Origin b2 - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

ECM4 · 6th August 2003, 14:24

At last this thing's turned up. Ordered it weeks ago. I've read the manual and it looks the business. Not fitted it yet so can't say if it does what it's supposed to but can't wait to give it a go.

Has anybody ever fitted one before because location seams to be critical. The manual's a bit contradictory in that it suggests a discreat location then suggest fitting it to the top of the dash!

Anybody got one of the original b1's fitted?

http://www.originb2.com/

Mmm-Five · 6th August 2003, 14:30

Fixed link http://www.originb2.com/

The receiver needs to go somewhere with direct line-of-sight to the skies for the GPS system to work properly.

The placement of the display is entirely up to you, but due to it's quite compact dimensions you could probably effectively hide it from passers-by by sticking it in front of your rev counter - and this also makes it easy to see.

ECM4 · 6th August 2003, 16:28

There's a number of elements to it. The GPS receiver needs to go on the rear shelf. The laser detector head I thought I'd stick to the windscreen in front of the rear view mirror. It has to be carefully positioned because it needs to see backwards as well. The radar detector unit has not been released yet. It's still on order but due soon.

The unit itself sits in a neat 'mobile phone' style cradle so you can take it with you. The cradle has a single cable which they call a 'cable management system'. Basically it has a bunch of plugs at the end where you plug in all the other elements and the power.

You lift the unit out and plug it into you're pc with a serial cable so you can download new database info and software updates. They claim its 'future proof'. Very neat and well thought out.

To start with I thought I'd try it stuck to the top of the dash with the cable going down through the top air vent. I can always move it!

M5 powered · 10th August 2003, 23:49

I've had a blue-i since day one and yes you can't live without them after a while!

Also had a good look at the second generation and my only reservation is regarding the cheaper looking build compared to the original and the radar unit which does not cover the KU band which is a big oversight. Still would only recommend a Valentine one for spotting radar.

To be honest though the REAL value is the database and Origin has the most comprehensive of all of them. In addition new camera locations have to be confirmed by their roaming team to remove the likely hood of false camera / trap locations.

Overall been very pleased and if you don't live in London and / or don't require traffic congestion notification then the first version can be had on ebay for around £200-250 notes which is a bargain!

regards

M5 powered

Ashok Arora · 11th August 2003, 00:19

I use my Origin-Blue i unit everyday and it works fine (hardwired into the car by Barons BMW). I also use a BEL550 detector for longer journeys.

Here's some pics of my installation (Left hand drive E39):

Ashok Arora · 11th August 2003, 12:38

Just to add that the antenna is fitted to the rear parcel shelf in clear view of the sky.

The whole job cost about £120 - I got it done by the dealer as they know the car electrics the best; it even switches on/off with the ignition.

ECM4 · 15th August 2003, 15:45

Must get round to fitting this thing. Maybe at the weekend. I have this plan to fit it in front of the ashtray, well I never use it and it rattles! I'll take a photo.....

I would agree that one of the best features is the database. I think Origin are the only database holders that actually employ people to check out and geo fix each camera location.

The build quality looks fine but then I've never fingered the original. It comes in a nice box with foam cutouts for all the components and an excellent manual. Very well presented I have to say......

I dont recall reading that it doesn't cover KU....The radar unit is still not available (at least I've not got mine) but it does say that it uses the latest detection technology and combines this with the GPS and database information to minimise false alarms. How it does this will remain a mystery until I try it out!

M5e3438 · 15th August 2003, 16:52

Is this a better unit than Road Angel?

ECM4 · 15th August 2003, 19:38

That's a good question......the principles the same and I suppose you'd need to try both. I liked the b2 for the following reasons:

- You can remove it easily.
- Cradles are available for a second car.
- Modules can be added to it, radar, diffuser etc.
- The database is good and each site is verified.
- It has a better display.
- It doesn't look like a detector device....

and to quote Autocar Magazine 'It looks like the future'.

A friend has a Road Angel fitted to his Evo 8. I'll ask him if he's still got his licence!

M5 powered · 16th August 2003, 02:07

To be honest I found the Road Angel too basic in operation. Yes they spent the most money on marketing the thing and in paying Tiff to promote it + added laser detection (although this is useless 99.999% of the time unless you can break at the speed of light or have a jammer system in place which with Road Angel you can't.

Fundamentally, Origin are the only company not to be missing any of the UK speed trap systems used which is the whole purpose of the thing and where the REAL value is added.

Regards

M5 powered