[ARKONE]

So, one of my biggest mods to date will be a N63 tune, however prior to that, I want to get a good radar detector/jammer, just in case I get a little too heavy-footed...

I have NO idea when it came to detectors and only recently started doing my research. I would say my budget for this project is around $1800, installed. However if someone can provide really good info as to why, I can stretch my budget a little.


Currently, I plan on getting the install done by my local car guy that has worked on my various Bimmers. He's great and always done the job exactly the way I want. He quoted me $300 to install the 9500ci with discrete locations for the display and control module.


Location for the display can be put inside the rear-view mirror (sun glare might be an issue...) , inside the ash tray (not easy access to see, I'd like to have only a visual alert when driving at night on road trips), or in left corner of the dash (seems to be the optimal position...

Currently the only radar detectors/jammers I am looking into are:

Escort 9500ci
Escort 8500ci
Beltronics STiR+

Are there any others out there that are comprable? I would like to get something that can alert my of the cops as well as have the laser jammers as well in the front and rear of the car. Thanks for any input!

[Ben2k9]

I hear Valentine One is also one of the top on the market

[twelve535i]

I've used all 3 and the Valentine 1 is the one I am currently using and recommend. Nothing is worse than hear the detector go off and having no idea where the laser/radar is coming from.

[paul223]

I love the arrows.

[ARKONE]

Originally Posted by twelve535i

I've used all 3 and the Valentine 1 is the one I am currently using and recommend. Nothing is worse than hear the detector go off and having no idea where the laser/radar is coming from.

The V1 seems to be a different class as it just mounts to the windshield. The 9500ci and 8500ci and STiR+ attach jammers to the license plates and have the detectors out front and behind the car. So is the V1 anywhere as efficient as a 9500ci?

[Kbye]

The v1 is the one i recommend. Very reliable

[ezmaass]

I thought the 9500ci was a bit out-dated (also about $2k I thought?) - something was on the horizon to replace it? I haven't looked into it for a while but recall that the detector and laser shifters really need to be evaluated independently. If you're interested in a good laser shifter, the market appears to quickly change - some good videos and reviews out on the web showing performance results for those like Laser Interceptor, etc. The 9500ci seemed to lack some of Escort's latest and greatest in the MAX detector.

My Audi dealer is also trying to convince me to put a system in the new R8 - I can't recall what it was (I'm sure they'll push it again on delivery), but I think it was upwards of $3k. I'll try to get details and post here.

[mikey0120]

Valentine 1 is my choice. Once you have the arrows, you won't want anything else. See 12th picture down in the thread below

http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=833807

[ARKONE]

Originally Posted by ezmaass

I thought the 9500ci was a bit out-dated (also about $2k I thought?) - something was on the horizon to replace it? I haven't looked into it for a while but recall that the detector and laser shifters really need to be evaluated independently. If you're interested in a good laser shifter, the market appears to quickly change - some good videos and reviews out on the web showing performance results for those like Laser Interceptor, etc. The 9500ci seemed to lack some of Escort's latest and greatest in the MAX detector.

My Audi dealer is also trying to convince me to put a system in the new R8 - I can't recall what it was (I'm sure they'll push it again on delivery), but I think it was upwards of $3k. I'll try to get details and post here.

Yeah, the Passport Max looks like the way I will be going. I don't have to deal with red light or speeding cameras here in Omaha, NE, so I have that going for me. Do tell what model they charging $3k for.... The 9500ci is around $1500-$1600 now, w/ a good install it's around $2000-$2250.

[ARKONE]

Originally Posted by mikey0120

Valentine 1 is my choice. Once you have the arrows, you won't want anything else. See 12th picture down in the thread below

http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=833807

Do you have a link to the actual turn signals you mounted in the mirror?

[paulbrenneman]

Having a radar detector with a 16 mile range with no indication of where the threat is coming from is next to useless, that's why I use a v1 and in fact convinced my family members to purchase 2 additional ones for their vehicles. However, I'm in California where jamming is illegal so interfacing with a jammer is not a concern for me, I am not sure if you can do that with a v1? I would call Valentine research and ask them if it is possible. If it isn't id probably run a v1 and another detector for the jammers - that is just how necessary I consider the arrows to be

[ARKONE]

Originally Posted by paulbrenneman

Having a radar detector with a 16 mile range with no indication of where the threat is coming from is next to useless, that's why I use a v1 and in fact convinced my family members to purchase 2 additional ones for their vehicles. However, I'm in California where jamming is illegal so interfacing with a jammer is not a concern for me, I am not sure if you can do that with a v1? I would call Valentine research and ask them if it is possible. If it isn't id probably run a v1 and another detector for the jammers - that is just how necessary I consider the arrows to be

Honestly, I don't think I need the jammers. Most people use it for red-light cameras and so on, and I have yet to encounter a single one in Nebraska. I might go with a V1 and do a custom hardwire install under the rear-view mirror.....

[paulbrenneman]

For me, I considered the superior range of the other units but really when you're actually using the detector range isn't as important as knowing where. I've done 4 hardwired installs with v1s now, it's super easy. Easiest way is to use an "add a circuit" kit from autozone or o'reilly or the like. I like to mount it super high, tucked in at the top of the window next to the rear view (as long as theirs a clear view to the rear window), and ideally running a concealed display mounted near the instrument cluster and speedo (so you can easily see where the alert is and how fast you're going). I can photography my f30 hardwired when I get home if it would be helpful

[Antique-ace]

Since you have about $1800 to spend, I would suggest you consider: http://www.k40.com/

[mikey0120]

Originally Posted by tfa372

Do you have a link to the actual turn signals you mounted in the mirror?

Not sure what you mean by "turn signals". The arrows are in the mirror as you see in the link. 12th picture down.

[ARKONE]

Originally Posted by mikey0120

Not sure what you mean by "turn signals". The arrows are in the mirror as you see in the link. 12th picture down.

The arrows are the ones I meant. Are they part of the V1 itself or did you get those seperately?

[ARKONE]

Got myself a Beltronics STiR Plus Blue Edition (BMW style)...

Now it's a matter of the laser shifters/jammers. I am torn between the Laser Interceptor HP and AL Priority. Both are around the same for a quad setup ($1000ish), so it's a tough call. @Stealth.pilot care to input your thoughts

[dblock2151]

I have the Beltronics STI-R+ and Laser Interceptor Quads on my 550i. I got it for the same reason as you but haven't gotten a tune yet.

We did a few custom touches to make it seem even less noticeable. I had my shop near me do the install in Connecticut (High Fidelity Autosport). They fix all the bad dealer installed kits (9500ci) as the dealer's never seem to aim the laser jammers properly. They re-aim and fix the installs for all the high end cars dealerships in our area.

Here's my install:

Front LI Jammer Heads:



Front Beltronics Radar Detector mounted behind center mesh grill:



So for the rear jammer heads, I didn't like how the jammers would be exposed if we just taped them on. So my shop ordered special infrared transmitting plastic to allow the jammer heads to be hidden, but still fully functional. I haven't had any issues with the pods or covers, and it's been a full year or so with them (knock on wood). We'll be doing the same with the front jammers in the kidneys to give the front end a cleaner look.

Close up of rear "pod" or cover.


Both pods from a little further away:


And the main control unit was mounted in the dash for easy viewing, and the buttons for the unit are mounted in the ash tray (no picture, but nothing special).

[dblock2151]

My Review:

Radar Detector: Beltronics STI-R+
Windshield Mount or Custom Installed: Custom
Price: Retail is around $1300.00
Rating (1-10): 9

You're going to love the Beltronics STI-R+. It's the best radar unit I have ever used. The ability for it to warn you of speed cameras, speed traps, and being GPS enabled is amazing. No issues at all, great range, and little to no false alarms.

The 9500ci was the other option I was looking at. My shop recommended the STI-R because they knew the jammers that came with 9500ci (2 years ago) weren't the best. And they knew I wanted a tri or quad kit.

Although now, just for everyone elses knowledge; the Passport 9500ci comes standard with Laser Interceptor duals for the front. I would still want a quad kit, but that's an amazing kit with great performance.

Laser Jammer: Laser Interceptor Quads
Placement of Heads: Kidney grills and Rear Trunk
Price: Retail is around $1100.00
Rating (1-10): 10

These jammers have paid for themselves at least 3x already. My state (CT) uses Laser probably the most in the country and the jammers have saved me out of state multiple times as well. I've always wanted a laser jammer kit, but could never justify the money. I will have a jammer on all of my cars for the rest of my life.

---------------

Also, I know everyone loves the V1 for the arrows. I just recently bought one for loaner vehicles and when I drive my family's cars, and the unit false alarms like no other. I wake up in the middle of the night hearing the various beeps. The Valentine One has made me a more paranoid and tense individual since ownership.

[ARKONE]

Originally Posted by dblock2151

My Review:

Radar Detector: Beltronics STI-R+
Windshield Mount or Custom Installed: Custom
Price: Retail is around $1300.00
Rating (1-10): 9

You're going to love the Beltronics STI-R+. It's the best radar unit I have ever used. The ability for it to warn you of speed cameras, speed traps, and being GPS enabled is amazing. No issues at all, great range, and little to no false alarms.

The 9500ci was the other option I was looking at. My shop recommended the STI-R because they knew the jammers that came with 9500ci (2 years ago) weren't the best. And they knew I wanted a tri or quad kit.

Although now, just for everyone elses knowledge; the Passport 9500ci comes standard with Laser Interceptor duals for the front. I would still want a quad kit, but that's an amazing kit with great performance.

Laser Jammer: Laser Interceptor Quads
Placement of Heads: Kidney grills and Rear Trunk
Price: Retail is around $1100.00
Rating (1-10): 10

These jammers have paid for themselves at least 3x already. My state (CT) uses Laser probably the most in the country and the jammers have saved me out of state multiple times as well. I've always wanted a laser jammer kit, but could never justify the money. I will have a jammer on all of my cars for the rest of my life.

---------------

Also, I know everyone loves the V1 for the arrows. I just recently bought one for loaner vehicles and when I drive my family's cars, and the unit false alarms like no other. I wake up in the middle of the night hearing the various beeps. The Valentine One has made me a more paranoid and tense individual since ownership.

Just saw your post in the other thread as well. Your install is super clean.


I am not sure whether to go with Antilaser or Laser Interceptor right now. My buddy is turning in his BMW in 2 weeks is switching to a Range Rover so he is offering me his Quad BMW LI's for $500. However, I really like the AL with the bluetooth interface. Total price for that is $1250.... After install, it's probably nearing $1500.


I think I can live with without the bluetooth interface if it means I save $1000... I can always see if they run a BlackFriday deal and pickup my AL w/ bluetooth then....

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by tfa372

Got myself a Beltronics STiR Plus Blue Edition (BMW style)...

Now it's a matter of the laser shifters/jammers. I am torn between the Laser Interceptor HP and AL Priority. Both are around the same for a quad setup ($1000ish), so it's a tough call. @Stealth.pilot care to input your thoughts

Even though I have the Laser Interceptor Quad HP, I recommend the ALP because it is the only jammer that can jam all lidar guns.

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by dblock2151

I have the Beltronics STI-R+ and Laser Interceptor Quads on my 550i. I got it for the same reason as you but haven't gotten a tune yet.

We did a few custom touches to make it seem even less noticeable. I had my shop near me do the install in Connecticut (High Fidelity Autosport). They fix all the bad dealer installed kits (9500ci) as the dealer's never seem to aim the laser jammers properly. They re-aim and fix the installs for all the high end cars dealerships in our area.

Here's my install:

Front LI Jammer Heads:



Front Beltronics Radar Detector mounted behind center mesh grill:



So for the rear jammer heads, I didn't like how the jammers would be exposed if we just taped them on. So my shop ordered special infrared transmitting plastic to allow the jammer heads to be hidden, but still fully functional. I haven't had any issues with the pods or covers, and it's been a full year or so with them (knock on wood). We'll be doing the same with the front jammers in the kidneys to give the front end a cleaner look.

Close up of rear "pod" or cover.


Both pods from a little further away:


And the main control unit was mounted in the dash for easy viewing, and the buttons for the unit are mounted in the ash tray (no picture, but nothing special).

Very good. Did you include Escort Live? If not you should add it. It's an awesome feature upgrade.