Radar Detectors and Distronic Plus
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 888
Likes: 2
From: Paradise (a.k.a. Austin, TX)
'09 S63 AMG
So, does a high end radar detector like the Escort 9500i w/GPS work in a base S550? I recently test drove an S550 - pretty sure it dit not have distronic+ and my radar detector's GPS sensor would not register. The radar would not even go off at all. It was completely non functional!
Can someone enligthen us on whether this is a problem?
Can someone enligthen us on whether this is a problem?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
C350
So, does a high end radar detector like the Escort 9500i w/GPS work in a base S550? I recently test drove an S550 - pretty sure it dit not have distronic+ and my radar detector's GPS sensor would not register. The radar would not even go off at all. It was completely non functional!
Can someone enligthen us on whether this is a problem?
Can someone enligthen us on whether this is a problem?
SOME S classes have distronic plus (not regular distronic.. only distronic plus) and will have radar interference on K band... Your detector will go off all the time with K alerts.
ALL S classes have the coated glass which severely limits the amount of radio waves that get into the vehicle. Since radar detectors need the radar waves to actually get into the detector to work this is going to be a problem unless you go with a bumper mounted unit.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
Mercedes EQC - AMG 2021 80 kwh
Soon I'll cry !!!
I'm so mad...
I have an ML 2007 with Distronic (simple, NOT plus).
I have problem with the radar detector: Beltronics rx75 plus
The first one got stuck and did not detect anything. After a big speeding ticket and filmed prouves, the dealer changed the detector with a brand new one (it costs ± 1000 USD).
This one is working very well, so good that I cannot use it because it's always in alarm !!!
Can it be an electrical problem ?
I'm going crazy here...
I'm so mad...
I have an ML 2007 with Distronic (simple, NOT plus).
I have problem with the radar detector: Beltronics rx75 plus
The first one got stuck and did not detect anything. After a big speeding ticket and filmed prouves, the dealer changed the detector with a brand new one (it costs ± 1000 USD).
This one is working very well, so good that I cannot use it because it's always in alarm !!!
Can it be an electrical problem ?
I'm going crazy here...
Last edited by Courage; Apr 4, 2008 at 02:52 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
'25 E450; '25 GV70
Yes... any cabin mounted radar detector will have seriously degraded reception because radio waves have a very difficult time propogating through the glass. Again, the distronic plus issue and the coated glass are two totally seperate and totally different problems....
SOME S classes have distronic plus (not regular distronic.. only distronic plus) and will have radar interference on K band... Your detector will go off all the time with K alerts.
ALL S classes have the coated glass which severely limits the amount of radio waves that get into the vehicle. Since radar detectors need the radar waves to actually get into the detector to work this is going to be a problem unless you go with a bumper mounted unit.
SOME S classes have distronic plus (not regular distronic.. only distronic plus) and will have radar interference on K band... Your detector will go off all the time with K alerts.
ALL S classes have the coated glass which severely limits the amount of radio waves that get into the vehicle. Since radar detectors need the radar waves to actually get into the detector to work this is going to be a problem unless you go with a bumper mounted unit.
The S550 owners manual describes these 2 areas, one which is used by the night vision camera if the vehicle has that option.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,430
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From: Cleveland Ohio
beater with a heater
There are two uncoated areas on the front windshield specially made transparent to RF so that transponders such as EZ-Pass can be mounted inside and will operate correctly.
The S550 owners manual describes these 2 areas, one which is used by the night vision camera if the vehicle has that option.
The S550 owners manual describes these 2 areas, one which is used by the night vision camera if the vehicle has that option.
and regardless about the film, if you have D+ your still not getting a radar detector to work without some extra cash. I did a few for the local dealership, with my own interface, rob came out with his own interface also which he markets to the world, and the dealership just does it if you go to them.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 381
Likes: 29
From: FL
Sold 06 CLS500. SL550 09. SL550 2013. Own C6 Corvette heavily customized garage queen 2005.
Hi mmereos, How new is 'fairly new'? One of my V1s was sent in for their update program. Another one of my V1s qualified for their exchange program because of its age. 
(I got a brand new one for $199 plus my old detector)
As far as the location of my detectors, they ARE right in the lower center of the windshield on all my cars that have V1s. To be honest, I never knew about the 'infrared coating' on Mercedes windshields! I've gone all around town and some short freeway trips
, and my V1s have always given me plenty of warning time from Laser and K band radar signals. I just don't know what to tell you about your particular V1 problem. Sorry, Michael
(I got a brand new one for $199 plus my old detector) As far as the location of my detectors, they ARE right in the lower center of the windshield on all my cars that have V1s. To be honest, I never knew about the 'infrared coating' on Mercedes windshields! I've gone all around town and some short freeway trips
, and my V1s have always given me plenty of warning time from Laser and K band radar signals. I just don't know what to tell you about your particular V1 problem. Sorry, MichaelNever new about the infra red metal placed on the windshields and just had mine hardwired in?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,430
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From: Cleveland Ohio
beater with a heater
yeah that is some pretty funny shiet right there. Kind of makes you wish t would project further out so that way the fast lane will be cleared while you are on cruise at 90
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 59
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From: Indiana
S550V4 - 2009 Black on Black Loaded ! 06-M5-Silver/black ! 08-LX570 (Silver - Best SUV ever !)
None !! my friend ofcourse without having to compromise and giving up the K-Band (or atleast making it significantly weaker) -Unfortunately K-band is the most commonly used frequency by cops - so my 2 cents - DO NOT BUY THIS CAR - UNLESS YOU ARE CONSTANLY GONNA WATCH YOUR SPEEDOMETER and make sure you are within limits - NOW FOR SOME OF THE FOLKS HERE ON THIS FORUM MAY BE FUN - not for me
By the way, I have also tried the escort 9500i that ties up with GPS and is not supposed to go off under 30 miles/hr - well - sorry to say - that one goes crazy as well (as soon as you start the car) - This is plain utter stupidity and nothing else (IMHO) - This car is not for use in the USA - Auto Bahn -way to go ..
By the way, I have also tried the escort 9500i that ties up with GPS and is not supposed to go off under 30 miles/hr - well - sorry to say - that one goes crazy as well (as soon as you start the car) - This is plain utter stupidity and nothing else (IMHO) - This car is not for use in the USA - Auto Bahn -way to go ..
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2007 S600
I had 3 cars zooming up from behind me on different occasions today in the left lane (I was in the middle lane), and each one of them drastically slowed down as they got even with my front bumper. One of them I know had a detector as I saw it flashing above his dash
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4
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2008 S550
I have had just about every system you can think of, including the K40 bluetooth Calibre system which is still installed but disconnected on my Murcielago. The Laser diffusers are absolutely worthless except against the very oldest laser guns out there which are not even used in my areas anymore. The radar range is acceptable but not as good as V1. The best "functional" setup out there is the Laser Interceptors coupled with a V1. I have this in my S and two of my Lambo's and no tickets. Trust me, they've been tested. The K40 was punched through the very first time a cop clocked me. Go to the guys of lidar website to see ongoing comparisons. K40 won't let them test their equipment either from what I understand. Any company who won't let their products be tested is questionable in my book. Combine this with my results and a story is told. Do some research and listen to the power users of these things.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Texas
2010 S 65 AMG
Valentine One lets you program K Band detection - OFF
The Valentine One website has instructions for disabling the K-Band portion of the detector. I tried it and it works great; no more constant beeping with Distronic / Night Vision/ Parking Assist, etc.
And, you must mount the detector in the small rectangle space to the left of the rearview mirror (without the infrared coating) or it won't work at all.
But, it's possible!
Contact your "Toll Tag" authority (the rectangle space to the left of the rearview mirror is designed for a toll tag sticker). The Toll Tag authority here in Texas also has a special request front license plate sticker to use in case your car has the infrared windshield coating. Get this license plate sticker as the windshield rectangle is being used by your Valentine One!
And, you must mount the detector in the small rectangle space to the left of the rearview mirror (without the infrared coating) or it won't work at all.
But, it's possible!
Contact your "Toll Tag" authority (the rectangle space to the left of the rearview mirror is designed for a toll tag sticker). The Toll Tag authority here in Texas also has a special request front license plate sticker to use in case your car has the infrared windshield coating. Get this license plate sticker as the windshield rectangle is being used by your Valentine One!
Last edited by Bronc; Oct 12, 2009 at 03:37 AM.
PREMIUM SPONSOR
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 615
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From: Chicago, IL
ML350, Lotus Elise
you could just as easily unplug the radar detector 42 minutes out of each hour and get the same results...
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 281
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey (Metro)
S550 / S430 / E320
Interesting observation! Does Distronic Plus/Blind Spot assist cause radar detectors to go off? If so at what range? I would hate to think I am the cause of people slowing down but it may explain why some people quickly move out of my way when I come up on them in the left lane.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Myers, FL
S 550
The "Perfect Solution" ???
After some research I have decided to install a Passport 9500ic and the Mid-City Engineering interface.
The 9500ic has 2 functions, the radar signal detectors and the laser diffusers. Both functions will be performed by means of two components mounted behind/under the rear and front bumpers.
The Mid-City interface will make the 9500ic reading's show in the instrument cluster (not the Command screen), and most of the controls handled by means of the streeing wheel controls.
I don't have Distronic, so I am not worried about the Distronic produced K signals producing "false" alarms.
Given the planned location for the installation of my equipment, I am not sure that the Distronic signals would be picked up by the radar signal detectors. Maybe someone with more knowledge will chime in. If I am correct, then the equipment I am using will be the answer even for those owners with Distronic.
The 9500ic has 2 functions, the radar signal detectors and the laser diffusers. Both functions will be performed by means of two components mounted behind/under the rear and front bumpers.
The Mid-City interface will make the 9500ic reading's show in the instrument cluster (not the Command screen), and most of the controls handled by means of the streeing wheel controls.
I don't have Distronic, so I am not worried about the Distronic produced K signals producing "false" alarms.
Given the planned location for the installation of my equipment, I am not sure that the Distronic signals would be picked up by the radar signal detectors. Maybe someone with more knowledge will chime in. If I am correct, then the equipment I am using will be the answer even for those owners with Distronic.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Any
The calibre system will not work. I am an authorized k40 dealer and if you take a look at k40's website they have a notice about the systems not working with the new distronic. http://k40.com/images/pdf/DISTRONIC.pdf
Even if you plug in a dash mount detector it is going to make it go crazy reading K band.
If you have any other questions let me know and ill see if i can answer them for you.
Even if you plug in a dash mount detector it is going to make it go crazy reading K band.
If you have any other questions let me know and ill see if i can answer them for you.
I saw this and thought I would include my 2 cents..... That PDF is old, I contacted K40 on this and at one time that may have been true. But it is no longer true K40 DOES OFFER several solutions to MB with Distronic Plus.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Any
After some research I have decided to install a Passport 9500ic and the Mid-City Engineering interface.
The 9500ic has 2 functions, the radar signal detectors and the laser diffusers. Both functions will be performed by means of two components mounted behind/under the rear and front bumpers. The 9500ci comes with ONLY 1 radar reciever and 3 laser shifters. They also recommend there radar recievers to be mounted on the outside which all of my testing should that there recievers are vulnarable to getting water damge, if you dont believe me take one of there recievers and hold it under water for 3 minutes I assure you, you will see bubbles. The K40 provides more protection by incorporating a rear radar reciever. And they keep the original look inside you vehicle.
The Mid-City interface will make the 9500ic reading's show in the instrument cluster (not the Command screen), and most of the controls handled by means of the streeing wheel controls.
I don't have Distronic, so I am not worried about the Distronic produced K signals producing "false" alarms.
Given the planned location for the installation of my equipment, I am not sure that the Distronic signals would be picked up by the radar signal detectors. Maybe someone with more knowledge will chime in. If I am correct, then the equipment I am using will be the answer even for those owners with Distronic.
The 9500ic has 2 functions, the radar signal detectors and the laser diffusers. Both functions will be performed by means of two components mounted behind/under the rear and front bumpers. The 9500ci comes with ONLY 1 radar reciever and 3 laser shifters. They also recommend there radar recievers to be mounted on the outside which all of my testing should that there recievers are vulnarable to getting water damge, if you dont believe me take one of there recievers and hold it under water for 3 minutes I assure you, you will see bubbles. The K40 provides more protection by incorporating a rear radar reciever. And they keep the original look inside you vehicle.
The Mid-City interface will make the 9500ic reading's show in the instrument cluster (not the Command screen), and most of the controls handled by means of the streeing wheel controls.
I don't have Distronic, so I am not worried about the Distronic produced K signals producing "false" alarms.
Given the planned location for the installation of my equipment, I am not sure that the Distronic signals would be picked up by the radar signal detectors. Maybe someone with more knowledge will chime in. If I am correct, then the equipment I am using will be the answer even for those owners with Distronic.
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2000 W210 E55->2003 R230 SL500->2004 W211 E55->2007 997TT+2007 E63->2010 GLK350->2012 E550 4matic
So more than 5 years later, any updates on what detectors work with distronic plus?
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,430
Likes: 12
From: Cleveland Ohio
beater with a heater
mid city has a distronic plus interface for the vehicle, i did a calibre back in 07 on a s, though I disable the sensors ... actually I pushed a button which powered the calibre up and removed power to the sensors... cruise control didnt work though while the radar detector was on
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,139
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Tesla Model S P100D
PS: So does this work by actually disabling some monitored bands? Not good if that is the case... Also I wonder if it has front rear and side protection from laser and radar or just the front.
http://midcityengineering.com/radar-...rfaces/k40d221
http://midcityengineering.com/radar-...rfaces/k40d221
