What kind of radar detector do you have on your m3

[MattE92]

i use the escort passport 9500ix, $500. amazing radar detector, has a database of every redlight camera in the country as well. highly recommend getting it. I've picked up a Ka band signal (latest police radar frequency) from a quarter mile away.

[euro*]

i use beltronics magnum in Ontario, because it is not seen by police. And it did save me at least 6 times.

About the laser blockers, wont police understand that you have them? What will be the fine in Ontario Canada? Anybody have experience with using them in Ontario?

[cntgetm3]

V1

[Arben72]

I have both the v1 and 9500xi. The best choice would depend on where you drive. V1 for mostly highways, 9500xi for mostly in town driving.

[jpan08]

Have the V1 and its great, but need to get a laser jammer. Still skeptical if they actually work or not

[Raz335]

I'm looking to buy one now and I'm in between the V1, 9500ix and Redline. They all have their pros and cons. (V1 has the arrows and best instant on sensitivity, Redline has the best range and earliest detection and the 9500ix has the GPS for redlight cameras and removes false alerts). Tough decision.

[=[monkey]=]

9500ix !!! v1 too noisy

[Prince_of_Persia]

9500ix, has saved me so many times!

[peeti]

I'm a lifetime V1 user, but having bought a Bel (nee Passport) with GPS for my last car, I honestly don't care for the V1 anymore. The GPS functionality - forgetting the false lockout for a moment - of redlight database is worth the price of admission alone.

That being said, I'm about to do something for the new M3 - those with the 9500's can you post your install pix? I'd like to know where the antennae and laser emitters are mounted, options that is. When I installed the Bel in my JCW mini I spent 4 hours just trying to find a place to fit the antenna, there was literally no space. Before I start this project with the M3, I'd love to plan ahead.

I may end up going with a pro install, but even then, it's good to bring suggestions.

Cheers!

[jimf15e]

Here's a link to my install. All done in my garage with some normal car and household tools, trim removers, multimeter, soldering iron, heat gun, and 12v bench tester. I have a little experience as this is my 5th install, 3rd for a 9500ci/STi-R Plus, but the bottom line is if you have any electrical and car knowledge as well as access to the internet then anyone can do this as a DIY.

And before anyone asks, I know I've spent more than any tickets would cost. It's more of a hobby for me.

http://www.radardetectorforum.org/sh...ad.php?t=18451

[ersin]

Originally Posted by jimf15e

Here's a link to my install. All done in my garage with some normal car and household tools, trim removers, multimeter, soldering iron, heat gun, and 12v bench tester. I have a little experience as this is my 5th install, 3rd for a 9500ci/STi-R Plus, but the bottom line is if you have any electrical and car knowledge as well as access to the internet then anyone can do this as a DIY.

And before anyone asks, I know I've spent more than any tickets would cost. It's more of a hobby for me.

http://www.radardetectorforum.org/sh...ad.php?t=18451

Good write up. I saw that thread before. And I dispute that remark about spending more than tickets cost. Tickets cost loads, depending on state. But they also raise your insurance too. So, in the long run, I believe that detectors and jammers more than pay for themselves, especially if you're at all inclined to push the limit even a little. Also, using them properly to avoid tickets also makes you a more aware and (dare I say) safer driver.

Still skeptical if they actually work or not

Sort of. It's not something you can depend upon. But I have several times been warned of laser by my V1 before I could see the officer shooting the laser, and of course, before he could see me. However, most of the time a laser alert just tells you that you've been had.


Cheers.

[jimf15e]

Ersin - Good to hear. It sounds like you're one of the few who REALLY know capabilities and limitations of RD's and jammers. True on the money count, not to mention moving violations may be highly frowned upon by your employer depending on where you work/what you do.

From all that I've read/seen/experienced, laser jammers will work, but ONLY if correctly installed and tested first.

[Zzhou]

I've had 8500IX and now using 9500ix basically due to 8500ix give too much false alarm. GPS system works great.

[SammiK]

Bought a v1 a month ago. I regret not getting one years ago. Would have literally paid for itself over and over again.

I drive mostly local and tollways here around Chicago. I get a lot of noise, but it's dead on when there's a real radar and it obviously different than the noise.

[info@trinityautosport]

V1 ftw =)

[ersin]

Originally Posted by jimf15e

From all that I've read/seen/experienced, laser jammers will work, but ONLY if correctly installed and tested first.

Thanks. Like anything, jammers are not 100%. Much depends on installation. Head on over to radardetectorforum dot org for lots of good information about this.


Cheers.

[icantdrive]

Buy my passport !!

[JIO]

With economic times as they are, cops aren't buying as many laser detectors as they used to. They are still relying on older technology, which radar detectors can pick up easily. I recently drove down the Oregon Coast and it seemed like there was a cop every 10 miles using Ka band guns. My V1 had no trouble picking up every one of them. With laser, it's a different story...tough to catch early unless very lucky. Laser jammers are the way to go...but again laser jammers are illegal to use, not own, in most states. If the cop doesn't get a reading, he might still pull you over. You need to react and turn off the unit after it jams so they don't suspect. I ran a jammer for about a month and then removed it. Some jammers I think will turn off after a few seconds but mine didn't. By the time it went off, I had to slow down and remember to turn it off. It just got too stressful so I got rid of it. My v1 works fine for most cases and I rarely drive more than 10% above the limit. The difference between driving 75 in a 65 vs. driving 65 in a 65 over 100 miles is 12 minutes saved. Is a $300 ticket worth 12 minutes of your life?

[happos2]

F'n search. Jeez on man!

I use my eyeballs and brain. Getting a 9500ix, use to have a V1.

[ersin]

Originally Posted by JIO

With economic times as they are, cops aren't buying as many laser detectors as they used to. They are still relying on older technology, which radar detectors can pick up easily.

I assume you mean laser speed measuring devices, commonly known as lidar, not laser detectors. But they are buying new things -- laser and radar. Also throw in mobile computers and automatic license plate readers. There are many more cops on the road today than there were a decade ago, plus all the equipment thanks to money from the federal government. Yet many small town departments are having a hard time paying for all of the police. Weird considering the money they're getting from the feds.

Originally Posted by JIO

...but again laser jammers are illegal to use, not own, in most states.

Not true. Laser jammers are legal to own and use in most states, but illegal in ten states and DC: CA, UT, CO, OK, TX, MN, IL, TN, SC and VA. I hope I got my state abbreviations correct. Detectors are also illegal in Virginia. Someone told me that you can get the death penalty in Virginia if you use a jammer*.


Cheers.



*j/k

[Curt2000]

when I was young I didn't have a radar detector and got a few speeding tickets, I got a radar detector and actually drove slower because I knew the detector only gave me a few seconds warning so I never went more than about 15-20 over so I would have time to slow down. Then I got rid of the radar detector about 5 years ago and never go more than about 10 over because I don't have a radar detector...haven't had a ticket (that has shown up on my record) for more than 4 years now

[///WeissBisBlau]

Escort 8500 here. It's been my first one ever, and now I'm fairly certain I will never be without one again. Mine has saved me from 2 certain tickets in the year I have had it, thus all but paying for itself. I like mine a lot. As I said, I now consider it essential kit for the morning and afternoon commutes. I do, however, wish I had one of the GPS ones. I get false positives from basically the same locations in my trips over and over, every day. It detects laser, but laser jammers are illegal here, so I haven't even considered getting one of those. I will never go to Virginia. :-)