


Last edited by masturkev; Jan 27, 2005 at 02:40 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2005 | 10:57 PM
  #13  
chili's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
masturkev,
I GREATLY appreciate the pic's, the info, and your willingness to share your knowledge!!! I will try to do the hardwire install this weekend & let you know how it goes. The location that you have pictured is where I had the Valentine before I relocated to within the black dotted area. What is this area...the radio antenna? Thanks again.

C.D.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2005 | 11:21 PM
  #14  
Thericker's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 9,155
Likes: 20
From: Southern, CA.
V12-Biturbo
Masturkev......

I just put my $200.00 down payment on them, Steve Krabbenborg is bringing them to Cali, on his Feb trip to southern Cali. He's offering them at a great price $1500.00 for the set or in my case $1675.00 installed including all adapters, wiring, and resetting computer to recognize the new Bi-xenons.
I can hardly wait! I'm also going to be purchasing the new 03' - on up rearview mirrors from the stealership, I don't know what mods they will need to fit but I'm sure w/some tinkering they'll work, hell everything else has...
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2005 | 08:29 PM
  #15  
Lender1's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, California
'06 S430 Sport, '05 C 55 AMG, '06 BMW 330i, '06 VW Beetle Convertible
There are three spots in that windshield to mount devices to send or receive signals through the glass. Two are to the left and right just below the top of the windshield next to the rear view mirror. The third, where I put my Valentine and it works fine, is a square about five inches wide and four inches high just to the right at the bottom of the windshield. All three are shown in the owner's manual.
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2005 | 02:04 AM
  #16  
vdubpower's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,279
Likes: 58
From: OC
i drive them all, fast and hard
can someone post pics of exactly where to place the detector, im going to vegas soon and i dont need to be caught by the cozzers
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2005 | 03:17 AM
  #17  
S-Clusiv's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 2
From: Woodland Hills, CA
Whatever there's gas in...
I have a Valentine 1 in my W220 S55 and it works fine
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:21 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE