Anyone direct wire a Radar Detector in E70

[jeudowe]

It's certainly not the least expensive option out there, but I have a built-in K40 in my 911 Turbo and will be doing the same thing in the new X5. The K40's now are bluetooth, so you get a small handheld remote that sits in the glovebox. Two very small blue LED lights are installed anywhere you'd like in the interior. I usually pick a spot in the center console about 3-5" apart - looks factory done and works flawlessly (my experience).

Again, it's not the cheapest option, but when you spend this much on a car, you want your installations to look fully integrated.

Josh

[wg8221]

Originally Posted by Denalio

Brian5,

Hardwiring a detector in the E70 is really quite simple. I just completed my STi-R install and the wiring was a breeze. If you use the T-taps you can draw power from the cig lighter. To access the lighter wire just remove the 3 screws on the passenger side footwell compartment below the glovebox (5 minutes tops) pull down the footwell cover. There is a carpeted panel that runs along the bottom of the console where the shifter is, remove the torx screw at the front of this panel up near the firewall end, gently pull this panel outward (it has two locking rivits holding it in place). Once you pop out the rivit fastners gently slide the panel towards the front to disengage two clips holding the rear of the panel (this takes about 5 minutes as well). Once this panel is removed you will see an exposed wire bundle coming from the cig lighter ( only one bundle from this side). Tap into the switched 12V wire with the T-Tap you can use the screw forward about 3 inches (screw is about 3 inches towards the firewall looks like a console mounting screw) of this for your ground. Really simple takes about 15 minutes to do. Running the wires into your headliner is simple as well. I use a credit card to tuck the wires into the headliner down the Pillar under the weatherstripping moulding and into the footwell area.

Thanks, had planned on tapping into the overhead console but this is much better and is relatively easy thanks to your post.

[Denalio]

Originally Posted by jeudowe

It's certainly not the least expensive option out there, but I have a built-in K40 in my 911 Turbo and will be doing the same thing in the new X5. The K40's now are bluetooth, so you get a small handheld remote that sits in the glovebox. Two very small blue LED lights are installed anywhere you'd like in the interior. I usually pick a spot in the center console about 3-5" apart - looks factory done and works flawlessly (my experience).

Again, it's not the cheapest option, but when you spend this much on a car, you want your installations to look fully integrated.

Josh

I needed a Spectre (Radar Detector Detector) immune detector and completely hidden install. The Sti-R comes with l.e.d. for dash, a small display with template and frame for flush mount, and very small control module, control interface which mounts out of sight and the Radar Reciever which is mounted behind the grill or bumper and a small speaker. You can also program the unit for specific bands used in your area or delete certain band that are not. The unit is not cheap, did I mention Spectre proof!!! Also, I have the Cheetah GPS Mirror with the radar Interface so all alerts go to the mirror with voice alert and visual alert. With the Cheetah Mirror you can also set it so it will not alert you if you are under a specific speed. This way the detector is not chirping at you all the time. You can also turn off X-band alerts. The cheetah Mirror has a database of radar cameras built in and you can also program your own locations. oh ya...it's Spectre Proof!

[Denalio]

Any pics of the K40 in your 911??

[nicedrive]

I just installed my 9500i up by the rear view mirrow and ran a flat 7 ft phone wire($3) along the headliner down the passenger side A pillar then underneath the glove box connecting it to the smart cord (using a phone line adapter $3) and into the cigarette lighter. No more dangling cords!!!
Only took a few minutes and if you want to mute or mark a location just press the button on the smart cord which is easily in reach. Plus I can quickly move the detector to another car and back if needed.

Originally Posted by bsklar

I am trying the new Passport 9500 and have been very impressed. Agree on the suction cups. I am looking for another way to mount/hide wire. You do need to be able to interact with it a little bit because you can tap 3 times and the gps remembers to block the location so you basically eliminate false positives in your local area. Nice feature.

[fedmax]

Originally Posted by Denalio

Just complete my Beltronics STi-R (Remote) stealth install. I am really happy with the outcome. You can't see the receiving horn in the mid grill. I tried to mount it under the bumper, but there was no room. The interface unit is under the dash on the drivers side, speaker is under the dash behind the console. The display is mounted with a magnet on top of my Cheetah GPS Mirror which interfaces with the radar detector and the controller is wired up through the steering stalk and mounted beside the steering wheel out of site. All the wires were run into the headliner and A-Pillar where needed to hide the install. Here are some quick pics. I will post more when I get a chance.

Hi Denalio

How did you get the cable from the front unit in the bumper into the car to get power and so? I'll do the same thing next weekend and could need some instructions...

Thanks
Ronny

[drod]

it's been a few months...

i was wondering if you had any issues with the install..

how is the stealth setup?? any issues with weather, bugs, signal strength??

i'm also looking into the STI-R setup...

if Valentine would offer a stealth install design i would probably consider them too!

[Denalio]

Originally Posted by drod

it's been a few months...

i was wondering if you had any issues with the install..

how is the stealth setup?? any issues with weather, bugs, signal strength??

i'm also looking into the STI-R setup...

if Valentine would offer a stealth install design i would probably consider them too!

No issues with the install. The unit is a solid performer. I did have the speaker replaced under warranty. I find the range a little better than my regular STi. Install is quite simple.

[drod]

might as well keep this very important thread going...

first...great info on the install!!

what about software updates?? on the V1 you have to send in the main unit in order for them to do an upgrade... it is similar with the Bel??

if so, what are you removing and sending back??

have you paired the unit with a jammer??

[Denalio]

Originally Posted by drod

might as well keep this very important thread going...

first...great info on the install!!

what about software updates?? on the V1 you have to send in the main unit in order for them to do an upgrade... it is similar with the Bel??

if so, what are you removing and sending back??

have you paired the unit with a jammer??

No updates as of yet. If you there is, you have to send it back to Bel. You simply just send back the control unit. Everything unplugs and I installed the CPU with velcro under the drivers footwell. 10 minute job to take out the unit and then re-install. I have not paired the unit with a Jammer, but since I have the Cheetah Mirror and Sti interface I am looking at the Cheetah P.A.S.S. system although I still like the LI for the slim heads.