|
|
06-23-2009, 05:10 PM | #1 |
Lieutenant
137
Rep 504
Posts |
Houston Install Shop (Passport 9500ci)
I finally picked up my E92. Anyone know of a good install shop in Houston that can install a Passport 9500ci? Someone you'd trust with your car.
Given how much digging around the car goes on with this kind of install, I don't have the time or inclination to personally inspect every aspect of the install (otherwise I'd just install it myself), so I'd like a shop that I can trust to have done things correctly the first time (proper grommets, seals, etc...). |
06-24-2009, 01:43 PM | #2 |
Private
7
Rep 80
Posts |
Check "River Oaks Custom Car" ... I haven't been there in a while but in my previous car they installed my stereo. The owner there is a "techy" and seems they do high-end and off the wall custom installs. Other option is "Custom Car Stereo" of 59S - they do alot of high end vehicles/boats but I went there to get quote for my E92 stereo upgrade and wasn't throughly convinced ... seems as if there are new faces there.
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-24-2009, 07:09 PM | #3 |
Lieutenant
137
Rep 504
Posts |
I had my Cayman done at Custom Car Stereo. They promise a lot, cost even more, and deliver less. I'll tell anyone who wants to listen my story about that place and let them make up their own minds. It's not like they're scam artists or anything like that, but the experience was pretty unfulfilling.
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-30-2009, 07:28 PM | #4 |
Lieutenant Colonel
265
Rep 1,696
Posts |
I had my Acura TSX, Acura TL-S, and M3 installed with a V1 (same V1 for all three cars ha) by Custom Car Stereo. The prices I paid were $50, $50, and $70 respectively. They said they increased the price because of the economy. They did a good job and was pretty quick (30 min install). I was able to watch the installer and talk to him, while he was doing it.
Their customers typically drive high end stuff. I've seen several Porches, Ferraris, and an Aston Martin once at the shop. |
Appreciate
0
|
06-30-2009, 09:28 PM | #5 |
Lieutenant
137
Rep 504
Posts |
I'm scared I may have to go back, since there seem to be so few options around here. The SoCal forums are full of good shops with good recommendations. Makes me jealous.
Of course if I was looking for a place to buy some hideous 24" chromed out wheels... |
Appreciate
0
|
06-30-2009, 09:30 PM | #6 | |
Lieutenant
137
Rep 504
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-03-2009, 11:41 AM | #9 | |
Lieutenant
137
Rep 504
Posts |
Quote:
As it is... I've bought a replacement radio trim piece and will probably be handling the cosmetic side of the install in the interior myself. I just don't want to crawl all around the car, go through the firewall, find a decent 12v lead to tap, etc... In the end, I may go with one of the guys that the dealers use. I don't really need 'custom expertise' so much as I would like a guy who's familiar with the 3 series and knows what he's doing. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-03-2009, 06:52 PM | #10 |
Lieutenant Colonel
265
Rep 1,696
Posts |
Who quoted you $300 - $400 to install a radar detector? That's insane. Custom Car Stereo did mine for $70 in 30 min. Power came from the cigarette lighter on my install.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-03-2009, 09:58 PM | #11 | |
Lieutenant
137
Rep 504
Posts |
Quote:
Are we talking about the same kind of radar detector? I'm not talking about just hardwiring in a windshield-mount. A 9500ci requires laser heads and a radar antenna to be mounted in the front grill, etc...More of something like this: https://www.escortradar.com/store/passport-9500ci.html |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-08-2009, 06:21 PM | #13 |
New Member
0
Rep 7
Posts |
Houston area 9500ci install
I have had Gary at GMS do all my radar installs beginning with K40 installs on on a BMW 545, BMW 335 vert, Hummer H2 and the wife's Lincoln Navigator. He just installed the Escort 9500ci on my new M3 and it's perfect!
Make sure you check out different forums and sites regarding this system. From my many hours of review, and non expert opinion, it appears unwise to install the laser shifter components behind either the front or rear grills. Gary does all the tinting and radar work for a local BMW dealership. I'm sure he would appreciate the extra business. Call him at 713 705-3651. Good luck.
__________________
2009 E92 M3, Jet Blk, DCT, 19" wheels
Mods: Dinan engine software, Escort 9500ci : 2007 Hummer H2 Mods: Cool air intake, K-40 radar/laser, custom wrap, "lotza" chrome |
Appreciate
0
|
07-08-2009, 06:38 PM | #14 | |
Lieutenant
137
Rep 504
Posts |
Quote:
I definitely like the idea of having someone who does BMWs often (and for dealers) do the work. I don't care how many Ferraris and Lambos you do in a day, I'd be much happier with the guy who's already seen my car with its pants off. Got any pics of your install? |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-08-2009, 07:44 PM | #15 | |
New Member
0
Rep 7
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
2009 E92 M3, Jet Blk, DCT, 19" wheels
Mods: Dinan engine software, Escort 9500ci : 2007 Hummer H2 Mods: Cool air intake, K-40 radar/laser, custom wrap, "lotza" chrome |
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-23-2010, 10:05 PM | #16 | |
Registered
0
Rep 2
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-24-2010, 05:00 PM | #17 |
Private First Class
8
Rep 100
Posts |
I have a 9500ci, and I got mine installed at Custom Car Stereo and they did a good job.
__________________
2008 E93 M3 Silverstone Metallic II (currently Matte Black)/Black l Painted Side Reflectors l Meisterschaft GT2 Exhaust w/ SR Pipes l Passport 9500ci l Clifforrd Alarm/Proximity Sensors l 20" Anthracite Iforged FS Legacy Wheel l LUX H8 LED Angel Eyes
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-27-2010, 08:07 PM | #18 |
Registered
0
Rep 2
Posts |
Did you buy your radar detector from Custom Car Stereo or did you buy it elsewhere ... How much was the total installation, not counting the retail cost of the 9500ci? Thanks for the time!
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-27-2010, 11:42 PM | #19 |
Private First Class
8
Rep 100
Posts |
hmm to be honest, I don't know because my 9500i got stolen out of my car and the 9500ci was a gift. I think I remember the guy saying its like 700 to take it out so I'm assuming its the same to install. The reason its so much is because its wired throughout from under the hood plus he said it takes awhile. They did an awesome job though, you cant see any wires. My display is on my speedometer area and the control module is under the the heated seat button in that bottom corner. Sorry, I hope that helps.
__________________
2008 E93 M3 Silverstone Metallic II (currently Matte Black)/Black l Painted Side Reflectors l Meisterschaft GT2 Exhaust w/ SR Pipes l Passport 9500ci l Clifforrd Alarm/Proximity Sensors l 20" Anthracite Iforged FS Legacy Wheel l LUX H8 LED Angel Eyes
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|