TestnDoc

I have an inbound S550. I plan to use my Escort Max2 and will have the service department install a direct connection wire. Where is the cut out for the windshield? Up high, left or right of the rear view mirror?

Also, is there a spare tire kit one can get for for the S550??

Thanks

Nanook

I would really consider the built in Escort unit (detector) from Midcity Engineering http://www.midcityengineering.com/radar-interfaces along with a jammer system from ALP
http://www.alpriorityusa.com/About-AntiLaser.html

LovinMercedes

For spare tire kit, click on the tread page below. Go to 7th post down and click on link that says "222 Retrofit emergency spare tire.pdf"

https://mbworld.org/forums/new-s-cla...begins-18.html

Warehouser

Cut out is located at the top of the windshield on the right side (Pass) of the rear view mirror.

TestnDoc

Perfect, that's where I wanted to mount it. Thanks.

Streamliner

I just checked out the Midcity website and that is extremely cool. That said, I can just hear the dealer now, when the car is brought in for some other steering wheel/instrument cluster problem. THE very first words out of their mouth will blame everything, including poor gas mileage, on the aftermarket electronics "integrated" into the factory system.

TestnDoc

Thanks for the info. Is that just the storage unit for a spare or is a spare included? Did you get this kit? If so, have any pics?

LovinMercedes

I have not made the switch to the conventional tires yet, so I only looked into this, and have not gotten it.

This does not include the spare. From what I understand, the spare is a donut. When I checked the last time, before the bulletin came out, the donut was not authorized yet for the W222. I assume, now that this has come out, that has changed, but do not know for sure.

icebeam

Most of the time if you are hit with laser you are screwed as laser hits the car directly. Radar bands like X,K,KA should pass through any part of the windshield just fine. So I would stick with mounting it high (to get the most coverage) and my personal choice would be a V1 (valentine 1) but to each their own. If you don't do a laser jamming setup then don't worry about it as if you get hit your done. Also I would check what your local cops use as most cities don't use laser as you must be out of the car to do it as glass will bend the beams and hit multiple cars.

Also keep in mind the best ticket defense starts with you! If you see a car on the side of the road slow down. If you see someone breaking for what looks like for no reason slow down. If you see the taillights of a known cop car, approach it slowly. Look at the rims of the car (have they been removed). Look for a side lamp light. Stay in the slow lane if doable. ETC. ETC.

Now days cops sometimes do instant on. Meaning they only turn it on for a split second to take a speed then turn it back off. This makes it tougher for radar detectors to detect it. This is why the above becomes so important.

TestnDoc

I used to use Valentine, but Prefer Escort products now. Love the GPS lock out, combined with Escort live. the Valentine is almost worthless in town, and with all the radar sensors that new cars have, it is becoming less useful on the interstate. I have a 9500ci with Live in my Porsche and live it. Will be putting the Max2 in my S550.

Cptdenny

I have the Escort Passport Max, you can forget the GPS function on your Max2. The windshield usually prevents GPS reception from getting to the Max.

I have mine mounted on the dash with the sticky cup on the windshield, hardwired through the edge of the center speaker grill. The lower your Max2 the better laser coverage you'll have.

If you find that your Max2 GPS reception is better than mine, please let me know.

06E55

http://www.stinger.com/us Enough said...

hyperion667

ever considered laser jammers? I have V1 in both cars; seems to do okay

TestnDoc

Wow...that system puts my 9500ci to shame...lol...Do you have that installed? Would love to have that system.

Newzchspy

Nuff said?? Except for the extraordinarily high price of a Stinger at $5000 for a front / rear patch unit with the smaller display. That price does not unclouded the install either. A segged V1C will do you near as well and with TMF2 ( junk fighter) you have a great programmable detector.

Newzchspy

Actually, the revised 9500ci with RDR toggling and band segmentation is not at all put to shame by the Stinger. Compare prices at approx 1500 for the ci versus $ 6000 plus for a Stinger with lidar protection . The Stingers lidar protection is not near as good as the ALPS being sold and is still the great unknown of the unit.

Wolfman

Having Passport Max's (don't care for build-ins) and using Laser Jammers in MN is pretty risky, the Passport scores match the Stinger VIP ones at a fraction of the price...

06E55

$6,000 is well worth the protection it provides. I realize price is all relative; however, I have this installed in a 2012 Bentley Continental SuperSport that was just north of the 300k price point. $5,000+ for a radar detector isn't even a consideration... To everyone giving opinions of the Stinger vs. whatever, where are you getting your data from? I haven't found any data from an unbiased source, (read UN biased) that proves otherwise...

hyperion667

wow, 300K, we're all so impressed

Wolfman

Stinger's website, under the reviews section

C63-USA

It appears the new Stinger crushed everyone on RADAR by an average of 1100 feet and as much as 3300 feet better detection range. That's about 22+ seconds advanced warning at 100 MPH. I'd say that's nothing to sneeze at! Their basic front RADAR (ala 9500ci and STi-R Plus) is $2995.00 and unlike the others, you can add a rear antenna for directional arrows as well as tiny lasers (size of a dime or their new laser fiber size just larger than the head of a pin) for about the same as the competition. Their new laser was only the second laser jammer to successfully jam those new Dragon lasers as well. Touch screen interface, flat, next generation Patch antennas and well, you get what you pay for. Sure, you can buy a new Z06 or some prefer a 488. Ferrari will sell everyone they build with a wait list for more. Can't blame a guy for buying (choosing) or being able to afford a more costly car.

C63-USA

Maybe I am missing something? I don't interpret the results that way:

Wolfman

https://www.radarbusters.com/Radar-D...ide-s/2461.htm

Same ratings here than the stinger on radar detection.

You also seem to miss the 34.7mhz chart where performance is the same.
While you are correct that the on the 2 charts the Stinger shows 1100ft further, all show over 10,000ft detection range.

I like the Escort Live service; in real life I get most alerts through peer reporting which is especially helpful for laser.

The discussion and examples of who can afford what is on this forum is just dumb IMO. Anyone here can afford either model...

icebeam

Well it may true people on this forum can afford either model it still doesn't make sense to buy the best. I always buy one item under item under the best. You get 95% of the greatness for 1/2 the cost.

Example Lexus ES 350 (good car) 40k. S class 100k. I can see 60k of value between those two. Then a 100k s class to a 300k Rolls Royce? No I don't see 3x the value

Wolfman

You know that I was referring to the radar detectors, right? Using a car metaphor for radar detectors didn't make any sense to me...