BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92)

BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   M3Post - BMW M3 Forum > E90/E92 M3 Technical Topics > Coding / ConnectedDrive / Audio-Video / Electronics / Bluetooth / I-Drive & Nav
 
European Auto Source (EAS)
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      12-13-2011, 01:52 AM   #23
Dannys M3
Captain
Dannys M3's Avatar
United_States
71
Rep
733
Posts

Drives: Jaguar F Type R
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: South Florida

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
2008 M3  [10.00]
I've owned my Valentine one for 16 yrs and its been extremely reliable, not to mention I average 26K miles a year. I had it upgraded back in 2007 for $150.
Appreciate 0
      12-13-2011, 02:34 AM   #24
saeedg48
Brigadier General
United_States
341
Rep
3,574
Posts

Drives: Porsche 991.1 GT3
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Newport Beach, CA

iTrader: (1)

9500xi
__________________

2015 Porsche 991.1 GT3
2015 F80 M3 -- Individual; Space Grey
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2011, 01:03 PM   #25
Superfly_M3
Captain
72
Rep
959
Posts

Drives: 2011 M3
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the the Bell STI/STI-R ... apperantly this detector is 100% undetectable. Here in Ontario, police use Spectre II radar detector detectors. You can get in a lot of trouble for having a RD. Not to mention get it taken away.
Appreciate 0
      12-21-2011, 10:17 PM   #26
ersin
Brigadier General
ersin's Avatar
United_States
126
Rep
4,145
Posts

Drives: 17 YMB F80 M3
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Maryland

iTrader: (1)

The best detectors are currently the Valentine 1, Escort 9500ci, Escort Redline and Bel STi-R+. The V1 and Redline are "windshield mount" and the 9500ci and STi-R+ are "remote" mount. All are stealth (undetectable by a radar detector detector) except the V1; important if you drive in VA or DC. They are the most sensitive detectors available. You've spent plenty on your BMW. Don't skimp and get a cheap detector because the cheaper ones do not perform as well. There is lots more to say about this topic so do some Internet research.

Also, don't forget about a laser jammer if it is allowed in states where you drive. And in the end, it is not the detector that will save you from a ticket but the way you drive and your attention while driving. Detectors are just a supplement.


Cheers.
__________________
2017 F80 YMB.
Appreciate 0
      12-22-2011, 02:15 PM   #27
tico1028
Lieutenant
124
Rep
507
Posts

Drives: F83 M4 - MG
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Miami

iTrader: (0)

Based on the reviews I've read, I went with the V1. I don't do much city driving, and I figured the V1 would be fine since I won't need to worry too much about false alarms. I was sold by the directional indicators as well as the indicator that shows how many radars it detects.
Appreciate 0
      01-02-2012, 08:19 AM   #28
pbonsalb
Lieutenant General
5182
Rep
10,557
Posts

Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: New England

iTrader: (4)

I agree with the comments that technology has changed. I have a Valentine, but feel that I need a laser jammer to be fully protected today in my state. This is an added expense, but a necessary one. A few years ago, things were different. I don't have one yet, but am looking. The laser detectors built into the radar detectors are pretty much useless.
Appreciate 0
      01-03-2012, 12:29 PM   #29
Griz
Captain
182
Rep
630
Posts

Drives: 2010 E92 M3
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Crook County, IL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by DJDeez View Post
My research has led me to a Beltronics STi-R coupled with Laser Interceptor's BMW EDITION QUAD. I have been contemplating the purchase for several months now, appreciate the advice given so far and would love to hear more.
It's important to note that the "plus" is the current version (STiR+). I have been using this unit for a few weeks now, and it is absolutely worth the money. What is important to me: equal or superior performance to any other radar detector, lockout of false alerts, red light camera alerts, and nothing suction-cupped to the windshield.

I also intend to get the BMW edition LI Quad, though it's not a priority right now.
Appreciate 0
      01-03-2012, 01:14 PM   #30
Kyoshi71
Colonel
Kyoshi71's Avatar
93
Rep
2,528
Posts

Drives: 2010 M3 Coupe
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mahmud///M View Post
I had trapster. It's garbage. Might as well delete it man
+1 Sucks
__________________
"But resist we much; we must; and we will much; about that be committed."
~Rev. Al Sharpton


2010 E92 M3|Silverstone II|M-DCT|NCSW|2MT|ZCW|ZPP|ZTP|302|507|Gas Guzzler Tax
Appreciate 0
      01-03-2012, 01:25 PM   #31
PIMP "E"
Colonel
PIMP "E"'s Avatar
United_States
59
Rep
2,500
Posts

Drives: AW 2011 M3
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: CentCal

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 M3  [0.00]
after i got hit with "wreckless driving" 105 in a 55, i moved to europe. dont need a radar detector here. lol
__________________
MONEY IS THE SAIL TO MY BOAT
Appreciate 0
      01-03-2012, 02:22 PM   #32
Griz
Captain
182
Rep
630
Posts

Drives: 2010 E92 M3
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Crook County, IL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mahmud///M View Post
I had trapster. It's garbage. Might as well delete it man
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kyoshi71 View Post
+1 Sucks
The openness for user reporting is a major weakness. I've read that law enforcement is reporting true/frequent traps as false reports. I saw evidence to support this when I briefly used Trapster; for instance, the Trapster database was practically a black hole when it came to Springfield, IL. Anyone that has driven on I-55 through Springfield knows that there are some pretty regular spots to see highway patrol camping out.

Properly scanning your surroundings is the best tool, followed by a proper radar detector; Trapster should not be seen as a replacement.
Appreciate 0
      01-10-2012, 02:35 AM   #33
tlr
Second Lieutenant
tlr's Avatar
United_States
69
Rep
295
Posts

Drives: 2011 M3 E93
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: San Francisco, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 3XTR3M3 View Post
There are two which are Known as the "best".

Valentine 1 - one of the major things the V1 has which others don't are arrows that show you where the radar is coming from which in my eyes is useless because if a radar is coming in, I don't give a shit what direction it's coming from, I'm going to be cautious regardless. The V1 also has a lot of false alarms.

Passport 9500 - is the other "best" detector. It has built in GPS which learns false alarms at specific locations and stops giving false alarms (which is a huge feature) and it has a database of red light cameras. Because it has GPS, you can even mute out your own false alarms by hitting mute 3 times so it stops bothering you I the future ONLY IF IT'S THE SAME SIGNAL AT THE SAME LOCATION. If a new signal is present is at the same location where a false signal is marked, it will still tell you.

Escort, the company that makes the Passport, just released a very new feature called Escort Live. It's a special wire for your detector which syncs with your iPhone or Android over Bluetooth. The point of Escort Live is to use other radar detectors owners detections and signals in your area to show you way ahead of time where a speed trap, laser, or live radar unit may be so you are careful. Obviously Live will need a healthy amount of users to work well, but it is a brilliant approach to radar detections. Escort Live, along with all the other GPS features of 9500 is what sold me on it and I just got my Live Cabel on Friday.

Hope this helps. You may also try some radar forums for comprehensive comparisons of 9500 vs V1.
RadarActive does the same thing as Escort Live but for Valentine 1: http://radaractive.com/

I have it, but started using Trapster recently. I think Trapster probably has the most users.

I wish all of these companies would collaborate and make a single radar detector network. Until there's a critical mass on one of them they're all useless for real time data. However for historical data ("known enforcement points") they're useful even if only a few people use it.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      01-10-2012, 04:54 AM   #34
NYC Drifter
Miss my S1000RR Less
NYC Drifter's Avatar
United_States
5
Rep
62
Posts

Drives: 2014 GTR
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Bergen Co, NJ

iTrader: (0)

My latest is the Escort Redline. Best use is for highway driving. Longest range detector available (or so they say) and is not detectable by detector/detector.
__________________
2014 GTR Gun Metallic "Black Edition"

Gone
2012 M3 E92 M-DCT ZCP

Last edited by NYC Drifter; 01-10-2012 at 05:06 AM..
Appreciate 0
      01-10-2012, 09:15 AM   #35
THE TECH
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
THE TECH's Avatar
307
Rep
13,093
Posts


Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Kansas

iTrader: (45)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by tlr View Post
RadarActive does the same thing as Escort Live but for Valentine 1: http://radaractive.com/

I have it, but started using Trapster recently. I think Trapster probably has the most users.

I wish all of these companies would collaborate and make a single radar detector network. Until there's a critical mass on one of them they're all useless for real time data. However for historical data ("known enforcement points") they're useful even if only a few people use it.
Thanks for the link!
Appreciate 0
      01-10-2012, 09:28 AM   #36
stefan
Brigadier General
stefan's Avatar
No_Country
2347
Rep
4,250
Posts

Drives: M2 Comp
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 3XTR3M3 View Post
There are two which are Known as the "best".

Valentine 1 - one of the major things the V1 has which others don't are arrows that show you where the radar is coming from which in my eyes is useless because if a radar is coming in, I don't give a shit what direction it's coming from, I'm going to be cautious regardless. The V1 also has a lot of false alarms.

Passport 9500 - is the other "best" detector. It has built in GPS which learns false alarms at specific locations and stops giving false alarms (which is a huge feature) and it has a database of red light cameras. Because it has GPS, you can even mute out your own false alarms by hitting mute 3 times so it stops bothering you I the future ONLY IF IT'S THE SAME SIGNAL AT THE SAME LOCATION. If a new signal is present is at the same location where a false signal is marked, it will still tell you.
Agreed on both points. Never understood why everyone hypes up the arrows of V1. Who cares where it's coming from? Pointless. The 9500 Redline is probably the best bet if you don't have "green light cameras" in your area. If you do, get the 9500xi (has GPS).
__________________
///M Power
Appreciate 0
      01-15-2012, 01:32 PM   #37
drtdvl
Private
Canada
3
Rep
76
Posts

Drives: 2011 M3 Sedan, X3 35i, Tacoma
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Alberta

iTrader: (0)

For those of you who have been caught by the police, do you remove your radar detector when you are stopped or do you leave it in place? Reason for asking is that the cops may not cut you any slack if they see you with the detector.

I dont have a detector right now but am contemplating one.
Appreciate 0
      01-15-2012, 02:20 PM   #38
Slapshot9
First Lieutenant
Slapshot9's Avatar
22
Rep
351
Posts

Drives: '08 E90 M3 JzB 6MT
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SoFla

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by drtdvl View Post
For those of you who have been caught by the police, do you remove your radar detector when you are stopped or do you leave it in place? Reason for asking is that the cops may not cut you any slack if they see you with the detector.

I dont have a detector right now but am contemplating one.
I've never been pulled over with my V1. If I do, i will take it down.
Appreciate 0
      01-15-2012, 02:59 PM   #39
Zzhou
Captain
Zzhou's Avatar
United_States
57
Rep
600
Posts

Drives: 2012 E92 SSII ZCP DCT
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: West Lafayette,IN/Shanghai,China

iTrader: (0)

I had 8500 x50 for two years, I liked it, except false alarm. So I switched to 9500ix, and very happy~ valentine 1 and redline also very good, but still, if you live in a city, there will be lots of false alarm which makes me go crazy..
Appreciate 0
      01-15-2012, 03:41 PM   #40
hova00
Major
hova00's Avatar
1188
Rep
1,359
Posts

Drives: G80 M3C
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: EAST COAST

iTrader: (7)

Passport hands down. I have had a few and they have been great to me. Dont really see a need for the arrows with the V1.
Appreciate 0
      01-19-2012, 08:32 PM   #41
myicedm3
Second Lieutenant
United_States
19
Rep
222
Posts

Drives: 2015 X5m Donington Grey
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
radar is dated technology, period. In my opinion get a laser jammer, since thats all the real cops are using anyway and it'll prevent those serious tickets from coming in. Any ticket i've ever gotten was b/c a cop was using a laser gun, radar detectors are useless unless u wanna know where the nearest strip malls are
Appreciate 0
      01-23-2012, 05:23 PM   #42
Griz
Captain
182
Rep
630
Posts

Drives: 2010 E92 M3
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Crook County, IL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by myicedm3 View Post
radar is dated technology, period. In my opinion get a laser jammer, since thats all the real cops are using anyway and it'll prevent those serious tickets from coming in. Any ticket i've ever gotten was b/c a cop was using a laser gun, radar detectors are useless unless u wanna know where the nearest strip malls are

I'm not sure what is meant by a "serious ticket" with regards to laser, because you'll get ticketed for speeding whether you're caught with radar or laser. The use of radar vs. laser really depends on what law enforcement prefers to use in your area. While x-band and POP are rarely used anymore, k-band and ka-band are still widely used. Common sense and a good radar detector should be the first defenses. A good laser jammer system (that is properly installed) should provide security against laser, since the laser detection on a radar detector will only let you know that you're about to be pulled over (of course, if you were speeding at the time).

And as for the strip mall issue, there are multiple radar detectors out there (including the STiR+ that I mentioned earlier) that use a GPS signal to mark and lock out false alerts. These units are more expensive, but it's really not that much if you're already considering a laser jammer.
Appreciate 0
      01-23-2012, 06:30 PM   #43
Chris M4CS
First Lieutenant
United_States
27
Rep
313
Posts

Drives: 2019 BMW M4CS
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Oklahoma City

iTrader: (0)

I know that the V1 has a very loyal following as does Escort. I currently own a Passport 9500xi, Passport Solo S3 (cordless) and two Escort Qi45 remote radar detectors (one installed the other awaiting installation). I also owned a K40 RL360 remote detector that was in my MB C300 which I recently sold. I have not done any scientific testing, but all of these detectors have proven helpful to me in avoiding tickets. With that being said, I am not buying any more detectors that stick on my windshield or any visible parts of my car. I bought the two Qi45s from Best Buy that were clearanced down to $209; so I bought the remaining two in stock. Of all these detectors, I liked the K40 the best, but with the price I paid, the Qi45 is an absolute steal.

Last edited by Chris M4CS; 01-24-2012 at 06:01 AM..
Appreciate 0
      01-23-2012, 08:16 PM   #44
S65V8
*_*
United_States
806
Rep
3,160
Posts

Drives: ...
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (10)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ersin View Post
The best detectors are currently the Valentine 1, Escort 9500ci, Escort Redline and Bel STi-R+. The V1 and Redline are "windshield mount" and the 9500ci and STi-R+ are "remote" mount. All are stealth (undetectable by a radar detector detector) except the V1; important if you drive in VA or DC. They are the most sensitive detectors available. You've spent plenty on your BMW. Don't skimp and get a cheap detector because the cheaper ones do not perform as well. There is lots more to say about this topic so do some Internet research.

Also, don't forget about a laser jammer if it is allowed in states where you drive. And in the end, it is not the detector that will save you from a ticket but the way you drive and your attention while driving. Detectors are just a supplement.


Cheers.
+1, couldn't agree more. No detector will catch every 5-0 out there, especially ones who have all systems off and are just cruising around.

As for choosing one over the other, the 9500ix is plenty sensitive and catches Ka fine. Can't tell you how many times I've heard it go off and I'm like "where???" and then 30 secs. later....AH there's 5-0, I see you...
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:59 PM.




m3post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST