Valentine hardwired in upper console...
#1
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Phoenix by way of Texas
Posts: 1,010
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2003 E55 AMG
![Exclamation](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/icons/icon4.gif)
I just did it today and took a bunch of pictures. I know this topic has been around for a while, but figured I could try to contribute something and it doesn't seem like the upper console method got much attention. Anyway, if y'all are interested in pictures, I can figure out how to post them!
#3
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
07 SL55 P30 Designo - Sold, 06 E55 Wagon, 04 CLK55A - sold
Yes, please post your pics. I will be adding a K40 or V1 in the next couple of months in my e55 Wagon. Anyone done a hardwire in a wagon yet?
#5
............talking about rear view mirror radar detectors. I have a complete Passport SR7 with ZR3 jammer that was installed in my car including integration into the rear view mirror. All the neccessary pices are here for stealth rear view mirror installation if anyone is interested. I removed from the car before selling it.
Ted
Ted
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
I would be curious what you tapped for power as I am about to do this on my E55. I did this on my C32 and used the feed that powered the auto dimming mirror/garage door opener as it was switched power. It worked great!
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: El Ay, Cali-fo-ni-A
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
is Sick as Fu*k
WOW Ive been waiting for somebody to hardwire it up like that show pics, and give an explanation....FINALLLLY
pictures PLEAAAAASEEE AND EXPLAIN PLEASEEE
![bow](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/bowdown.gif)
Trending Topics
#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Phoenix by way of Texas
Posts: 1,010
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2003 E55 AMG
OK, here ya go!
One point of note, we did try simply direct wiring the Valentine's power cable to the power source, but even showing 12v from power to the end of the power cord, when we plugged it in it didn't turn on.
But, when you used the Valentine adapter, it did. I have no idea why it wouldn't since power was there, but maybe there is an inverter or some crazy Valentine specific something that enables it to only work with their own adapter...anyway, here goes...
Oh, and the names of the photos are kind of what we did so simply click on the picture to clarify...
1. Pull center piece down (it is the one that the rear view mirror stalk goes through),
2. Take front cover off (the one that covers the auto stuff that is facing the windshield),
3. On either side of the upper console are two black tabs, push them and pull first the front part, and then the rear part (as jdreef says, be careful of the ribbon cables!),
4. There are three black clips that hold the wiring down nice and neat (unclip them so you can have some good movement with the upper console to get where you need to),
5. Using tap in connectors (I used 14-18 gauge from Radio Shack since the bigger ones didn't work), tap in to the black/red (positive constant on 12v source) and brown (ground). I trimmed back the black tape wrap on the wires to give plenty of room since the connector is somewhat recessed in the console,
6. We did use the Valentine hardwire assembly and placed it in the upper left part of the console where there was plenty of dead space,
7. Clip everything back up, plug everything in and away you go!
![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
Oh, and the names of the photos are kind of what we did so simply click on the picture to clarify...
1. Pull center piece down (it is the one that the rear view mirror stalk goes through),
2. Take front cover off (the one that covers the auto stuff that is facing the windshield),
3. On either side of the upper console are two black tabs, push them and pull first the front part, and then the rear part (as jdreef says, be careful of the ribbon cables!),
4. There are three black clips that hold the wiring down nice and neat (unclip them so you can have some good movement with the upper console to get where you need to),
5. Using tap in connectors (I used 14-18 gauge from Radio Shack since the bigger ones didn't work), tap in to the black/red (positive constant on 12v source) and brown (ground). I trimmed back the black tape wrap on the wires to give plenty of room since the connector is somewhat recessed in the console,
6. We did use the Valentine hardwire assembly and placed it in the upper left part of the console where there was plenty of dead space,
7. Clip everything back up, plug everything in and away you go!
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Phoenix by way of Texas
Posts: 1,010
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2003 E55 AMG
How it looks when completed...
A couple of photos from the inside, and outside. I must say, with my tinting, I couldn't see the Valentine display when I was standing outside my door so there is no way anyone would see it from behind.
I live in the Phoenix area so I drove around to the stoplights that have those annoying radar displays that show your speed (note: they don't go above 69mph!) and the detector worked fine from front, back, and side. I was a little worried when I drove down the freeway near a big shopping complex and it didn't go off when it normally did, but then again, I haven't been around there in a while
Hope this helps!
I live in the Phoenix area so I drove around to the stoplights that have those annoying radar displays that show your speed (note: they don't go above 69mph!) and the detector worked fine from front, back, and side. I was a little worried when I drove down the freeway near a big shopping complex and it didn't go off when it normally did, but then again, I haven't been around there in a while
Hope this helps!
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: da long island
Posts: 846
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1989 Toyota Tercel Coupé
looks very good and clean. do you usually run it on that "L"? I usually use A. Not sure of the difference. What does everyone else use?
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Phoenix by way of Texas
Posts: 1,010
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2003 E55 AMG
#13
Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
‘11 SLS, ‘19 GT63 s Edition One
Thanks for the pics and the precise instructions!
I was told that putting the unit up where you have put it cuts down on the range forward because of the tinting on the upper band of the windshield and cuts down on the rear range because of the way it's situated the rear antenna can't get a clear shot out of the back window.
But you say you got good signal driving around town eh?
I was told that putting the unit up where you have put it cuts down on the range forward because of the tinting on the upper band of the windshield and cuts down on the rear range because of the way it's situated the rear antenna can't get a clear shot out of the back window.
But you say you got good signal driving around town eh?
#14
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Phoenix by way of Texas
Posts: 1,010
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2003 E55 AMG
Thanks for the pics and the precise instructions!
I was told that putting the unit up where you have put it cuts down on the range forward because of the tinting on the upper band of the windshield and cuts down on the rear range because of the way it's situated the rear antenna can't get a clear shot out of the back window.
But you say you got good signal driving around town eh?
I was told that putting the unit up where you have put it cuts down on the range forward because of the tinting on the upper band of the windshield and cuts down on the rear range because of the way it's situated the rear antenna can't get a clear shot out of the back window.
But you say you got good signal driving around town eh?
#16
MBWorld Fanatic!
![](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/ranks/veteran_army.png)
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Central New Jersey
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CLK63 Black, E350 Wagon, Supercharged Denali, Lotus Elise, Tesla Model 3 Dual-Motor.
It sounds like you wired it hot instead of with the ignition on...Why..?
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Phoenix by way of Texas
Posts: 1,010
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2003 E55 AMG
And...I didn't feel like running the power down to the fuse box or cigarette lighter because I figured the more real estate I have to run something, the better the chance of me breaking something!
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#18
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: California, USA
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
Valentine V1 Hardwired Installation And Pictures
No switched voltage up there...I guess there may be in the rear view mirror, but I didn't want to take that apart. I have no problems simply turning the detector off if I'm not going to be coming back to the car for a while as I am usually adjusting the volume here and there anyway.
And...I didn't feel like running the power down to the fuse box or cigarette lighter because I figured the more real estate I have to run something, the better the chance of me breaking something!![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
And...I didn't feel like running the power down to the fuse box or cigarette lighter because I figured the more real estate I have to run something, the better the chance of me breaking something!
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#21
I drive on the big L at all times... And the reason why it only works with the adaptor plug in is because you are using a different phone wire than what valentine gave you.
My bmw was not hard at all and it turns off with the car!
My bmw was not hard at all and it turns off with the car!
#23
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: So-Cal
Posts: 3,069
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
W211 E55 AMG, ML63 AMG, Past 996GT3,ZCPM3,Brabus C32,ML 500
Very Cool. I just run the wires under the panels and have my remote box plugged into the lighter and the box is sticky taped on the lighter jack. Pretty hoopty, but easy to take out and throw in the C class..
#25
Switched +12v in the dome light:
https://mbworld.org/forums/4489717-post7.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/4489717-post7.html