Valentine 1 - N/G in a current BMW
 

Hey Gang,

So some of you might remember that a few months ago I posted about having difficulties with my V1 in the 750i.

So I looted the Porsche for it's V1 and put it in the bimmer for the drive to Vegas. This is what I learned.

1) The V1 in my Porsche was in better condition than the V1 in the Bimmer.
- I noticed an immediate improvement in the performance in the 2nd radar.

So, I called Valentine 1 and told them, I think one of my radar detectors isn't working 100% and I sent it in. But while on the phone I had a conversation with one of the customer support reps and was told:

2) V1's do not work well in BMW's because of a metalic - Something or other, they use in their windshields on late model cars.

So my point is, while there is no doubt one of my radars wasn't working well, my initial statment months ago was also correct, Valentine 1 radars are not good for BMW's.. This is out of the mouth of a V1 Customer Rep.

And while my 2nd radar worked, "better" than my first.. I would not say that the performance of my 2nd radar was up to par of what I would expect from a V1.. (late beeps, etc.)

-- Kinda sucks... Doesn't it?

> Valentine 1 radars are not good for BMW's..


The metallic coating, if it exists, will affect all radar detectors, not just Valentine 1's.

Well let's not jump to conclusions so fast by making such a general statement! SOME, not all Bimmers have the 'comfort' windshield which has a light tinted color to it...usually gold for UV protection. This prevents sun glare etc., but unfortunately also reduces the strength of the radar detector. Most Lexus cars have the UV windshield too. Some people may also mount it really high up behind the green stripe on the windshield, which may or may not affect it.

I have the V1 in my X5, and another in my 540i which I sometimes put into the 330i...and no issues in any of the three Bimmers! Nor did I have any problems with the previous M5 OR my previous E53! So just like most reps at the dealer, the reps at V1 don't know much...:cool:

I have a Valentine One in my X5 without problems. I also have one in my LS 460 Lexus and don't have any problems.

Craig

Fwiw, I have the non-comfort 'shield, and I find no appreciable diff
between the X, the Vette, et al, with a portable Passport...

My V1 works fine in the E53 and the E90... both with 2 different brands of OEM windshield being replaced (Pilkington then Saint-Gobain Sekurit) Does this guy mean like a green band windshield or something

I have an 08 X5 with comfort glass and no problems.

Don't think your 7 has HUD? Don't think they ever had.

Sorry, but I don't think a "customer rep" who takes general phone calls for my V1 is an authority.


I drive 2 trips a year that run 3-4K miles and no disappointment with the V1 which allows me to drive the way I want.

Ask to speak with Mike Valentine. I've spoken to him before...

Craig