Radar detector

[brian5]

Originally Posted by BMWbaby

<<snip>>
This is the website :
Store V1 Mirrors
It needs to be build in, I know maybe you don't agree.

That's interesting. I did not know there were even any available, in the mirror, for the E70 model. This works out to lot more expensive (plus you have the labor cost). I don't see mention of the rain sensor; not sure if it's missing.

I personally don't like the radar detector up high (in the mirror or above) as it's easily seen from behind (when you're driving too).

[TerminatorX5]

think about the line of sight - to have the display in the mirror is almost the same as having the detector ITSELF in the vicinity of the mirror - anyone driving behind you or to your side can see the light coming on inside the mirror, so there is not much of concealment, nor convenience, as you have to take the eyes off the road and move the eyes to the mirror... A separate display directly from the V1 is only about $40 (as opposed to $800), and can be placed on the dash in front of you, thus will be within the perepherial vision as you are looking straight up to the road, will be concealed from the view from behind, and from the side due to curvature of the dash...

Much cheaper and much better solution to the mirror...

In the BMWs with the iBus, there is also a unit, called StealthOne, which takes the info from the V1, and pipes it into the car's computer system, and displays the info on the speedometer cluster and/or on the Navigation screen (still outside of the perepherial vision).

Also, for those with the CarPC, there is a software called SoftwareOne, that takes the V1 feed and feeds it into the CarPC

I think for the price, the original $40 display is much better - try to drive with the mirror display in Washington DC - you will get busted in 5 minutes!!!

[Gammaman]

I've stuck with the V1 over the years. The Escort Redline may have a bit more sensitivity, but the directional arrows of the V1 are indispensable, in my opinion.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by BMWbaby

Hi Guys! Can anyone recommend a radar detector?
V1, k40 or something else ?

Assuming you aren't going for a built-in detector, I think there are really three primary choices:

(1) Valentine 1

(2) Escort PASSPORT 9500ix

(3) Escort Redline

I own, and use, (1) and (2).

I find the V-1 to generally be my favorite, as it is quite sensitive and has the arrows feature. Now, the arrows feature does not work as well as suggested, since reflected radar throws in a lot of "noise" much of the time, e.g., do not expect the arrow display to be "magic" and always point to the correct direction. But, while not perfect, I find that after you use the V-1 for a while, you begine to get use to recognizing certain patterns and behaviors of the arrow display which provides a lot of information as the location of the radar. The biggest failing of the V-1 is that it is no more than a radar detector -- it is of no help for stop light cameras and of limited use for speed zone cameras.

The 9500ix is a good radar detector AND has a GPS database to warn of speed traps, red light cameras, fixed location speed cameras, etc. However, the radar indication seems a bit more "detached" from the actual radar signal than the V-1. In other words, the 9500ix seems to process the signals a lot more and decide what to display, "smoothing-out" variations in the signal, as opposed to the V-1 which seems to immediately pass-through signal changes and variations.

I do not own the Redline, but everything I have seen seems says to is great as a radar detector only -- but it does not have the gps function of the 9500ix, and it does not have the arrow display of the V-1.

So my advice would be:

If you want a proven performer with the arrow display, go for the V-1.

If you want the GPS function which will also alert you to red light cameras, fixed-location speed camera, etc., go for the 9500ix

If you want a radar detector only, with maximum sensitivity but no GPS function, and you do not care for the arrow display, then go for the Redline.


P.S. With the 9500ix you will have to buy a subscription for access to database updates of red light cameras and other locations, if you want to have up to date information.

[TerminatorX5]

so... it sounds like the V1 is an automotive equivalent to a manual transmission and the 9500ix is an automatic transmission... hmmm?... interesting...

[fast4d]

I have one Valentine one which I take with me and use on 3 bikes/2 cars so I have a mount on each vehicle.

on the X5 I mount above the mirror as pictured above.

mine has X and K band disabled, I only detect Ka and lidar. this depends on your location but it cuts out about 90% of false alarms.

the arrows is the best feature. you can determine location the radar sooner and get back up to speed. half the time it's on a patrol car on the other side of the freeway.

[brian5]

Originally Posted by fast4d

I<<snip>>
mine has X and K band disabled, I only detect Ka and lidar. this depends on your location but it cuts out about 90% of false alarms.
<<snip>>

Slightly OT but I should disable X and K band too. Never seen it used in many years in the North East...

[Howiedds]

Originally Posted by brian5

Slightly OT but I should disable X and K band too. Never seen it used in many years in the North East...

NJ uses X band.... if you drive through NJ X band needs to be on!

[brian5]

Originally Posted by Howiedds

NJ uses X band.... if you drive through NJ X band needs to be on!

Interesting. Don't drive through NJ much but I guess I shouldn't disable after all...

[Howiedds]

Heard they are too cheap to upgrade, and if that county upgraded, its usually Laser....