Suggestion on a Good Radar Detector
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: New Jersey
2012 CLS63 PP
Suggestion on a Good Radar Detector
I'm looking at purchasing a radar detector, I'm thinking of going with the Valentine V1 1.8 radar detector. Only thing is, will I have issues with it working properly through the UV windshield. What radar detector are you guys using and where do you have yours mount?
Thanks,
Tony
Thanks,
Tony
Last edited by TDwayne69; Feb 3, 2010 at 08:53 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 12
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From: Middle TN
2007 S550
I have a Valentine One also, mounted in the same place. Question I have (for those with a V1), do you have hard wired or are you using the cig lighter? If hard wired, did you do it yourself and how did you run the wiring?
I hard wired mine on my other vehicle, but I'm a little gun shy with my 550, I have no idea how to take anything on it apart yet.
Sorry, didn't mean to hijack the topic. If anyone can advise on my question and don't want to post here, please send me a message. Thanks.
I hard wired mine on my other vehicle, but I'm a little gun shy with my 550, I have no idea how to take anything on it apart yet.
Sorry, didn't mean to hijack the topic. If anyone can advise on my question and don't want to post here, please send me a message. Thanks.
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From: New Jersey
2012 CLS63 PP
Hey Earthquake,
Not a problem, I'm trying to see the best way to go. I've been looking at a few YouTube videos and I noticed that they have Valentine integrated rear view mirrors. I also see they have MB factory installed/integrated into the Command Unit, viewed through the odometer.
Not a problem, I'm trying to see the best way to go. I've been looking at a few YouTube videos and I noticed that they have Valentine integrated rear view mirrors. I also see they have MB factory installed/integrated into the Command Unit, viewed through the odometer.
Last edited by TDwayne69; Feb 3, 2010 at 10:24 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 12
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From: Middle TN
2007 S550
My V1 has been great, my wife got it for me a few years ago. I love the function of knowing the direction that a radar is coming from. It is also very accurate for our area, only false readings I get are right in front of the grocery store doors and some type of lazer hit from Infinity QX4's (never understood that). The also have great service.
My 550 is new to me, picked it up a week ago tonight. I saw at the MB dealership they were offering aftermarket radar built in. I didn't catch the name but it would be nice to have it integrated in with COMAND.
My 550 is new to me, picked it up a week ago tonight. I saw at the MB dealership they were offering aftermarket radar built in. I didn't catch the name but it would be nice to have it integrated in with COMAND.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: SE Asia; Canada;
Sonderklasse
V1 is good. Check out Midcity Engineering for hardwire modules to display signals on the cluster. This is the cleanest V1 installation. Renntech has a solution where V1 is integrated into the rear view mirror but it is kind of pricey.
However, the Escort 9500ci which requires professional installation is probably the best overall radar detector. For best laser protection, that would be Laser Interceptor.
However, the Escort 9500ci which requires professional installation is probably the best overall radar detector. For best laser protection, that would be Laser Interceptor.
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From: Seattle, WA
W222 S63 AMG
Long thread here on mounting location and hard wiring. V1 has been working really well since installation and saved my butt several times:-
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w221...nternally.html
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w221...nternally.html
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From: New Jersey
2012 CLS63 PP
Hey guys thanks for the information, that thread was very useful. I'm going to shoot out a message to one of the shops I normally use and see if they've done any Valentine V1 integrations. I want to ensure that I have 360 degree coverage. For the most part I'm not a speeder, but for some reason my black S550 seems to be a magnet for these guys. Monday I was rolling on the highway in a 65mph zone with my curse set at 72mph and pulled over. The trooper told me he clocked me at 82mph, I told him that's impossible since the curse was set a 72mph. Then he tried to blame it on the size of the on my car (22s) and I told him, I've had 22s on most of my cars and never had an issue. I drove my 750Li (white) with 22s for at least 3 yeas and never got pulled over. Well I didn't get a ticket because I flashed my military ID and he let me roll on. I didn't think I would needed a radar detector since I hadn't had on in years, but New Jersey is proving me wrong.
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From: Dallas, Texas
MB S550 Designo, BMW F10 535i, BMW X5, RRS
Remember to take into account that if you have the distronic (?) cruise control, it interferes with the radar detector. I think there are a number of other threads about it.
Member
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Bellevue, WA
2009 VW CC
Escort 9500ci for total protection. Escort Qi45 for the second best protection.
V1, while it is is a great detector offers NO protection from laser. If your going to buy something buy something that works 100%!
V1, while it is is a great detector offers NO protection from laser. If your going to buy something buy something that works 100%!
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From: New Jersey
2012 CLS63 PP
According to Valentine's website the V1 does both radar and laser detection, am I missing something?
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2007 s600 2007 cls63
According to Valentine's website the V1 does both radar and laser detection, am I missing something?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: SE FL
2007 S600
valentine one or k40. I would add the laser diffuser to either one. I have a K40 Caliber in the GL550 with the on screen midcity interface. Have the K40 in my S mounted in the front bumper with the midcity on screen display. Like the V1 better, but they dont offer a rear interface, if you mount it the way I did.
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From: STL
2009 S550V4 Saks Key to Cure
FYI, K40 is wireless (using bluetooth technology) and hence is easier to install. However, Escort's performance exceeds that of K40. Comparing 9500ci to Qi45, they both use the same radar antenna (that of the 9500ix) and they both use the ZR4 laser shifters. The 9500ci adds a rear laser shifter. The 9500ci can also be integrated into the dash using a midcity interface (its not on their website but they do sell it). The 9500ci also adds GPS capabilities (for red light camera, etc.). However, with our infrared windows, the GPS unit must either be installed on the front winshield or on the roof). The Qi45 (at $750) does not have the GPS or rear laser shifter, hence the cost savings of both the unit and installation.
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From: STL
2009 S550V4 Saks Key to Cure
The 9500ci runs $1600 (from Escort) + install or $2k incl. install (from Escort). However, Paul Miller BMW (NJ) is selling a new unit for about $1000. If you purchase directly from their parts dept. (as opposed to buying it from eBay), you'll get a receipt from Paul Miller BMW which should allow you to keep your warranty (Escort voids warranty from unauthorized dealers and purchases made from eBay).
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From: New Jersey
2012 CLS63 PP
The 9500ci runs $1600 (from Escort) + install or $2k incl. install (from Escort). However, Paul Miller BMW (NJ) is selling a new unit for about $1000. If you purchase directly from their parts dept. (as opposed to buying it from eBay), you'll get a receipt from Paul Miller BMW which should allow you to keep your warranty (Escort voids warranty from unauthorized dealers and purchases made from eBay).
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From: STL
2009 S550V4 Saks Key to Cure
TD,
Just call the Parts Dept. You'll also see it on eBay (not eBay motors) if you search for escort 9500ci.
BrabusMan,
Where do you install the laser shifters? They are supposed to have a clear view of the road and therefore can't be behind any plastic (ie, behind the bumper).
Just call the Parts Dept. You'll also see it on eBay (not eBay motors) if you search for escort 9500ci.
BrabusMan,
Where do you install the laser shifters? They are supposed to have a clear view of the road and therefore can't be behind any plastic (ie, behind the bumper).
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 735
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From: New Jersey
2012 CLS63 PP
Hey Vaiofan,
Thanks, I think I am going to go with the escort 9500ci. I looked at several video clips about the installation and operation of the system. Did you have your system professionally installed?
Thanks, I think I am going to go with the escort 9500ci. I looked at several video clips about the installation and operation of the system. Did you have your system professionally installed?
Member
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Sacramento
W221 2013 S550 Rwd, W221 2010 S550 Rwd
tdwayne69, escort 9500i all the way , my cousin has two of them , lovem. total protection in one radar. tells u where redlight cameras are and arrows u direction of the camera as well, updateable , its sweet.
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From: New Jersey
2012 CLS63 PP
