What radar detector do you use?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
Likes: 532
From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
What radar detector do you use?
I have an Escort Passport 9500ci installed in my 07 E63, and a passport 9500ix in the BMW X5. Both are great radars, the 9500ci is old, as Escort has a newer model out. But the technology is similar in design, and it is undetectable by "Catch Em" aka VA State Troopers. As radar detectors are illegal in Virginia. And the best part is Escort has a Defender Database that you can subscribe to, with all the latest red light/speed cameras/speed traps locations, that you can download to your radar. My 9500ci also has laser shifters, in the front and rear to shift the returning laser beams so that the cops laser reads incorrectly, thus given you time to hit the brakes.
And the other thing is that the detector talks to you, letting you know what is ahead. Like Laser Shifting, Red Light Camera Ahead, etc. I'm glad that I spent that $2000 years ago, and it's still paying for itself every day.
So tell me, what radar detector are you currently using and why?
And the other thing is that the detector talks to you, letting you know what is ahead. Like Laser Shifting, Red Light Camera Ahead, etc. I'm glad that I spent that $2000 years ago, and it's still paying for itself every day.
So tell me, what radar detector are you currently using and why?
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 91
Likes: 3
From: FL Beaches
BMW 335i, 2015 GTI
This channel has lots of good info.. So many option out there. I may go with Uniden R3.
https://youtu.be/haYejAK9Grw
https://youtu.be/haYejAK9Grw
Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 202
Likes: 30
2005 C55 AMG (sold), 2005 E55 AMG
I have a 9500ix, got it a few years ago off Craigslist for a good deal. It was pretty much new, came with everything (box, accessories, manual). Saved me a bunch of times in my C55, although I haven't used it much in the E55. Other than it going off randomly due to false alarms, I think it's a really good unit. I should also subscribe and start using the Defender database 
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
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From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
I have a 9500ix, got it a few years ago off Craigslist for a good deal. It was pretty much new, came with everything (box, accessories, manual). Saved me a bunch of times in my C55, although I haven't used it much in the E55. Other than it going off randomly due to false alarms, I think it's a really good unit. I should also subscribe and start using the Defender database
I really don't get a chance to use it much in my daily commute, but on road trips it's essential.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
Likes: 532
From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
This channel has lots of good info.. So many option out there. I may go with Uniden R3.
https://youtu.be/haYejAK9Grw
https://youtu.be/haYejAK9Grw
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Member
Joined: Oct 2014
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'03 Brabus E55 K8, '11 C300 4matic
My car came to me with a v1 and a laserdetector/jammer so that's what I have...one ticket in 80k miles says something is going the right way here. Love the install. You cannot see any switches or hardware. The v1 display is built into the rearview mirror.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
Likes: 532
From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
I wish that, I would have placed the display in my rear view mirror. My display is recessed into the ashtray/cigarette lighter compartment along with my digital processor for my sub box.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 10
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From: Memphis, TN
2006 E55 AMG, 2013 Porsche Carrera S, 2008 Leuxs IS350
No love for the Valentine 1? I couldn't give up the arrows.
My counter measures: V1 with yavi custom tuned, Waze on a dedicated phone, and a Uniden BCD436HP scanner. Nothing beats common sense.
My counter measures: V1 with yavi custom tuned, Waze on a dedicated phone, and a Uniden BCD436HP scanner. Nothing beats common sense.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 601
Likes: 273
From: NYC
S63, GLE580, BV250
I run a uniden R3 hardwired mounted above the rearview mirror on the drivers side. I live in NYC so aside for certain points along local highways (Long Island, Staten Island), and the general traffic conditions making it impossible to get too fast, its only really used when we are on road trips to vacation home in PA or anywhere else. Rumor has it there will be a R3 with directional arrows coming out soon so the price may be dropping on the current model.
Great range and paired up with waze its even better (waze not so reliable out in less populated areas). I personally tested laser and this will be the toughest one for those that encounter it regularly. The LIDAR used in NYC (cant speak for other departments) is very narrow, I had it targeted at numerous points on the car and many times it didn't catch, also the LIDAR is instant on so even when it is used, you are caught... Shifters would be the only defense but not necessary for me.
Great range and paired up with waze its even better (waze not so reliable out in less populated areas). I personally tested laser and this will be the toughest one for those that encounter it regularly. The LIDAR used in NYC (cant speak for other departments) is very narrow, I had it targeted at numerous points on the car and many times it didn't catch, also the LIDAR is instant on so even when it is used, you are caught... Shifters would be the only defense but not necessary for me.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
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From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
Wow all that. I just rely on my passport 9500ci to notify me ahead of time. In fact, I was using it on my way to work this morning and it saved a few false alarm location to memory.
The big thing here in VA is that radar detectors are illegal. So you must have one that is undetectable, as the police and state troopers have detection equipment installed in their cars.
So my 9500ci is good to go, but my 9500ix isn't. So I only use that on road trip out of state. Back in 2008 I was returning from a business trip in NC, when I entered VA and was pulled over shrtly after crossing the border.
I received a $110 ticket for having a radar detector, luckily they didn't confiscate it. I don't know if they do now or not. But my 9500ci is non-detectable, and I use it all the time.
The big thing here in VA is that radar detectors are illegal. So you must have one that is undetectable, as the police and state troopers have detection equipment installed in their cars.
So my 9500ci is good to go, but my 9500ix isn't. So I only use that on road trip out of state. Back in 2008 I was returning from a business trip in NC, when I entered VA and was pulled over shrtly after crossing the border.
I received a $110 ticket for having a radar detector, luckily they didn't confiscate it. I don't know if they do now or not. But my 9500ci is non-detectable, and I use it all the time.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
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1991 964 Turbo, 2002 Black E55, 2002 Black E55 " The Beast"- 2014 E63s
V1 for years and the only time I got a ticket was one I got pulled over and realized the cig lighter plugged had moved and it was off 
Hard to replace the arrows though
Hard to replace the arrows though
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 920
Likes: 163
From: Virginia
N/A
I run a uniden R3 hardwired mounted above the rearview mirror on the drivers side. I live in NYC so aside for certain points along local highways (Long Island, Staten Island), and the general traffic conditions making it impossible to get too fast, its only really used when we are on road trips to vacation home in PA or anywhere else. Rumor has it there will be a R3 with directional arrows coming out soon so the price may be dropping on the current model.
Great range and paired up with waze its even better (waze not so reliable out in less populated areas). I personally tested laser and this will be the toughest one for those that encounter it regularly. The LIDAR used in NYC (cant speak for other departments) is very narrow, I had it targeted at numerous points on the car and many times it didn't catch, also the LIDAR is instant on so even when it is used, you are caught... Shifters would be the only defense but not necessary for me.
Great range and paired up with waze its even better (waze not so reliable out in less populated areas). I personally tested laser and this will be the toughest one for those that encounter it regularly. The LIDAR used in NYC (cant speak for other departments) is very narrow, I had it targeted at numerous points on the car and many times it didn't catch, also the LIDAR is instant on so even when it is used, you are caught... Shifters would be the only defense but not necessary for me.
Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 88
Likes: 26
From: Atlanta
2009 E63, 1984 500SEL AMG, 1984 500SEC AMG Widebody
v1 for me. However, the instant on Lasers are no match for any detector if you are the intended target. Really need to add a laser jammer as well for proper protection. Should have a separate thread in jammers that really work well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2015
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15 S550 4Matic, 86 560SL
I heard through the grapevine...
That Virginia recently (within the past year or so) changed their law regarding radar detectors. They are still illegal, but can no longer be confiscated and are now only subject to a $50 fine. I would definitely roll the dice and ride with an “illegal detector” if the worst is a $50 ticket!
That Virginia recently (within the past year or so) changed their law regarding radar detectors. They are still illegal, but can no longer be confiscated and are now only subject to a $50 fine. I would definitely roll the dice and ride with an “illegal detector” if the worst is a $50 ticket!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
It is illegal in Virginia to operate a vehicle that is equipped with any type of device, passive or active, used to detect any mechanism employed by police officers to measure the speed of vehicles for law enforcement purposes. So if the device had no power source and was not readily accessible by anyone in the car then the person is not guilty of the offense. You can have radar detector in your vehicle; you just can’t have access to it while you’re driving.
If you’re from out of state where it is legal you should put your radar detector in your trunk. As long as the device has no power and it is not accessible, then just having it in your car is not going to be enough for a conviction. The key is that it cannot be accessible.
Any such device or mechanism may be taken by the arresting officer if needed as evidence, and, when no longer needed, shall be returned to the person charged with a violation of this section, or at that person's request, and his expense, mailed to an address specified by him. Any unclaimed devices may be destroyed on court order after six months have elapsed from the final date for filing an appeal.
If the individual is found to be operating a radar detector in Virginia, the face a fine of roughly $100. The law is very clear, however, that while an officer can seize a radar detector for use as evidence at trial, the device must nevertheless be returned when the proceedings are concluded.
This ticket price coincides with the ticket that I received years ago, while returning to Virginia from North Carolina with my old Uniden radar detector.
It's a good thing that I wasn't speeding, so I only received a ticket for having a radar detector.
If you’re from out of state where it is legal you should put your radar detector in your trunk. As long as the device has no power and it is not accessible, then just having it in your car is not going to be enough for a conviction. The key is that it cannot be accessible.
Any such device or mechanism may be taken by the arresting officer if needed as evidence, and, when no longer needed, shall be returned to the person charged with a violation of this section, or at that person's request, and his expense, mailed to an address specified by him. Any unclaimed devices may be destroyed on court order after six months have elapsed from the final date for filing an appeal.
If the individual is found to be operating a radar detector in Virginia, the face a fine of roughly $100. The law is very clear, however, that while an officer can seize a radar detector for use as evidence at trial, the device must nevertheless be returned when the proceedings are concluded.
This ticket price coincides with the ticket that I received years ago, while returning to Virginia from North Carolina with my old Uniden radar detector.
It's a good thing that I wasn't speeding, so I only received a ticket for having a radar detector.
Last edited by Yuille36; Mar 11, 2019 at 09:55 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
Likes: 532
From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
You could end up with two tickets, one for speeding and one for the illegal radar detector.
Conceivably $240 in tickets, depending how fast your were traveling.
Conceivably $240 in tickets, depending how fast your were traveling.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,296
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From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
It is illegal in Virginia to operate a vehicle that is equipped with any type of device, passive or active, used to detect any mechanism employed by police officers to measure the speed of vehicles for law enforcement purposes. So if the device had no power source and was not readily accessible by anyone in the car then the person is not guilty of the offense. You can have radar detector in your vehicle; you just can’t have access to it while you’re driving.
If you’re from out of state where it is legal you should put your radar detector in your trunk. As long as the device has no power and it is not accessible, then just having it in your car is not going to be enough for a conviction. The key is that it cannot be accessible.
Any such device or mechanism may be taken by the arresting officer if needed as evidence, and, when no longer needed, shall be returned to the person charged with a violation of this section, or at that person's request, and his expense, mailed to an address specified by him. Any unclaimed devices may be destroyed on court order after six months have elapsed from the final date for filing an appeal.
If the individual is found to be operating a radar detector in Virginia, the face a fine of roughly $100. The law is very clear, however, that while an officer can seize a radar detector for use as evidence at trial, the device must nevertheless be returned when the proceedings are concluded.
This ticket price coincides with the ticket that I received years ago, while returning to Virginia from North Carolina with my old Uniden radar detector.
It's a good thing that I wasn't speeding, so I only received a ticket for having a radar detector.
If you’re from out of state where it is legal you should put your radar detector in your trunk. As long as the device has no power and it is not accessible, then just having it in your car is not going to be enough for a conviction. The key is that it cannot be accessible.
Any such device or mechanism may be taken by the arresting officer if needed as evidence, and, when no longer needed, shall be returned to the person charged with a violation of this section, or at that person's request, and his expense, mailed to an address specified by him. Any unclaimed devices may be destroyed on court order after six months have elapsed from the final date for filing an appeal.
If the individual is found to be operating a radar detector in Virginia, the face a fine of roughly $100. The law is very clear, however, that while an officer can seize a radar detector for use as evidence at trial, the device must nevertheless be returned when the proceedings are concluded.
This ticket price coincides with the ticket that I received years ago, while returning to Virginia from North Carolina with my old Uniden radar detector.
It's a good thing that I wasn't speeding, so I only received a ticket for having a radar detector.
I know I rarely ever post but after commenting on another thread about Virginia speeding, I must warn others here as well.
The detector should only be put away if you don’t plan to speed. Take all actions to protect yourself otherwise.
Absolutely use a radar device if you plan on speeding in Va. and per the last line from the quote above, it may be better to take the radar ticket vs possibly ruining your life and going to jail. ( yes on 1day jail, no on ruining my life or losing my license)As a Marylander, I no longer purposely spend money in or visit that backward podunck commonwealth, 15 years later.
And, please before I’m told I was guilty, the judge I was in front of was featured on 20/20 as being the Boss Hog of Southern Virginia. Avoid at all costs or use an undetectable detector (passport) plus shifters/jammers or do not go more than 4 miles over the limit, cause 15 is reckless, jailable, lose your license, over a decade on the record, etc. That’s with driving school, fines and jail, and in case you didn’t hear, jail.
Gary
