Unobtrusive radar detector solution...?

TeeG · 05-20-2007, 12:15 PM

I'd briefly considered getting an instrument-panel installed radar detector for my brand new bmw -- but that was before I realized it'd cost $1400. So let me ask this question:

For under $1k (ideally under $500), what's the most unobtrusive solution for radar detection?

I'd want to balance quality of radar detection with keeping it unobtrusive.
What I mean by unobtrusive is not something that has a lot of wires hanging off of it, antennas sticking out all over the car, etc. I love the clean look of my new car, and don't want to mess with it.

Obviously something professionally mounted in a dashboard would be great. But unless there's a cheaper option than I'm aware, I think that's out.

Another thought might be a "wireless" system (eg, battery operated), but are any of them any good?

Another might be to hide the powercord somehow -- but how (without a major expensive install, and without wrecking my new car)?

Thanks ahead of time for your thoughts!

continentalg5 · 05-20-2007, 01:12 PM

I would recommend hard wiring a Valentine 1. There are a few pictures of the V1 hardwired on this forum. The V1 offers superior sensitvity and has the option of a concealed display that can be placed anywhere in the cabin. I got mine installed by a pro near my house for $45, not too bad and now mine looks great. On the very high end though there is the K40 but that might be too much. Good luck in your search!

magamaga · 05-20-2007, 08:28 PM

There's a DIY on radar detectors where I posted how I hardwired my radar detector I think is clean. check it out.

TeeG · 05-20-2007, 11:12 PM

Those look pretty good.

Another thought I'm now having, though...: when you do eventually get pulled over, it sure would be nice to have a detector that the cop wouldn't notice at all. Ie, one that was stealth installed right into the instrument panel. Don't suppose anyone knows of a (relatively) inexpensive way to do that with any of the V1, Bel-Sti, etc?

Thanks again...

ironic · 05-21-2007, 12:02 AM

yeah hardwiring any unit around your rear view is relatively unobtrusive and clean. ofcourse it'll take a little of space on your windshiel but it's a perfect spot for it and that spot doesn't really obscure your vision of traffic. it's a very natural location as well since you check your rearview every once in a whie.

SMOKE EM IF U GOT EM!! · 05-23-2007, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironic

yeah hardwiring any unit around your rear view is relatively unobtrusive and clean. ofcourse it'll take a little of space on your windshiel but it's a perfect spot for it and that spot doesn't really obscure your vision of traffic. it's a very natural location as well since you check your rearview every once in a whie.

^ well put. i have seen a couple of people do custom installs in the ashtray w their xm units. maybe something can be fanagled w the v1 unit? dont know how big it is.

Ian335i · 05-23-2007, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by magamaga

There's a DIY on radar detectors where I posted how I hardwired my radar detector I think is clean. check it out.

Can you give us a link to that? Please

gary328xi · 05-23-2007, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian335i

Can you give us a link to that? Please

FrankoQ · 05-24-2007, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gary328xi

In the DIY section

OC Guy · 10-16-2007, 04:13 PM

Old thread but in case someone finds this thread:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=concealed

Carlito12 · 10-16-2007, 04:36 PM

this is the radar detector i did on my 335i

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58196

u have to scroll down a bit...

rideelement247 · 10-17-2007, 06:14 AM

If you can find it, I saw the coolest hardwire of a valentine one. The guy installed the hardwired V1 in his rear windshield and then had the remote display put into the dash right under the air conditioning controls. He had to cut the plastic to do it, but god damn did it look sexy!

I can't find the link for it anymore

Anyone know where it is?

OC Guy · 10-17-2007, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rideelement247

If you can find it, I saw the coolest hardwire of a valentine one. The guy installed the hardwired V1 in his rear windshield and then had the remote display put into the dash right under the air conditioning controls. He had to cut the plastic to do it, but god damn did it look sexy!

I can't find the link for it anymore

Anyone know where it is?

It's in the thread I posted.

MOTO69JOE · 10-17-2007, 01:53 PM

I saw a sweet install put into an e46's guages.

WilyB · 10-17-2007, 04:47 PM

I am currently using K-40s with Spectre defeat pouches on all my cars but this solution appears to fit your requirement for $899 only:

http://www.1stradardetectors.com/rad...mote/index.php

05-20-2007, 12:15 PM	#1
TeeG Private 4 Rep 56 Posts Drives: none Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: new york iTrader: (0)	Unobtrusive radar detector solution...? I'd briefly considered getting an instrument-panel installed radar detector for my brand new bmw -- but that was before I realized it'd cost $1400. So let me ask this question: For under $1k (ideally under $500), what's the most unobtrusive solution for radar detection? I'd want to balance quality of radar detection with keeping it unobtrusive. What I mean by unobtrusive is not something that has a lot of wires hanging off of it, antennas sticking out all over the car, etc. I love the clean look of my new car, and don't want to mess with it. Obviously something professionally mounted in a dashboard would be great. But unless there's a cheaper option than I'm aware, I think that's out. Another thought might be a "wireless" system (eg, battery operated), but are any of them any good? Another might be to hide the powercord somehow -- but how (without a major expensive install, and without wrecking my new car)? Thanks ahead of time for your thoughts!
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05-20-2007, 01:12 PM	#2
continentalg5 Major 17 Rep 1,074 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	I would recommend hard wiring a Valentine 1. There are a few pictures of the V1 hardwired on this forum. The V1 offers superior sensitvity and has the option of a concealed display that can be placed anywhere in the cabin. I got mine installed by a pro near my house for $45, not too bad and now mine looks great. On the very high end though there is the K40 but that might be too much. Good luck in your search!
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05-20-2007, 08:28 PM	#3
magamaga - 25 Rep 526 Posts Drives: BMW 325i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Houston, Texas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	There's a DIY on radar detectors where I posted how I hardwired my radar detector I think is clean. check it out. __________________ 325i Sparkling Graphite/Navigation/Steptronic/HeatedSeats/ DRL Angel Eyes/Metal Pedals/Tail Pipe Tips/Rear BMW Spoiler/BMWAlarm/LoJack/BlackLineTailLights/Hardwired BeltronicsProfessionalRX65RadarDetector/Rear FogLights/Debadged/LUX 5.0/ACS Roof Spoiler
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05-20-2007, 11:12 PM	#4
TeeG Private 4 Rep 56 Posts Drives: none Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: new york iTrader: (0)	Those look pretty good. Another thought I'm now having, though...: when you do eventually get pulled over, it sure would be nice to have a detector that the cop wouldn't notice at all. Ie, one that was stealth installed right into the instrument panel. Don't suppose anyone knows of a (relatively) inexpensive way to do that with any of the V1, Bel-Sti, etc? Thanks again...
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05-21-2007, 12:02 AM	#5
ironic Major General 254 Rep 8,338 Posts Drives: Jet Black 335i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: San Francisco, Ca iTrader: (22)	yeah hardwiring any unit around your rear view is relatively unobtrusive and clean. ofcourse it'll take a little of space on your windshiel but it's a perfect spot for it and that spot doesn't really obscure your vision of traffic. it's a very natural location as well since you check your rearview every once in a whie. __________________ Widebody 335i Project Car BUILD \| PHOTOSHOOT
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10-16-2007, 04:13 PM	#10
OC Guy General 539 Rep 18,123 Posts Drives: AW 335D E90 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Irvine/Aliso Viejo, CA iTrader: (9) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	Old thread but in case someone finds this thread: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=concealed __________________ Current: 2010 Alpine White 335D LCI l 19" BBS LMs l KW V2 Coilovers l BMW Performance Grilles l MSport Front/Rear l Karbonwerke Trunk l F1 Pinnacle Tint 35% Former: E92 Space Grey 335i Latest pics
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10-16-2007, 04:36 PM	#11
Carlito12 Lieutenant 25 Rep 458 Posts Drives: 07 E92 335i 6MT TiAg Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	this is the radar detector i did on my 335i http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58196 u have to scroll down a bit... __________________ JB3 KW V2 i-Forged Senekas & ETC
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10-17-2007, 06:14 AM	#12
rideelement247 Lieutenant Colonel 54 Rep 1,677 Posts Drives: 08 335i, 67 Camaro SS Join Date: May 2007 Location: South Florida iTrader: (2)	If you can find it, I saw the coolest hardwire of a valentine one. The guy installed the hardwired V1 in his rear windshield and then had the remote display put into the dash right under the air conditioning controls. He had to cut the plastic to do it, but god damn did it look sexy! I can't find the link for it anymore Anyone know where it is? __________________ Legal Disclaimer: Anything I or anyone else says about my vehicle on this website(e90post.com or any affiliated or nonaffiliated sites), pertaining to modifications, is only to gain acceptance from my/our peers, and does not actually represent anything actually existing on my car, and thus, cannot be held against me in any issues, i.e. warranty claims, that may arise.
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10-17-2007, 01:53 PM	#14
MOTO69JOE Captain 27 Rep 876 Posts Drives: E46, E90 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: The South iTrader: (3)	I saw a sweet install put into an e46's guages.
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10-17-2007, 04:47 PM	#15
WilyB Captain 19 Rep 671 Posts Drives: E92 335 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1991 BMW 325iC [0.00] 2008 Porsche Cayenn ... [0.00] 1990 Ferrari Mondial T [0.00]	I am currently using K-40s with Spectre defeat pouches on all my cars but this solution appears to fit your requirement for $899 only: http://www.1stradardetectors.com/rad...mote/index.php
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