V1 detector, mounting and CA - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

courtguru · 3rd May 2007, 04:20

I've been thinking of getting the V1 radar/laser detector to use on my M5, since its going to be just a matter of time before me and the beast run afoul of the speed laws in the state. I've had my M5 just under a couple of months, and every time I take it out, I seem to be hitting a 100 before I know it - especially getting on the highway ramp.
The CA drivers handbook says this about having objects on the windshield:
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"Do not block your view by putting signs or other objects on the front windshield or the back and side windows. Do not hang objects on the mirror."
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This sounds like nothing should be installed on the windshield. For those in CA and having the V1, where do you mount this? What would the penalty be if CHPper decided to cite this as well?

m5hor · 3rd May 2007, 04:28

hey i am getting one this weekend... i would like to know too thanks

toolape · 3rd May 2007, 04:36

Guys,

I think it makes all the sense in the world for you to hardwire your V1 into the car. There are a lot of ways to do it and there are plenty of threads on installs. PM me if you need any info on the topic.

Pete

mottati · 3rd May 2007, 04:48

i have mine hardwired and mounted on the pass side of the rearview mirror, up high. Hardly visible, does not obstruct my vision or interfere with my sun visor. I would argue the rear view mirror obstructs vision more than the V1, total non-issue, imho.
mike

fluid · 3rd May 2007, 05:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by mottati

i have mine hardwired and mounted on the pass side of the rearview mirror, up high. Hardly visible, does not obstruct my vision or interfere with my sun visor. I would argue the rear view mirror obstructs vision more than the V1, total non-issue, imho.
mike

Ditto (except mine is on the driver side).

After 15+ yrs of using a radar detector with the cord stretched across the dash I finally hard wired my V1 (a mere 15-30 min job ... seriously) and it is such a sweet setup - you have nothing in your field of view, it powers up by itself, and is also within reach so when you want to silence it there is no reaching forward.

///PCH · 3rd May 2007, 05:49

hardwiring the v1 is easy, comes with all the parts you need to do so. running a cord from the cig lighter is ghetto.

chowdah · 3rd May 2007, 05:59

like my sterling brother fluid, I too have the driver's visor placement. ideally, i'd like to get my visor back by using the suction cups, but i simply don't trust them when it comes to using the controls.

Beamer_usa · 3rd May 2007, 06:06

Suction cups work just fine. They stay very well planted to thee windshield.

Vason · 3rd May 2007, 07:48

Mine is hardwired and mounted on the driver side slightly above and over some from the rear view mirror. Install took 15 minutes, visor is still functional, and it's hardly noticeable from outside the car.

ard · 3rd May 2007, 08:25

I use the suction cups.

Technically this IS a violation of the law:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc26708.htm

I've never been hassled. I assume that this will be the smaller of any potential fines! I also have no front plate for almost 3 years.

You can clip it to the visor but the angle isn't ideal.

If you do get stopped, pull the detector down if you can ... AND WIPE OFF THE CUP MARKS. Cops will look for them!

A

E55AMG2 · 3rd May 2007, 17:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by m5hor

hey i am getting one this weekend... i would like to know too thanks

I will install it for you, if you like. Hardwire is the way to go.

gbogh3 · 3rd May 2007, 17:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by ard

I use the suction cups.

Technically this IS a violation of the law:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc26708.htm

I've never been hassled. I assume that this will be the smaller of any potential fines! I also have no front plate for almost 3 years.

You can clip it to the visor but the angle isn't ideal.

If you do get stopped, pull the detector down if you can ... AND WIPE OFF THE CUP MARKS. Cops will look for them!

A

this would also include GPS's, Notepads and anything else stuck to the windshield.

OT
HOW THE V1 SAVE ME STUCK TO MY WINDSHEILD STORY.
This happened to be this week. I came around a corner on the freeway and suddenly saw a CHP off on the shoulder. Then my V1 goes off. Clearly he only had it on pointed forward, not backwards. I slow down go by him and now have made my way to the next packed of cars. By this he had pulled out and was starting to gain on me. I switched freeway (because that was the way I was naturally going) and he followed me, getting closer and closer. Next thing I know, he is right behind me, and no sooner did he get behind me did he turn into the left lane and make a u turn. My V1 is mounted right smack in the middle of my windshield. My friend in the car told me that the last time he got a ticket, the officer told him that he got him on radar. Well, its quite possible that this CHP was going to say the same thing, until he saw I had one mounted!

For all you naysayers, yes he could have got a call and had to turn around, but granted where I was, he didnt have to do it at the light.

ard · 3rd May 2007, 18:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbogh3

this would also include GPS's, Notepads and anything else stuck to the windshield.

OT
HOW THE V1 SAVE ME STUCK TO MY WINDSHEILD STORY.
This happened to be this week. I came around a corner on the freeway and suddenly saw a CHP off on the shoulder. Then my V1 goes off. Clearly he only had it on pointed forward, not backwards. I slow down go by him and now have made my way to the next packed of cars. By this he had pulled out and was starting to gain on me. I switched freeway (because that was the way I was naturally going) and he followed me, getting closer and closer. Next thing I know, he is right behind me, and no sooner did he get behind me did he turn into the left lane and make a u turn. My V1 is mounted right smack in the middle of my windshield. My friend in the car told me that the last time he got a ticket, the officer told him that he got him on radar. Well, its quite possible that this CHP was going to say the same thing, until he saw I had one mounted!

For all you naysayers, yes he could have got a call and had to turn around, but granted where I was, he didnt have to do it at the light.

Rest assured that a CHP KNOWS that your radar detector- and the lack of an alert based on your verbal testimony is NO defense. ("But judge, I had a radar detector and it didn't go off, so we know the officer is lying" "Case dismissed"???)

The law is explicit on what is allowed on the window- easy pass stuff, paper decals in certain areas- it even gives dimensions and locations....

A