radar detectors

drey · 03-08-2009, 08:30 PM

Hey Everybody -

Took delivery of my '09 M3 Sedan on Friday, Jerez Black w/ Bamboo Beige and sycamore anthracite trim - sharp!

My main question is regarding radar detectors. What makes and models would you folks recommend, and what models are to be avoided? Looking for something that's easily mounted without any drilling, if possible. CA law won't allow for anything that attaches to the windshield with suction cups, so I'd prefer something which clips to the sun visor or the center console and doesn't cost a fortune. Any advice would be appreciated!

Also wondering how most of you folks handle the front license plate issue - leave it off until you get a fix-it ticket? Then what?

Thanks a lot from a newbie.

montreal red · 03-08-2009, 08:33 PM

valentine 1 and escort passport 9500/8500 are good choices...do a search in the e90post section...there are tons of reviews on this. both can be installed on your sun visor.

MrHarris · 03-08-2009, 08:38 PM

Valentine 1 or Passport 9500i are solid options.

Gadgetman · 03-08-2009, 09:04 PM

Valentine One. Also the arrows can quickly alert you which direction the signal/LIDAR is coming from (Plus+).

TwoSaints · 03-08-2009, 09:10 PM

I have the 9500ix and love it. The GPS technology is great!

endofanera7 · 03-08-2009, 09:41 PM

Valentine 1

itz16v · 03-08-2009, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoSaints

I have the 9500ix and love it. The GPS technology is great!

SlammedR8 · 03-08-2009, 09:44 PM

Is the Valentine 1 detectable by the police?
I heard the cops have radar detector DETECTORS

captainaudio · 03-08-2009, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slammedm3

Is the Valentine 1 detectable by the police?
I heard the cops have radar detector DETECTORS

Radar Detector Detectors

Radar detectors are legal to use in passenger vehicles in all states with the exception of Virginia and Washington D.C. or while on an US military base. In Canada, only three provinces allow the use of radar detectors in passenger cars: British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

In all commercial trucks (18 wheelers) the possession of a radar detector is illegal.
The first Radar Detector Detector (RDD) was the VG-2. You will find that most radar detector manufacturers advertise that their detectors are all VG-2 proof. The problem with this is that VG-2 is seldom used anymore. Most, if not all police departments now use the Spectre to sniff out radar detectors.
That is why Radar Roy, through his contacts in the law enforcement community, purchased his own Spectre III to test radar detectors immunity to this new threat.

In testing, Radar Roy has only found three radar detectors that can defeat the Spectre. They are:

Beltronics STi Driver.
Beltronics STI- R
Escort 9500 ci
For more information on Spectre testing and Radar Roy's tips to beat the Spectre, click here.
POP Testing>>

signes · 03-09-2009, 10:23 AM

^^^Helpful post, Cap'n, didn't know that.

SlammedR8 · 03-09-2009, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainaudio

Radar Detector Detectors

Radar detectors are legal to use in passenger vehicles in all states with the exception of Virginia and Washington D.C. or while on an US military base. In Canada, only three provinces allow the use of radar detectors in passenger cars: British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

In all commercial trucks (18 wheelers) the possession of a radar detector is illegal.
The first Radar Detector Detector (RDD) was the VG-2. You will find that most radar detector manufacturers advertise that their detectors are all VG-2 proof. The problem with this is that VG-2 is seldom used anymore. Most, if not all police departments now use the Spectre to sniff out radar detectors.
That is why Radar Roy, through his contacts in the law enforcement community, purchased his own Spectre III to test radar detectors immunity to this new threat.

In testing, Radar Roy has only found three radar detectors that can defeat the Spectre. They are:

Beltronics STi Driver.
Beltronics STI- R
Escort 9500 ci
For more information on Spectre testing and Radar Roy's tips to beat the Spectre, click here.
POP Testing>>

Great post, thanks for the info. So I guess that means that the Valentine 1 is detactable by the Spectre.

omegatlc · 03-09-2009, 11:06 AM

Excellent choice on the JB E90!!!! Got the same there here. Nothing like a fast family hauler.

I just purchased and hardwired a Valentine 1 . Really like the reliability of the product and support from the company.

NYSPEM3 · 03-09-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slammedm3

Is the Valentine 1 detectable by the police?
I heard the cops have radar detector DETECTORS

Slam,
Yes V1 are detectable. I can see a handful of V1's behind this donut eater. Forget about V1 unless you want another $400 decoration in his trophy case.
Of course if you live in a RD-legal state or province, who cares if it is detectable!

J08M3 · 03-09-2009, 12:03 PM

V1 is detectable, but it's the best performing. I tried out the GPS stuff on the Beltronics GX-65 which is the same detector as the Escort 9500 (windshield mount one) and it's not that great.

montreal red · 03-09-2009, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slammedm3

Great post, thanks for the info. So I guess that means that the Valentine 1 is detactable by the Spectre.

most of the radar detectors out there are detectable... but seriously, even though i am in canada and its illegal, i've passed so many cops on the highway with my escort in the windshield and i have never been stopped... i dont think a lot of cops actually use radar detector-detectors here in canada. of course, you shouldnt be dumb enough to drive around the city with it mounted since its much easier for a copper to spot you while youre stopped at a red light or something.

ColoCane · 03-09-2009, 01:59 PM

Is it just me, or does it seems that this debate is always evenly split by personal preference between the V1 and the Beltronics/Escort lovers?

- GPS great, or just a nice add, not necessary. (Bel/Escort)
- Arrows great, or just a nice add, not necessary. (V1)
- V1 has higher performance, more lead time.
- V1 too many falses, better betted by Bel/Escort.

GregW / Oregon · 03-09-2009, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColoCane

Is it just me, or does it seems that this debate is always evenly split by personal preference between the V1 and the Beltronics/Escort lovers?

- GPS great, or just a nice add, not necessary. (Bel/Escort)
- Arrows great, or just a nice add, not necessary. (V1)
- V1 has higher performance, more lead time.
- V1 too many falses, better betted by Bel/Escort.

Too bad Mike Valentine seems to be resting on his laurels and not making substantial improvements. A Valentine Two with GPS would be great.

doba_s · 03-09-2009, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

Too bad Mike Valentine seems to be resting on his laurels and not making substantial improvements. A Valentine Two with GPS would be great.

i was just thinking the same thing ... it has been a while since V1 came out ... things like GPS and laser jammers would make their product one of the best on the market ...

JohnnyRoaster · 03-09-2009, 06:31 PM

Congrats on the new ride. I am picking up a sedan in the same color combo next month on Euro Delivery. Post some pictures if you have the chance.

As far as detectors, I have owned a V1 and a couple of older Passports. The Valentine is a bit more sensitive but will give you way more false alarms. Personally, I like the GPS enabled units so you can lock out something on your daily commute. I am going with the Passport 9500ci when my M3 gets back to the States. It is pricey but totally stealth. I am going to hide the controls in the ash tray.

J08M3 · 03-09-2009, 07:22 PM

I don't mind false alarms with my V1. I want to know when it detects radar and then want to use my own judgement to determine whether it's a threat or not.

SlammedR8 · 03-09-2009, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYSPEM3

Slam,
Yes V1 are detectable. I can see a handful of V1's behind this donut eater. Forget about V1 unless you want another $400 decoration in his trophy case.
Of course if you live in a RD-legal state or province, who cares if it is detectable!

haha awesome pic!
whered u find that?

fe3 · 03-09-2009, 08:03 PM

I bought the V1 and an Escort 8500. Both had a 30-day return policy (at the time, not sure if they do now). After 20 days or so I returned the V1. Too many false alarms for my taste.

03-08-2009, 08:30 PM	#1
drey Second Lieutenant 21 Rep 222 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 Sedan, JZB/BB Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Norcal iTrader: (0)	radar detectors Hey Everybody - Took delivery of my '09 M3 Sedan on Friday, Jerez Black w/ Bamboo Beige and sycamore anthracite trim - sharp! My main question is regarding radar detectors. What makes and models would you folks recommend, and what models are to be avoided? Looking for something that's easily mounted without any drilling, if possible. CA law won't allow for anything that attaches to the windshield with suction cups, so I'd prefer something which clips to the sun visor or the center console and doesn't cost a fortune. Any advice would be appreciated! Also wondering how most of you folks handle the front license plate issue - leave it off until you get a fix-it ticket? Then what? Thanks a lot from a newbie.
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03-08-2009, 08:33 PM	#2
montreal red chris 278 Rep 12,144 Posts Drives: White Boat Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (31)	valentine 1 and escort passport 9500/8500 are good choices...do a search in the e90post section...there are tons of reviews on this. both can be installed on your sun visor. __________________ Current: 2013 F10 M5 & 2016 Mini JCW 2013 GLK350 (gone), 997.1 GT3RS (gone), 2009 WRX STI (gone), e92 M3 (gone)
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03-08-2009, 08:38 PM	#3
MrHarris yodog 197 Rep 5,026 Posts Drives: '86 Corolla Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Diamond Bar, Ca iTrader: (5) Garage List 2009 BMW [10.00]	Valentine 1 or Passport 9500i are solid options. __________________ 2009 E92 M3 \| Alpine White \| Black Extended \| Advan RS \| Turner Test Pipes \| Dinan Axle-Back \| OETuning \| Eibach Springs \| UUC SSK \| VRS Front Lip \| VRS Type I Diffuser \| Matte Black \| RPi Scoops \| MS Filter \| Yokohama AD08 \| F1 Pinnacle Special Thanks: Gintani \| OETuning \| eAs
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03-08-2009, 09:04 PM	#4
Gadgetman Captain Darren 12 Rep 157 Posts Drives: Canadian Regional Jet 900 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: KJAX/KDFW iTrader: (0)	Valentine One Valentine One. Also the arrows can quickly alert you which direction the signal/LIDAR is coming from (Plus+). __________________ 2015 Porsche GT3 (sold) 2008 Porsche C4S (sold) 2008 BMW E60 M5 Space Gray (sold) 2005 BMW E46 M3 TiAg (sold)
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03-08-2009, 09:10 PM	#5
TwoSaints Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 227 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Beaumont, Texas iTrader: (0)	I have the 9500ix and love it. The GPS technology is great!
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03-08-2009, 09:41 PM	#6
endofanera7 Major General 514 Rep 5,392 Posts Drives: 08 JB E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (16) Garage List 2018 Porsche GT3 [9.50]	Valentine 1
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03-08-2009, 09:44 PM	#8
SlammedR8 Major General 521 Rep 5,483 Posts Drives: 2019 X5 40i/2020 R8 V10 Spyder Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (2)	Is the Valentine 1 detectable by the police? I heard the cops have radar detector DETECTORS __________________ Current: 2019 BMW X5 40i - Carbon Black/Tartufo Individual Leather 2020 Range Rover HSE - Black/Black 2020 Audi R8 V10 Performance Spyder 6MT - Ascari Blue/Black
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03-09-2009, 10:23 AM	#10
signes Brigadier General 199 Rep 4,318 Posts Drives: 991 GT3 RS Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Living at (almost...) 9k iTrader: (5)	^^^Helpful post, Cap'n, didn't know that.
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03-09-2009, 11:06 AM	#12
omegatlc Private First Class 19 Rep 184 Posts Drives: 2017 Mineral Grey M4 Convertib Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Richmond iTrader: (1)	Excellent choice on the JB E90!!!! Got the same there here. Nothing like a fast family hauler. I just purchased and hardwired a Valentine 1 . Really like the reliability of the product and support from the company.
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03-09-2009, 12:03 PM	#14
J08M3 Major General 285 Rep 6,007 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 COUPE Join Date: May 2008 Location: NEW YORK iTrader: (8)	V1 is detectable, but it's the best performing. I tried out the GPS stuff on the Beltronics GX-65 which is the same detector as the Escort 9500 (windshield mount one) and it's not that great. __________________
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03-09-2009, 01:59 PM	#16
ColoCane Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 280 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	Is it just me, or does it seems that this debate is always evenly split by personal preference between the V1 and the Beltronics/Escort lovers? - GPS great, or just a nice add, not necessary. (Bel/Escort) - Arrows great, or just a nice add, not necessary. (V1) - V1 has higher performance, more lead time. - V1 too many falses, better betted by Bel/Escort. __________________ '09 E92 ///M3 \| Jerez Black/Black Leather \| Sycamore Anthracite \| MDCT \| Premium/Tech/Cold Weather Packages \| 19" \| Moonroof \| Enhanced Premium Sound \|iPod/USB \| Smartphone '97 E36 M3 Sedan Hellrot Red/Black; '03 E46 330Ci Met. Gray/Black; '06 E46 330Ci ZPF Imola Red/Saddle
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03-09-2009, 06:31 PM	#19
JohnnyRoaster Captain 42 Rep 959 Posts Drives: 09 Jerez Black M3 Sedan Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Outside Beantown iTrader: (0)	Congrats on the new ride. I am picking up a sedan in the same color combo next month on Euro Delivery. Post some pictures if you have the chance. As far as detectors, I have owned a V1 and a couple of older Passports. The Valentine is a bit more sensitive but will give you way more false alarms. Personally, I like the GPS enabled units so you can lock out something on your daily commute. I am going with the Passport 9500ci when my M3 gets back to the States. It is pricey but totally stealth. I am going to hide the controls in the ash tray.
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03-09-2009, 07:22 PM	#20
J08M3 Major General 285 Rep 6,007 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 COUPE Join Date: May 2008 Location: NEW YORK iTrader: (8)	I don't mind false alarms with my V1. I want to know when it detects radar and then want to use my own judgement to determine whether it's a threat or not. __________________
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03-09-2009, 08:03 PM	#22
fe3 Lurker 4 Rep 58 Posts Drives: 09 AW E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Portland Area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 E92 M3 [0.00]	I bought the V1 and an Escort 8500. Both had a 30-day return policy (at the time, not sure if they do now). After 20 days or so I returned the V1. Too many false alarms for my taste. __________________ See: My M3 Photos Visit: My Website \| Me on Flickr
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