Do you guys conceal your radar detector?

CallMeWonder · 12-21-2011, 11:31 PM

Since I'm in the market for a new radar detector I;ve been thinking that it would be a good target for thieves. At first I thought I would just put it in the center console every time I left the car but that would quickly begin to get tedious.

My Idea was to get a cigarette lighter power extension cord, and then run the wire from the side of the windshield all the way to the top of the rear view. Here, at first glance I imagine it wouldn't be noticeable.

any other suggestions?

Sears · 12-22-2011, 09:16 AM

Hell, my car got broken into (bashed in the passenger window) and they didn't take my V1. It was right there. They opened my glove box and my center console. Nothing was in the glove box other than some papers. My ipod was in the holder on the bottom of the console armrest so i guess they didn't see it, it wasn't stolen either. Basically, they just trashed my car, requiring a new window, door panel, trim and for my passenger seat to be repaired due to scratches from the glass. My guess is radar detectors aren't perceived as very valuable. Probably harder to sell than a gps. I'd note that other than my radar detector, nothing was in view. I don't keep laptop bags in my car or anything else and if I do, they are always in my trunk.

THE TECH · 12-22-2011, 09:30 AM

I use the radar mirror so the unit is actually inside one of the rear headrests. Everything looks stock that way.

Team Plutonium · 12-22-2011, 09:33 AM

My V1 is hardwired and sits next to my mirror... no issues where I live.

spdy330 · 12-22-2011, 10:16 AM

+1

Quote:

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

My V1 is hardwired and sits next to my mirror... no issues where I live.

1sikbmr · 12-22-2011, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

My V1 is hardwired and sits next to my mirror... no issues where I live.

+1 above my mirror on the passenger side. can't see it without knowing it's there.

bvernon · 12-22-2011, 08:36 PM

My Idea was to get a cigarette lighter power extension cord, and then run the wire from the side of the windshield all the way to the top of the rear view. Here, at first glance I imagine it wouldn't be noticeable.

that's exactly what I've done with the Passport 9500 and you really can't see it. Not perfect but I live in the only state in the country where radar detectors are STILL illegal. Every once in a while you need to be able to take it down from the dash. Easy to stick in the center console when parking somewhere.

CallMeWonder · 12-22-2011, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bvernon

My Idea was to get a cigarette lighter power extension cord, and then run the wire from the side of the windshield all the way to the top of the rear view. Here, at first glance I imagine it wouldn't be noticeable.

that's exactly what I've done with the Passport 9500 and you really can't see it. Not perfect but I live in the only state in the country where radar detectors are STILL illegal. Every once in a while you need to be able to take it down from the dash. Easy to stick in the center console when parking somewhere.

only legal state? I thought they were legal everwhere in private vehicles except Virginia and Washington D.C.?
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radar_detector#Legality

CallMeWonder · 12-22-2011, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

My V1 is hardwired and sits next to my mirror... no issues where I live.

Where does the wire run? Sorry, new to this hardwiring electronics.

bvernon · 12-23-2011, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CallMeWonder

only legal state? I thought they were legal everwhere in private vehicles except Virginia and Washington D.C.?
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radar_detector#Legality

I live in Virginia.......

THE TECH · 12-23-2011, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CallMeWonder

Where does the wire run? Sorry, new to this hardwiring electronics.

Depends how you hardwire it. Could run to the wires in the above console or could run around the headliner, down the a-pillar and into the glovebox.

CallMeWonder · 12-23-2011, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bvernon

I live in Virginia.......

My misunderstanding, sorry.

crabman · 12-24-2011, 11:47 AM

One of the folks in my corvette club was a deputy. He recommended keeping a detector hidden very highly with the simple reasoning that you are more likely to receive a ticket or one that is worse with a visible radar detector. It just comes down to the man at your window seeing you as someone who was trying to get over, to beat him. No one likes to get beat. Need not be anything extravagant built into the car, just rid yourself of the cord and suctions cups he said. Something to think about.

happos2 · 03-08-2013, 09:35 AM

Reviving an old thread. Sorry.

I can follow the DIY to hardwire the radar. I just wonder about the placement as I don't want it in the middle of my windshield. That being said, does anyone have issues with not getting a good signal (from rear) when mounting on the passenger side, up close to the head liner, almost behind the rear view mirror (not so the mirror is blocking it obviously). The 9500ix will be in night mode and the hardwire kit has the smart cord so I don't need a need a visual.

THE TECH · 03-08-2013, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by happos2

Reviving an old thread. Sorry.

I can follow the DIY to hardwire the radar. I just wonder about the placement as I don't want it in the middle of my windshield. That being said, does anyone have issues with not getting a good signal (from rear) when mounting on the passenger side, up close to the head liner, almost behind the rear view mirror (not so the mirror is blocking it obviously). The 9500ix will be in night mode and the hardwire kit has the smart cord so I don't need a need a visual.

You should be ok with that placement. Not as good as the center but should suffice.

happos2 · 03-08-2013, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE TECH

You should be ok with that placement. Not as good as the center but should suffice.

Would it just be better to place it under the mirror and call it a day?

And that was a damn fast reply to my PM.

whats77inaname · 03-08-2013, 04:21 PM

Stick it in the rear headrest

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=765432

There's a DIY linked in that thread.

jwaggen · 05-30-2013, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sears

Hell, my car got broken into (bashed in the passenger window) and they didn't take my V1. It was right there. They opened my glove box and my center console. Nothing was in the glove box other than some papers. My ipod was in the holder on the bottom of the console armrest so i guess they didn't see it, it wasn't stolen either. Basically, they just trashed my car, requiring a new window, door panel, trim and for my passenger seat to be repaired due to scratches from the glass. My guess is radar detectors aren't perceived as very valuable. Probably harder to sell than a gps. I'd note that other than my radar detector, nothing was in view. I don't keep laptop bags in my car or anything else and if I do, they are always in my trunk.

I was wondering the same thing and searched here for this -- IMHO radar detectors are becoming far removed from the purview of the 'average' person (thieves). I'd think phones, GPS units, etc. would be first pick. Do you guys think people (thieves) realize that a V1 or 8500 are $300+ units?

whats77inaname · 05-30-2013, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwaggen

I was wondering the same thing and searched here for this -- IMHO radar detectors are becoming far removed from the purview of the 'average' person (thieves). I'd think phones, GPS units, etc. would be first pick. Do you guys think people (thieves) realize that a V1 or 8500 are $300+ units?

No reason to chance it. Ounce of prevention = a pound of cure.

alee0729 · 05-30-2013, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwaggen

Do you guys think people (thieves) realize that a V1 or 8500 are $300+ units?

Yes. If you've picked up a car magazine in the last 10 years, you know which detectors are the "good" ones to be stealing.

jchristianp · 05-31-2013, 08:58 PM

I put the sti-r in a front kidney and then mounted the interface in the ashtray. It's less embarrassing having a completely concealed system if I get pulled over. With a V1 I would probably do the headrest install with the mirror or a remote module down in the ashtray as well.

epbb · 06-02-2013, 09:54 AM

My thought is, if you're going to do it, do it right. Here's what I did:

12-21-2011, 11:31 PM	#1
CallMeWonder Private First Class Drives: 2009 E92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Seattle Posts: 137 iTrader: (0)	Do you guys conceal your radar detector? Since I'm in the market for a new radar detector I;ve been thinking that it would be a good target for thieves. At first I thought I would just put it in the center console every time I left the car but that would quickly begin to get tedious. My Idea was to get a cigarette lighter power extension cord, and then run the wire from the side of the windshield all the way to the top of the rear view. Here, at first glance I imagine it wouldn't be noticeable. any other suggestions?
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12-22-2011, 09:16 AM	#2
Sears New Member Drives: 2008 E90 6MT Alpine White Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 17 iTrader: (0)	Hell, my car got broken into (bashed in the passenger window) and they didn't take my V1. It was right there. They opened my glove box and my center console. Nothing was in the glove box other than some papers. My ipod was in the holder on the bottom of the console armrest so i guess they didn't see it, it wasn't stolen either. Basically, they just trashed my car, requiring a new window, door panel, trim and for my passenger seat to be repaired due to scratches from the glass. My guess is radar detectors aren't perceived as very valuable. Probably harder to sell than a gps. I'd note that other than my radar detector, nothing was in view. I don't keep laptop bags in my car or anything else and if I do, they are always in my trunk. __________________ 2008 E90 6MT Alpine White 1992 Porsche 968 Grand Prix White

12-22-2011, 09:30 AM	#3
THE TECH BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Kansas Posts: 12,076 iTrader: (39)	I use the radar mirror so the unit is actually inside one of the rear headrests. Everything looks stock that way. __________________ Check us out on Facebook at BPMsportlabs

12-22-2011, 09:33 AM	#4
Team Plutonium Major General Drives: 911 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate Posts: 8,806 iTrader: (1)	My V1 is hardwired and sits next to my mirror... no issues where I live. __________________ Gone... ESS VT2-625 \| ESS Tune \| M24 Oil Cooler \| Brembo 380mm BBK \| Dinan 4.10 Diff \| KW Variant 3 Coilovers \| Dinan Camber Plates \| Dinan Strut Tower Braces \| Dinan X-Pipe \| Akrapovic Exhaust \| Vorsteiner GTS3 Bumper \| Varis System One Diffuser \| OEM Performance Spoiler \| Stack Gauges \| GTS Door Sills \| Volk TE37 \| Falken Azenis RT615K 275/315 \| Pulled Fenders \| Turner Stud Kit \| OMP ARS Racing Seats New: 991C2S

03-08-2013, 04:21 PM	#17
whats77inaname Native Texan Drives: when at all possible Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tx Posts: 686 iTrader: (9)	Stick it in the rear headrest http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=765432 There's a DIY linked in that thread. __________________ Vishnu \| UUC Corsa \| P3 \| Macht Schnell \| VOLK \| Ground Control \| Turner \| Soundstream \| Image Dynamics \| MusicarNW \| Valentine 1 \| Modmynav \| Android \| iND \| AiB 4.5 \| some other odds n' ends

12-22-2011, 08:36 PM	#7
bvernon Private First Class Drives: 2012 M3 Convertible Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 139 iTrader: (0)	My Idea was to get a cigarette lighter power extension cord, and then run the wire from the side of the windshield all the way to the top of the rear view. Here, at first glance I imagine it wouldn't be noticeable. that's exactly what I've done with the Passport 9500 and you really can't see it. Not perfect but I live in the only state in the country where radar detectors are STILL illegal. Every once in a while you need to be able to take it down from the dash. Easy to stick in the center console when parking somewhere.

12-24-2011, 11:47 AM	#13
crabman Captain Drives: M3 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: WA Posts: 662 iTrader: (0)	One of the folks in my corvette club was a deputy. He recommended keeping a detector hidden very highly with the simple reasoning that you are more likely to receive a ticket or one that is worse with a visible radar detector. It just comes down to the man at your window seeing you as someone who was trying to get over, to beat him. No one likes to get beat. Need not be anything extravagant built into the car, just rid yourself of the cord and suctions cups he said. Something to think about.

03-08-2013, 09:35 AM	#14
happos2 Dinkle Berries Drives: Gray E92 M3 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Indiana Posts: 375 iTrader: (2)	Reviving an old thread. Sorry. I can follow the DIY to hardwire the radar. I just wonder about the placement as I don't want it in the middle of my windshield. That being said, does anyone have issues with not getting a good signal (from rear) when mounting on the passenger side, up close to the head liner, almost behind the rear view mirror (not so the mirror is blocking it obviously). The 9500ix will be in night mode and the hardwire kit has the smart cord so I don't need a need a visual.

05-31-2013, 08:58 PM	#21
jchristianp Registered Drives: 08 E90 M3 Join Date: May 2013 Location: TX Posts: 2 iTrader: (0)	I put the sti-r in a front kidney and then mounted the interface in the ashtray. It's less embarrassing having a completely concealed system if I get pulled over. With a V1 I would probably do the headrest install with the mirror or a remote module down in the ashtray as well.

06-02-2013, 09:54 AM	#22
epbb Private First Class Drives: 2010 M3 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: SW FL Posts: 107 iTrader: (0)	My thought is, if you're going to do it, do it right. Here's what I did:

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