EDWARD CONROY

Just curious what everyone is using to enjoy their cars while staying out of traffic court. We were offered the K-40. I did some research before the car came in and it seemed like a decent enough system and I really wanted something built in, so we went for it. I hadn't had a detector since the built in Viper in my Porsche and it sure makes a difference. Not only am I enjoying the car more in line with its potential, but I do a lot of distance driving and always getting to my destination sooner leaves me time for other things.

Eddie Knopp

I've been using a V1 and like it. There is on exception - hand held Laser (I got nailed by NYC Highway Patrol). Do you have the scrambling features of the K40 ? Have you "tested" it yet ? The owner of the dearleship where I got my car highly recommended it - He had it (with all extras) in his E55.

srt10viper

I swear by my V1. You can't beat the arrows and counter. IT IS THE BEST!!!! I just ordered another one (my 9th one) on Saturday.

No lie, I have one in EVERY car I own. I used to take it from one to the other, but A LOT of the time I forgot. I figure $400.00 each is better than what my insurance rates would be if I would have a bunch of tickets on my record. I always use the conceal display unit to hide somewhere on the dash, so at night no one can see I have a detector.

GOOD LUCK,
ROB

Dr Chill

I have the BEL 973 laser jammer which has 2 modules in the grille and one under my rear bumper. It has worked flawlessly so far. I loved the look on one of thew local cops face when I passed by going 30 when I was 20 mph higher when he hit me with his laser. It was worth the price of the unit. Around here, all the cops use laser exclusively and state troopers are also starting to use laser too. The K40 laser diffuser is a 2 year older design than the BEL and Escort devices and is clearly inferior.

hellcat

I recently got a Passport SRX. Am going to install it soon. Having the laser "shifting" is a nice feature. The phrase shifting cracks me up, god forbid they call it what it really is.

03E55AMG

V1 is your best bet. I had good experiences with it and a LOT of savings too with time. Its definately worth the investment

mbmb

We V1 owners are an evangelizing bunch. I don't know of anyone who has switched from a V1 to another type of radar detector, but I think most of us with V1s have switched the other way.

I've had tickets with my V1 on, but always because 1) my attention lapsed; 2) the cop lay in wait for me and hit me with instant-on; or 3) the cop hit me with LIDAR.

For laser jamming, I'm looking at the Blinder M20. Anyone have any experience with it?

mmgrad

I run with a V1 for detection... I've also got a Escort ZR3 Laser Shifter, but haven't installed it yet...

not sure if I wanna install it either since I don't do much spirited driving anymore. So, if anyone wants to buy it from me, send me an EMAIL.

Pbglas

How does one mount a windshield unit like a V1?

Stick it to the Windshield with suction cups? Can it be removed without damaging the windshield? Can it be placed anywhere on an E55 windshield?

I suppose one plugs it into hte lighter. How ugly is the cord?

I would appreciate a picture of a mounted detector.

I have not used a radar detector in 15 years -- I guess I am a newbie here. But with an E55 on order and a few tickets behind me, it is time to get one.

mmgrad

the V1 is easily installed with suction cups and easily removed (but won't fall by itself)... won't damage the windshiedl whatsoever.

You can plug it in the cig. lighter... or hardwire it for a cleaner install...

EDWARD CONROY

Yes, it does have the scrambling features. To be honest, in a fair amount of highway driving since I got the car I haven't seen evidence of many cops. We picked one up way to the rear yesterday with the Geiger mode so my wife took it easy till he passed and got off the Thruway.

Eddie Knopp

Dr. Chill -

How different is the technology between K40 and the "newer" Passport/BEL systems ?

Have you used the K40. For me it'll be easier to get the K40 put in, but I wouldn't do that if it's clearly inferior.

Thanks

Eddie

Dr Chill

Just read some of the reviews comparing the laser jammers on the web. The best one for the money is the BEL. The Escort also allows linking it to their remote detector as well. For the same price as the K40, take your car to an Escort dealer and in 1 day you'll have a superior system. Independent reviews are highly suspect however the result seem to all suggest K40 is inferior. I also know that dealers have a very high profit margin from K40 as one professional installer told me.

Pbglas

Thanks Mmgrad. Can it be placed anywhere on the windshield or is there a coating on the windshield which interferes with radar?

E55JBC

IMHO, the Valentine 1 is the best. I traded in my old unit from my M5, and they gave me a great discount on a brand new one- nobody else does that. The dealer hard wired my unit and did a great job in hiding the cord so it looks factory installed. It hangs by suction cups in the front, is wired off the cigarette wire so it shuts off with the engine.

2003 E55
1991 M5

mmgrad

they suggest that you not install it where the tint band may block some of its sensitivity. But I don't think that is a problem with MB windshields.

as for secure mounting, just moisten the suction cups a little and press... it should stay for a long long long time... no worries there

EDWARD CONROY

I wish I had consulted Dr. Chill before having the K-40 installed. But at least the topic is getting some helpful input for people in search of a unit.

jkrutch

I also have my V1 hardwired....this is my 2nd...I also have my older one in the 911 Turbo I used to drive. Its amazing how little I drive it now....

Is there really anything effective against laser...? I always thought of it as "by the time it sounds an alert it is already too late.

Dr Chill

Laser detectors are useless. Jammers work unless they turn on the laser when you're very close. Usually they try to nail you at a distance before you can see them.

E55JBC

Laser bounces light, so the best combination is a black car (conversely, white is worst) and no front plate- where the guys are taught to aim. There are special translucent plate covers that scatter the beam, but I haven't tried them. I've never heard of laser in California, but we now have photoradar, which I hate- takes all the fun out of the cat and mouse game.

Arnie

From my experience (and I'm the one on the OTHER side of the laser gun) the hardest combination to hit would be a black car with a bra. The best (for me, worst for you) is a red car, not white. Front plate or no frint plate does not make much difference. I get most of my targets from 1000-1200 feet, so it's almost impossible to aim at the plate. BTW we hardly ever cite people for less than 20 MPH over the speed limit, and during speed saturation patrols we use planes and unmarked cars.

Good luck.

allenjdmb

one of those V1's with the display mounted in the mirror? I'm not sure how that works...I sent the guy an email. I know he does it for BMW E36/46, but I don't think for anything else. I'd still likesomething a bit stealthier than that box hanging up there....

E55AMG99

These guys can install a V1 in a Benz. I'm not sure how well this works in models with coated windscreens like the S class. However, I have my V1 mounted in the 03 S500 above and to the left of the rear view mirror and I haven't noticed any problems picking up bogeys.

http://www.ultrasmith.com/newproducts.htm#"Valentine%20One"%20Radar/Laser%20%20Alert

EDWARD CONROY

Arnie, your best weapon is the other drivers on the road. Cars or trucks in the hammer lane who like to ride side by side on a 2 lane doing the speed limit or under, just to aggravate everyone behind them. In New York where I live it's really bad, pretty much the norm. I dream of a dimension where people pass and move over to the right as soon as they can, courtesy is the norm and there is no road rage.

srt10viper

Maryland passed a law for the "left lane bandits". If one does not move to the right and let the left lane traffic by THEY get a ticket.



I HATE "left lane bandits"!!!!!!!!!!