Show us your radar setup!

[3er]

Here are some pictures of my 9500ci that I posted in my build thread:

[Mr. Hankey]

That is such a sweet setup, the 9500 is...Just seeing the kit though takes me back to my car stereo install days...wiring!!! Forcing it in behind the dash with your foot...ahhh...hot water burn baby...sorry PTSD coming back...would love to get one but don't trust installers to do it (OCD tendencies also).

This is why I'm just sticking to my V1 and spent my time custom programming in Euro mode. At some point if they get me then kudos to them (maybe they'll just ticket me for "no front plate" or I can tell them I know Lups and they'll let me just go)....the V1 has saved me easily $5K (if not more ) in the past 10 years.

[e36]

Originally Posted by Longbow64

I took my F80 to Best Buy to have them do the Escort SmartCord Direct tap install. The mute button is mounted in the instrument cluster and the 9500ix is tucked in behind the rear view mirror with Escort's big suction cup (for now; looking for non-suction cup mount that allows me to keep the detector out of view). The cable runs up the a pillar and down the mirror housing. Clean install and well worth the $50.

very clean install

[Lups]

Originally Posted by rhk118

That is such a sweet setup, the 9500 is...Just seeing the kit though takes me back to my car stereo install days...wiring!!! Forcing it in behind the dash with your foot...ahhh...hot water burn baby...sorry PTSD coming back...would love to get one but don't trust installers to do it (OCD tendencies also).

This is why I'm just sticking to my V1 and spent my time custom programming in Euro mode. At some point if they get me then kudos to them (maybe they'll just ticket me for "no front plate" or I can tell them I know Lups and they'll let me just go)....the V1 has saved me easily $5K (if not more ) in the past 10 years.

Bahahaa!

Dude try my usual setup of excuses!

Please do share your experiences more. I'm taking my friends setup for a test spin soon, and I can not wait to try out something less annoying than what mine is.

I'm telling you, throw the 5k saved towards silicones, and you're set for life.

[e36]

Originally Posted by Longbow64

I took my F80 to Best Buy to have them do the Escort SmartCord Direct tap install. The mute button is mounted in the instrument cluster and the 9500ix is tucked in behind the rear view mirror with Escort's big suction cup (for now; looking for non-suction cup mount that allows me to keep the detector out of view). The cable runs up the a pillar and down the mirror housing. Clean install and well worth the $50.

Longbow, can you post more pics?

[Longbow64]

Sure, kind of a crappy day but I'll see what I can get.

[Longbow64]

Here's a couple shots from different angles. $29 on Amazon for the Smartcord direct wire (I'm not interested in the Smartcord live that you can use with the app on, so this is cheaper), $50 at Best Buy and about 2 hours later, all set up. This is the third BMW I've done like this.

[e36]

Originally Posted by Longbow64

Here's a couple shots from different angles. $29 on Amazon for the Smartcord direct wire (I'm not interested in the Smartcord live that you can use with the app on, so this is cheaper), $50 at Best Buy and about 2 hours later, all set up. This is the third BMW I've done like this.

Amazing. I wonder if the beat buy by me has techs that can install this clean.

[Longbow64]

They said the car wiring wasn't in their database so they had to make a couple phone calls but found a place to tap into that is triggered by the ignition. They said they found a place that didn't require a relay. All I know is it turns on/off when it's supposed to and looks great. Your local shop could always call mine at Waterford Lakes in Orlando.

[elbweb]

I thought I would put my two cents into here, as I had a pretty comprehensive install done a while back. I had an after install thread done in this forum (you can see all the pictures and other comments in that thread).

The overview:
Beltronics STiR installed.
AntiLaser Priority with 2 front and 2 read heads installed.
Both displays within the rearview mirror (are not visible when turned off).
Controls within the cubby in front of the gear selector (hidden when the cover is closed).

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1020517

Now, after that, per the main post:

The GOOD

• This setup is very clean. Unless you show people, most do not know it even exists.
• Performance is outstanding. All radar is easily avoided. The few lasers were dealt with without issue.
• Easily turn them off and they will not turn back on (means taking it in for service is a snap).
• When turned off there is completely no indication that they are installed from within the cabin.
• Complete factory look.
• Within rearview mirror install makes it easy to notice notifications without having to rely on hearing the system.
• STiR allows for the current GPS speed to be shown via the display - this means you can always see a true speed of the car.

The BAD

• I don't know where anything is. I actually haven't found the controller box for the AL Priority.
• The brightness on the radar display cannot automatically update being within the rearview mirror.
• Button locations are a little out of the way. Not a problem within my local area as false alarms are remembered, but on trips it can be annoying having to mute so often. This applies to changing the brightness as well.
• Hard to hear the speakers as they're hidden under the steering column. Even at full volume it can be hard to hear with windows down/stereo on at speed.

The UGLY

• Cost. It was $3693.99 installed. This is a lot more than most are looking to spend for this kind of thing.
• When I replace the car, there is going to be significant cost involved with transferring to a new vehicle.

That's all I can think of for now, feel free to ask any questions (here or my other thread).

[3er]

Escort 9500ci Review + Pictures can be found at the URL below:
http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1111012

[Junkball]

Had to splice a few wires to lengthen the positive and ground wires on the SmartCord remote which was annoying, but worth it. Ran them to the green and brown 12v switched wire in the mirror housing and the black and brown ground at same. RJ11 cord and wires were tucked into the headliner, down the A pillar adjacent to the side airbag, and then down the door hinge weatherstrip. I used the included velcro to attach the remote to the steering wheel column adjustment lever and tucked the wires underneath the dash, velcroing them where they will hopefully not be touched by my boots.



The annoyingly-bright green power LED is not visible if the wheel is positioned at the 12-o'clock position, but I should still get the auditory warning and will see the flashing red off the window reflection at night. The mute button is also a fingertip away. I was considering mounting the button on the turn signal stalk, but thought it would look too out of place, and I wouldn't be able to see either light at all.



The 8500 x50 is a respectable device which has demonstrated good range and sensitivity so far for me, although I haven't come up against LIDAR yet, having not been on I-5 near Seattle since I've had it. The local law enforcement seem to use mostly C/O or I/O-capable Ka-band guns, although I did notice a Sheriff blasting K-band recently. I disabled X-band completely to try and remove some false alerts, but most seem to come from motion sensor door K-band. Having the mute button within finger's reach is helpful, but the GPS lockout feature of nicer models would be greatly appreciated. Still, for $160, $30 for the smartcord, and the installation which only cost free, I can't complain.

[morgan302]

My K40 which I like is not visible from the outside or inside the car. Gives voice alerts. Despite what I have read in other posts it is working as well or better than any other high end unit I have had. Traveled between Miami and Atlanta for 10 years at least two times a month and nothing has worked as well as my K40. The jamer is set to only stop the first shot thus they can not tell it is their since the second gets through. Just requires very fast reaction on that setting. It can also be cut off for those states that may them illegal.

[racsos]

I have the Alp and Stir Plus. wanted to upload pics but the forum says they are too big not sure how to resize them

The only thing I don't like about the setup is the blind spot monitoring K band falsing. It goes from zero sensitivity to max in a second then goes away. This usually only happens when in heavy traffic and a lot of cars around, but still annoying. Its not that bad since in heavy traffic I am not speeding heavily.

My V1 does better with blind spot monitoring filtering. Almost feel like i should have stuck with the V1 and the Alp. Wish the beltronic stir plus was better at the k band BSM filtering. I sometimes run both radar detectors (V1 as well) and shut off the k band on the stir plus, kinda defeats the purpose of the stealth install.

[milk242]

Anyone try the new Stinger HD ?

[AIRPOWER]

Originally Posted by M42N8

That looks really cool! Got all excited.....until I saw the price. $5000??

You can also get a standalone laser jamming kit that are much more affordable, the Stinger is the Cadillac of Laser/RWR systems but you do get what you pay for.

[hadeed]

I've been using V1 for a few years now. Install it right under the visor for all my cars and hardwire into fuse box. Pull down the visor to hide it away from the 50

[M42N8]

Originally Posted by AIRPOWER

You can also get a standalone laser jamming kit that are much more affordable, the Stinger is the Cadillac of Laser/RWR systems but you do get what you pay for.

You mean the "BMW" of Laser/RWR systems, right?

[AIRPOWER]

Originally Posted by M42N8

You mean the "BMW" of Laser/RWR systems, right?

I guess I am too old school......