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Anyone have experience putting radar detectors on the IR coated windshields?
Will you get normal performance if you put the radar in the cutout areas of the windshield? Or integrated radar detectors are the only way to go?
I want to hard wire my Escort Max 360 either to the left or right cutout area of the windshield but I am not sure if it will perform as expected.
I rather not spend 5k installing integrated radar detector / laser jammer into my car.
I have not heard about the IR coating for windshields. I intend to use AI Design in Tuckahoe, NY (just north of NYC). I can't get a link to work here, but google AI Design and look at "What we do". They have a pretty slick hidden system for radar detection and laser shifting.
Cheers
There are two areas where you can mount radar detectors, gate openers, etc... Center of your dashboard or next to the rear view mirror housing on the passenger side. According to my contact these areas will not impede function of said devices.
Interesting, I cannot seem to get the Gate Opener to work in my 2018 E63 AMG no matter where I put it, I'll try those specific areas once again, I got a new transponder thinking the old one was dead I'd transferred from my old car. Neither one I can get working, I dunno what to do at this point? I'm driving the Gate Guys crazy having to go through the guest entrance every time I pull in and pull them away from their newspapers. Next maybe I'll try sticking it on the inside of the sunroof, my car has the acoustic glass package maybe that has something to do with it? Never had this issue with any of my other cars, I guess benz made the glass too good on these cars, lol. I've gotta break out the owners manual of the car, I guess there is a section about this very thing.
Last edited by 2012 merc amg; 11-08-2017 at 02:15 PM.
I have not heard about the IR coating for windshields. I intend to use AI Design in Tuckahoe, NY (just north of NYC). I can't get a link to work here, but google AI Design and look at "What we do". They have a pretty slick hidden system for radar detection and laser shifting.
Cheers
The glass only gets the IR coating if you order the acoustic package, as I recall. I have it on my wagon and indeed you can feel a difference with the window up and down on the intensity of the sun.
From mbusa site:
A suite of upgrades throughout the body and cabin make riding in the E-Class even more serene. The windshield and front door windows are all laminated with an acoustic membrane that also helps make the glass more resistant to break-ins. All of the windows are also infrared-absorbing, helping to block outside noise and the sun's harsh rays. Higher-density rear-cabin carpeting, plus thicker insulation in the doors, rear shelf, and key body and interior locations, further quiet the cabin.
Yep I have the acoustic package on my car (dealer mistake in adding it to my build but that’s a whole different matter and I’m done being upset about it)
When I took my car windows to get tinted and my radar hard wired, I was told that radars have trouble even with the cutout areas in the IR windshields. Which is why I started this thread.
Anyone have experience mounting a radar on one of these cutout areas? Other benzes have IR windshields as well. My ez pass is currently mounted on the cutout area right of the rear view mirror and works without any issue. I wanted to put the radar on the mid bottom cutout on the windshield.
If if no one has any prior experience, I’ll be the guinea pig
Yep I have the acoustic package on my car (dealer mistake in adding it to my build but that’s a whole different matter and I’m done being upset about it)
When I took my car windows to get tinted and my radar hard wired, I was told that radars have trouble even with the cutout areas in the IR windshields. Which is why I started this thread.
Anyone have experience mounting a radar on one of these cutout areas? Other benzes have IR windshields as well. My ez pass is currently mounted on the cutout area right of the rear view mirror and works without any issue. I wanted to put the radar on the mid bottom cutout on the windshield.
If if no one has any prior experience, I’ll be the guinea pig
If I am correct, the EZpass works on RFID and not IR, in which case the IR blocking windows should have no effect. And of course you could use the homelink system as your garage door opener. Obviously that would still leave the radar detector, but you might have a couple extra window holes available.
On a separate note, how do you like the acoustic package? Do you notice an appreciable difference in either noise or heat? I'm thinking of adding it to my build....but just not sure.
Personally I think the acoustic package is a no brainer...especially on a car that costs in excess of 100k.
I have driven 2017 & 2018 E 300 loaners without the acoustic package and there is a obvious difference between those not having the package.
You hear more wind and road noise and those models don’t have the low profile tires like AMG models.
Make no mistake you still feel totally connected to the road and the package just enhances the driving experience. IMHO it should be incorporated into the car as a standard option.
Funny enough I was looking for an acoustic package review before my car was delivered so I am more than happy to tell you my views on it.
Long story short, my dealer accidentally added this package to my build and me being careless didn’t notice till it was too late. Having waited since Feb for my car, I decided to just keep the car even though it had the PAF acoustic package.
Now for the review. One of the main reasons I love AMGs is for its beautiful exhaust notes. So I was pretty mad knowing that this was going to muffle the sound. But having driven it for 3+ weeks, and not even pushing the car hard, I can say that the car still sounds amazing. Yes there is definitely a noticeable difference in the cabin noise between one with a PAF and one without (I’ve driven in my friends edition one). Some of the crackles from the exhaust are missed. Another annoying part is the reason for this whole thread. But if exhaust notes are not a big deal to you then by all means you should get it. The cabin is much cooler with the IR reflector and cabin noise while in comfort mode is similar to an S class. Personally if I can rewind time and redo my build I would not get it.
I cannot get the gate opener windshield sticker to work, I've tried every location highlighted in red in the picture above and no luck, it does not trip the gate. My only option at this point is to get the portable suction cup transponder they offer at the HOA and more than likely gonna have to hold it outside the drivers side window when I come to the gate. Now I wish my car did not have this special glass.
The glass only gets the IR coating if you order the acoustic package, as I recall. I have it on my wagon and indeed you can feel a difference with the window up and down on the intensity of the sun.
I was definitely not thinking clearly when I read the initial post... I ordered the sun protection and noise reduction packages... I was thinking there was a coating for windshields to shield from radar detection. Again, I plan to get a shop to set up a system, and I'm sure places like AI Design are familiar with what to do with coated windshields.
Well you just got two opposing reviews. That’s no help....lol
While I love the exhaust note from spirited driving, the reality is that I probably spend 90% of my time on the highway listening to the audio system. Because of this, I thought it might me nice to have the acoustic package. However, I also use about 6 different IR/RFID devices (radar detector, EZpass, 2 gate openers, 2 garage openers) and I'd hate to have all of these begin malfunctioning. I don't want to be "that guy" who is holding everyone up at the parking garage trying to open the gate by sticking the transponder out the window and waving it around like some sort of idiot until the attendant finally has to come over and manually open the gate.
Yeah I currently have to wave my gate and garage door opener out the window
Yeah so my suggestion would be to not get the PAF package. Instead of spending the $1100 for the package opt in for the comfort box (perfect to put takeout food in the trunk), airbalance package (the cabin fragrance system is so awesome), and the three zone climate control
I have the acoustic noise reduction package, the IR comfort package, as well as the airbalance package, but opted not to do the three zone climate control - figured the kids would fight over it, and, unlike the minivan, how much different can the climate be in the rear of a sedan?
Anyway, not having driven an E63 without the acoustic noise reduction package I can't say what the difference is. But I do feel like the cabin noise level is pretty low. We were perfectly able to carry on a conversation between the front and rear seats with all parties while tooling along at 140 kph (my current limit during break-in).
Haven't had enough sun to tell if the IR filters are doing their job.
But I would certainly buy the noise reduction package again. I think you can still hear the engine exhaust note fairly well when the valves are opened. Can't put it into sport or sport+ for another 750 km or so, but I expect that will sound even better.
I have the acoustic noise reduction package, the IR comfort package, as well as the airbalance package, but opted not to do the three zone climate control - figured the kids would fight over it, and, unlike the minivan, how much different can the climate be in the rear of a sedan?
Anyway, not having driven an E63 without the acoustic noise reduction package I can't say what the difference is. But I do feel like the cabin noise level is pretty low. We were perfectly able to carry on a conversation between the front and rear seats with all parties while tooling along at 140 kph (my current limit during break-in).
Haven't had enough sun to tell if the IR filters are doing their job.
But I would certainly buy the noise reduction package again. I think you can still hear the engine exhaust note fairly well when the valves are opened. Can't put it into sport or sport+ for another 750 km or so, but I expect that will sound even better.
Is the engine note amplified and pumped into the audio system?
Also, have you experienced any issues with gate/garage door openers, radar detectors, or EZpass transponders?
Is the engine note amplified and pumped into the audio system?
Also, have you experienced any issues with gate/garage door openers, radar detectors, or EZpass transponders?
I've heard that the exhaust sound is pumped in through the audio system, but it is pretty subtle if it is. If I get a chance (and if I remember) tomorrow maybe I'll play with turning the infotainment system off and on while having the exhaust valve open and see if I hear any changes.
I picked up the car from the factory through the EDP and am touring in Europe currently, so don't have any of that extra equipment to deal with at the moment.
I do expect to get a radar detector but don't guess I'll need to worry about the garage door opener as I should be able to use the system built into the car to open my various gates and garage doors.
Haven't decided on a detector yet so am interested in recommendations. Would like to get one before I do the drive from Germantown, MD back to San Diego (I'm having the car shipped to MD then driving cross country to save the extra time that would otherwise be spent sitting on a boat to Long Beach).
If you are going with a dashboard detector, in my opinion there are really only two choices. Valentine One or Escort Max 360 or Max 360c. I’ve had both and I personally would pick the Escort over the Valentine primarily due to the extra features. For example the Escort has GPS enabled so that if it picks up false signals on your daily route, then it will automatically store it in its internal database so that those alerts will be muted. Escort also comes with access to red light camera databases and all which last time I checked the valentine did not. Escort also gives you a speeding ticket guarantee. Never used it but apparently if you get a ticket they pay for it. I had the valentine on my ML63 and C63 and had the Escort in my w212 E63s. All of them were hard wired so that I didn’t have to worry about ugly wires running through my dashboard.
As far as integrated radar detectors go I think the choice is really only Escort Max CI 360 (the 360 gives both front and rear protection). This CI also includes laser jamming which the dashboard detectors do not have. The price after installation is also 5k so there is that. The Escort CI also had an interface into the command systems for the w212s so all the alerts are seen on the center console. My guy is looking into if it is supported on the w213 also. Unfortunately with this IR windshield I might have to go with the integrated unit.
Escort dashboard Max 360
https://www.escortradar.com/max360/
I use the Max in my S6.
As for built ins, my friend is a a top level installer into exotics. He prefers the Alps system these days. Front and rear radar and working front Lidar for about 1900 plus install.
Lastly, the hottest portable detector these days is the Uniden R3. Read some tests. https://www.uniden.com/automotive/radar-detectors. Plus it is slightly smaller than the Escort making windshield mounting easier.
Originally Posted by nickprak23
If you are going with a dashboard detector, in my opinion there are really only two choices. Valentine One or Escort Max 360 or Max 360c. I’ve had both and I personally would pick the Escort over the Valentine primarily due to the extra features. For example the Escort has GPS enabled so that if it picks up false signals on your daily route, then it will automatically store it in its internal database so that those alerts will be muted. Escort also comes with access to red light camera databases and all which last time I checked the valentine did not. Escort also gives you a speeding ticket guarantee. Never used it but apparently if you get a ticket they pay for it. I had the valentine on my ML63 and C63 and had the Escort in my w212 E63s. All of them were hard wired so that I didn’t have to worry about ugly wires running through my dashboard.
As far as integrated radar detectors go I think the choice is really only Escort Max CI 360 (the 360 gives both front and rear protection). This CI also includes laser jamming which the dashboard detectors do not have. The price after installation is also 5k so there is that. The Escort CI also had an interface into the command systems for the w212s so all the alerts are seen on the center console. My guy is looking into if it is supported on the w213 also. Unfortunately with this IR windshield I might have to go with the integrated unit.
Well good news, my radar detector seemed to work fine today, I located it right on top of the dash in the center and the radar signals seem to come in fine though that long slot. It went off a few times on my trip to Ft. Myers and back from Venice Fl today. I saw quite a few cops in the center and breakdown lanes. So thats a relief, now that I know where those access holes are it is helpful, I had it located on the left side of the dash on the trip down to Florida from Rhode Island a couple weeks ago, it never went off the whole trip, it was shielded. The bad news was I could not seem to get the adhesive stick gate opener to work and tried it in multiple places where the cutouts are, no luck. So I went to HOA office and bought a portable gate pass, worse comes to worse I'll hold that out out the window, I placed it on the top cutout to the right of rear view mirror, I'm hopeful it will work there, getting tired of messing around with this crazy windshield.
Well good news, my radar detector seemed to work fine today, I located it right on top of the dash in the center and the radar signals seem to come in fine though that long slot. It went off a few times on my trip to Ft. Myers and back from Venice Fl today. I saw quite a few cops in the center and breakdown lanes. So thats a relief, now that I know where those access holes are it is helpful, I had it located on the left side of the dash on the trip down to Florida from Rhode Island a couple weeks ago, it never went off the whole trip, it was shielded. The bad news was I could not seem to get the adhesive stick gate opener to work and tried it in multiple places where the cutouts are, no luck. So I went to HOA office and bought a portable gate pass, worse comes to worse I'll hold that out out the window, I placed it on the top cutout to the right of rear view mirror, I'm hopeful it will work there, getting tired of messing around with this crazy windshield.
Good to hear, want to mount my max 360 to the right of mirror in that opening. Will use the adhesive mount to get it high. If not, V1 should fit there. Car is a beast, should be best performance sedan on the market. Like it better than rs7 and panamera
Good to hear, want to mount my max 360 to the right of mirror in that opening. Will use the adhesive mount to get it high. If not, V1 should fit there. Car is a beast, should be best performance sedan on the market. Like it better than rs7 and panamera
Great, I'm feeling really good about my Wagon, the more I drive it the more I like it. It just feels so much more lively than my 2012 AMG wagon. The Trans feels a lot better too. One thing I really like is the feeling coming off the line, it feels like there is some slippage to get the rpms up and it comes out of the hole really wheel, no hesitation like in my 2012 and the trans is a lot less jerky in all modes.
Last edited by 2012 merc amg; 11-09-2017 at 08:52 PM.
This setup in the middle seems to be working out well for me. The gate opener is on the left and radar detector on right. Could not get the glass stick on type gate opener to work and had to get the more expensive box Velcro mount gat opener. I tried the glass stick on one in multiple locations and no luck.
11-07-2017, 04:31 PM
