Crap...V1 Let Me Down - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Mitch · 28th September 2006, 01:17

Just recieved my first ticket after 2000 miles. Leaving work, first bit of open road and pulled over 57 in a 35, $157.00 payable. The cop was young and all business..."Do you know why I stopped you...Drive safely for me, yatta yatta yatta.

I asked him how he clocked me and he indicated stationary laser and that he zapped me three times.

So here's my question. My V1 is about 7 years old. Used it in my GS-400 and E39, and has always worked flawlessly. I figured I might neet to update when I got the E60, so I went to the V1 website, put in my serial number and the site indicated that while my V1 didn't have the latest technology, it was still considered current.

Problem is, it never made a sound, chirp, blink....absulutely nothing. Its hard- wired and mounted under the rearview mirror. Any thoughts???

ALTANertive · 28th September 2006, 01:19

Well, with laser, even if you detected it, you're pretty much toast since he was aiming AT you, so slowing down would have done nothing since he already got a reading of your car. Time for a laser jammer.

EDIT: BTW, radar detectors work better when placed up high, but laser detection works better a little lower as they are aiming for specific points on your car, namely plates or lights.

gareeb · 28th September 2006, 01:26

Send that V1 in for an update and get a jammer

Mitch · 28th September 2006, 01:27

Good points. Thanks Alt.

bernhtp · 28th September 2006, 01:35

Laser detection is worthless; laser jamming is priceless.

Laser is a fairly narrow beam, depending upon the distance, and it's quite possible for a cop to hit your frontal area (around the plate) without any of the beam hitting the top of your windshield where your V1 is. However, even if the V1 detected had it, the only effect would have been had a few extra seconds of notification before being pulled over by the cop.

Tom

petesamprs · 28th September 2006, 01:51

I don't think he was expecting the laser detection capability of the v1 to save him from a ticket. But at least it should tell you you're about to get the ticket. His did neither, and I find that surprising.

Either the V1 just missed the beam, or the cop lied about the laser. I find the former unlikely given that the cop claimed he shot him 3 times, and the latter can be confirmed when you take him to court.

bonehead · 28th September 2006, 01:59

Frightening. Just hardwired mine. Hope it I didn't go thru all that trouble only to find out someday that it's completely worthless against laser. Agree with petesamprs. Can't believe that you didn't get so much as a beep with 3 separate shots.

spatterso · 28th September 2006, 02:58

Well, Bernhtp is right here. since the beam is narrow, V1 could miss 3 well aimed bursts. Ticket is inevitable. The only update for a late model V1 is POP technology which you actually may prefer not to have, as it increases your number of false positives. It doesn't provide better laser protection, either. It has to do with POP radar which is a burst setting, more stealthy. That wouldn't have saved you either. The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to get a laser jammer installed. Plenty of threads on which one is the best, and if it is good, and what not, so just wade through. I feel better knowing mine is in. I know there are members who are so very grateful they have theirs as it has SAVED them from a ticket.

LJM5 · 28th September 2006, 03:06

Question for the laser jammer guys out there:

What happens when the cop does not get a reading off you, doesn't he then assume you have a jammer and pull you over anyway? I would think they could clearly see you are speeding, then hit you with the laser, only to have no reading, get PISSED, and subsequently pull you over. No?

twinturbovenom · 28th September 2006, 03:15

So best combination is the V1 hardwired and a quality laser jammer? Any recommendations on said jammer?

Also, I have heard the best all around set up by far is the radar system called K-40. It has everything built in, and is veeeery discreet. Is this a good all in one solution?

ALTANertive · 28th September 2006, 03:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinturbovenom

So best combination is the V1 hardwired and a quality laser jammer? Any recommendations on said jammer?

Also, I have heard the best all around set up by far is the radar system called K-40. It has everything built in, and is veeeery discreet. Is this a good all in one solution?

The current best jammer right now without a doubt is the Antilaser Guardian G8, also known as the Laser Pro Park.

bernhtp · 28th September 2006, 03:53

The best jammer was Blinder M40 X, but the new Antilaser is getting great tests recently. The best radar detector is still the Valentine1. The K40 does a poor job at everything.