Quote:
Originally Posted by dblock2151
I also live in CT and got my Beltronics STI-R and Laser Interceptor Quads installed by High Fidelity Autosport in Newington, CT. They literally do 4-8 installs a week (all different kits) and get sent by most of the dealers in the area to fix the aiming and install errors done by the dealership techs (Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, etc.)
They did an amazing job and made everything "extra" stealth for me. I did a lot of research and many people go with the 9500ci because it's an "all-in-one" package. From listening to my installer, he pretty much said the radar detection is amazing but the jammers are very weak. That's why we decided on the Beltronics STI-R as it's very similar if not better unit than the 9500ci, and it cost less as it doesn't come with a jammer; letting you essentially choose the jammer that works best for your driving habits/conditions.
We decided on going with Laser Interceptor as they had the best reviews at the time (they may still do haven't checked ever since I purchased) and they had the 4-head options for maximum coverage. They also had a "high-powered" version but that was a little out of my price point.
Also, I heard that Escort recently bought LI's design and will eventually sell the Interceptors with the 9500ci kits later on in the year (2 head version) for a higher price.
The radar and jammers have already paid for themselves in the amount of times they have saved me. I put it off for way too long and have been very happy with the results.
I'll post some pictures later of the install (interior and exterior) later. My shop made me custom "pods" that conceal the rear laser jammers making them invisible to the eye. The front jammers get hidden in the front grill as LI makes a BMW-specific version to go in the kidneys. We are looking to make some pods for the front grill as well, or I may go with the LCI grills to make them a little more invisible.
|
Thank you! I'd love to see the pics, and I may want to pick your brain a bit more about choosing your installer. After settling on the configuration, finding the right installer will be my next immediate concern. I'm positive that a lot of places here will tell, "sure, no problem" - but determining who is an expert versus who may be doing it for only the 2nd time may be tough. This is a brand new car, so I'm not keen on someone screwing it up as their first experiment in installing a system like this.
So, it sounds like you went for the BMW-specific LI model, which is what I've been leaning towards, as well. I'd be curious to see how it looks in your pics - the heads looked a bit "large" compared to the HP-905, but I suppose if they're installed the right way they can be nicely hidden.
I agree with the assessment on the 9500ci having a weak laser jammer. Every review I've read has said the same - and for $2k, it's not worth it. I'd like the idea of a stealth detector (don't like having to take a radar detector on/off the dash when parking - fear of some idiot trying to steal it) that's built-in... but it seems like the best units are actually dash-mounted for whatever reason? If Escort built the LI tech into their 9500ci offering, THAT could be a winner, I guess...