[Johnny D]

I'll be taking the M5 from L.A. to Phoenix and back again next month and was wondering if it would be advisable to get radar for protection on the the open road. I would not get one otherwise.

If it is advisable what would you recommend specifically for the radar used in AZ. I'd consider plugging one into the cig lighter socket on a temporary "as needed" basis if it wasn't too expensive.

Thanks in advance. (I searched the forrum and found a lot on radar detectors but not this specifice question)

 

[Johnny D]

Absolutely!
I would highly recommend it. I have the V1 and it rocks. If you choose not the get one, just take it very easy for the 20 miles into and out of Blythe. They are all over the place there.

I do that drive every couple of months and it can be a great run. :wroom: Don't ruin it with a ticket.

SCORPIO

Lots of great advice her that I appreciate very much. I have been following several threads and surmise there are a lot of V1 fans here.
I have used radar units in the past, 10 yrs ago and just got annoyed with all the racket and stopped using it. (It wasn't a V1, Escort I think). In the 3 1/2 yrs 've had the M5, I've only gotten 1 ticket. Maybe it's luck.

I am warming to the idea of getting the V1 with the Stealthone display in the nav unit which looks very attractive. I'm not thrilled about hanging it from the windshield. I've read about mounting it in the rear center headrest by Ohmess, very creative and totally stealth!

Thanks again for your patience and advice. Maybe I shouldn't press my luck :nono: and get some help by installing a V1. ouich

 

[Johnny D]

Now if you plan on doing any high speed runs (which is tempting out there), then by all means get a detector.
:cheers:

Just placed the order for the V1. They said no major upgrades in the pipeline so I feel comfortable. 2'nd day air $406 delivered. Will try it out on a road trip to CO in a Suburban on Sunday.

 

[Johnny D]

Great! A couple of comments regarding what I've read here:

- You really want to mount the unit as high as possible for best performance. The top of the windshield is probably the best place.
- If you don't want to plug it into the cig lighter, just get the hardwire kit and hook it up in the overhead. It's a very clean setup, and keeps the cig lighter open for charging something else like your phone on a long trip.
- If you install the unit in the rear headrest, you'll need to cut holes in the leather to keep laser detection. Otherwise you'll only get radar.
- If you really want a great stealth setup, look at www.jaricdesign.com and check out the Stealth One. Great unit, and it displays on the IKE, which I prefer to looking up at the rear view...

Good Luck!

:cheers:

I like stealth so I am leaning on the headrest install and maybe giving up the laser if I find it's not used to much here. Otherwise I might try to figure out how big a hole I need and have some clear plastic sewn in?? Haven't thought that far ahead.
Stelthone looks like the ticket for me. I'll be taking it on a drive in the Burban to CO to test it out this weekend. When I get back in a couple of weeks, I'll start the process of adding it to the M5 with Stealthone.

Any thoughts on finding the I-bus and switched 12v in the trunk area so I don't have to run the wires up front??
Thanks so much for the tips!! :M5thumbs:

This board has been once again invaluable :byee55amg

 

[Johnny D]

Just another thought on rear headrest install. You will probably want to purchase the remote audio module from Valentine so you can control the volumes from the front of the car and hear the unit when it beeps.Good Luck!

I was thinking that the Stealthone would control the volume. Are you saying that the volume has to vbe controlled by the V1 and the sound will come out of the V1 unit? Please clarify :confused2

 

[Johnny D]

Before you spend a lot of time and money trying to be "stealthy", why not try placing it on the dashboard in the middle of the dash during your test drive this weekend. Since the cops can spot when you use the suction cup windshield mount I bet they easliy miss seeing it placed on the dash as you pass by (unless of course the policeman is standing at the driver's window). Can be stealthy with the visor mount, so long as you do not need to use the visor. Mounted on the dashboard with velcro will hold it there yet let you take it down when not driving the car or to move to another car. You will have radar detection from front and rear, and laser (such as it is) from the front. Just a thought -- works quite well for me.

Great idea. I'll be taking another car this weekend and will do exactly that, put it on the dash or visor and give it a good workout first. I'll report back next week.