Radar Detectors and the M3

[dillon733]

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#1
I was planning on getting a radar detector when I get my M3. I was looking at either the valentine one or the portable k40. Does the M3 have that anti reflective windshield like the 7 series and many other cars have, where if you have an EZ pass for example you have to mount it high up like by the rear view mirror, and if so does that mean the radar detector has to be mounted in this non anti reflective zone.
#2
I know a great thing about K40 is that they will pay for your speeding tickets if you get any while using the radar duriing the 1st year of purchase does Valentine One offer anything like this because i think that is a huge perk, and is frankly the only reason why im considering it over the V1.

[the_stranger]

i don't think they pay for your tickets at valentine.

[Davinhci]

I like the V1 been using it for 5 years now.

[e46e92love]

Originally Posted by dillon733

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#1
I was planning on getting a radar detector when I get my M3. I was looking at either the valentine one or the portable k40. Does the M3 have that anti reflective windshield like the 7 series and many other cars have, where if you have an EZ pass for example you have to mount it high up like by the rear view mirror, and if so does that mean the radar detector has to be mounted in this non anti reflective zone.
#2
I know a great thing about K40 is that they will pay for your speeding tickets if you get any while using the radar duriing the 1st year of purchase does Valentine One offer anything like this because i think that is a huge perk, and is frankly the only reason why im considering it over the V1.

Don't be scammed, its EXTREMELY difficult to get the money if you get a tix. I heard you have to jump through a dozen hoops and they still don't give it to you. Also remember the tix, not the entire COST of the tix. Most speeding tix are like 75% taxes and fees, with the actual fine many times being under 100 when the tix is north of $175.

[dillon733]

Originally Posted by e46e92love

Don't be scammed, its EXTREMELY difficult to get the money if you get a tix. I heard you have to jump through a dozen hoops and they still don't give it to you. Also remember the tix, not the entire COST of the tix. Most speeding tix are like 75% taxes and fees, with the actual fine many times being under 100 when the tix is north of $175.

thanks. your probabaly right. but would you know about mounting it and the reflective screening on the windshield?

[AlpWtE92]

I am currently using a v1 and have it mounted right under the driver's side visor above the rear view mirror. I have not noticed any problems after about 1 month of use, and if anything, it seems to be more sensitive than when I had it mounted in my 5-series. I have picked up all bands, including the false laser signal caused by a huge LED billboard next to the freeway that I pass on my commute.

[yahtzee]

K40 blows.....people buy it because it is a stealth install and that gives them piece of mind. I'm sure we will hear from some folks who swear by it - consider yourself lucky. Buy a BEL STi (if you are in VA) or a Valentine.

[SHADY1]

Originally Posted by yahtzee

K40 blows.....people buy it because it is a stealth install and that gives them piece of mind. I'm sure we will hear from some folks who swear by it - consider yourself lucky. Buy a BEL STi (if you are in VA) or a Valentine.

This would be your best bet two top of the line radar detectors

[BPMSport]

V1 is the best.

[skierman64]

I love my V1, The arrows are invaluable. They are also upgradable, if the cops come out with a new radar freq or technology, you can have it upgraded vs buying a whole new detector. Mines at the shop right now getting the instant on radar added to it.

Don't forget the biggest cost of getting tickets is the insurance increase. No company pays you back for that.

[billycorgan]

V1, hands down. It has impeccable scanning distance.

[BPMSport]

Just remember that it's much more difficult on this car to hardwire the V1, because many of the +12Volt lines are actually bus lines and will interfere with the bluetooth/SOS system.

I will be hard wiring mine tomorrow from the fuse box. It seems like it's the safest way to do it at this point.

[dillon733]

can't you just use it by plugging it in to the cars cigarette lighter???

[yahtzee]

Originally Posted by Mike@ESSTuning

Just remember that it's much more difficult on this car to hardwire the V1, because many of the +12Volt lines are actually bus lines and will interfere with the bluetooth/SOS system.

I will be hard wiring mine tomorrow from the fuse box. It seems like it's the safest way to do it at this point.

It's no more difficult than any other recent model BMW. Find the green and white striped wire and tap into it, ground the other wire and you are done.

[yahtzee]

Originally Posted by dillon733

can't you just use it by plugging it in to the cars cigarette lighter???

You sure could......but why would you want a cord staring you in the face each time you drove your car? I guess you could drive with someone hanging out the window with a flashlight but somewhere along the way they figured it would look better if they just integrated it.

[SS32]

V1 > * I can attest to it too. My V1 has saved me SO many times it's ridiculous. Over a hill, over a hill and around a corner, through trees...whatever, it'll pick it up if the cops are sitting with their gun on.

Another benefit is that if a cop is rolling around with Spectre, your V1 won't show up on the gun.

[R68]

Originally Posted by yahtzee

It's no more difficult than any other recent model BMW. Find the green and white striped wire and tap into it, ground the other wire and you are done.

I thought this method caused the detector to shut off/on when the sunroof is opened/closed? Are you not having this problem?

[m3larson]

A V1 and the Binder M40 system. Sick

[gadget]

I've never had a radar detector and feel that now more than ever is the time to get one since the M3 seems to be the best way to get Ina lot of trouble with the cops.

I have done a lot of research and have always believed that V1 is the best.
However, the Bel STi seems to have really good if not better.

Everyone here seems to say V1 but I have yet to see an good arguments that prove it better than the Bel STi.

What are people's thoughts on the Sti???

[ihyln]

I think the best way to get out of speeding tickets these days is just to become a volunteer firefighter.

[Blip Bavarian]

Originally Posted by dillon733

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#1
I was planning on getting a radar detector when I get my M3. I was looking at either the valentine one or the portable k40. Does the M3 have that anti reflective windshield like the 7 series and many other cars have, where if you have an EZ pass for example you have to mount it high up like by the rear view mirror, and if so does that mean the radar detector has to be mounted in this non anti reflective zone.
#2
I know a great thing about K40 is that they will pay for your speeding tickets if you get any while using the radar duriing the 1st year of purchase does Valentine One offer anything like this because i think that is a huge perk, and is frankly the only reason why im considering it over the V1.

I used to have the K40, and I know that them paying for your tickets sounds like a good deal but; the reason they do that is because the made the thing so damn sensitive that it never shuts up. You will get tons of false alarms if you are planning on using it daily (not just for roadtrips).

You should look into the escort 9500.

[Hammer]

is this legal in the usa? if they get you with a radar-detector while a control... you are fucked up.