WA: Rear facing multi's

[BMWDave]

Hi all

Today I passed one of those new fangled rear facing multinovas. Short response is "BE ALERT".

I went sailing past this (I spotted it visually) at the speed limit without so much as a peep from my radar detector. I thought this was highly unusual so I turned around and went past again. On the way back to start my 2nd pass (i.e. facing the multinova on the other side of the road), as I got close, my radar detector jumped into life alerting me to a Ka band presence. Right, the thing is on and my detector is still working. Time for pass #2.

So I turned around again, got up to the speed limit and past the thing I went again. Silence. I was close to another car who could have blocked my grill mounted detector somewhat but at the very least, I should have picked up the multinova as I passed it but nothing. So WA motorists with radar detectors, be alert, be very alert as we might have a new ba$tard of multinova that is against us.

[BMWRX]

Or you could just do the speed limit.

[05C4R]

Originally Posted by BMWRX

Or you could just do the speed limit.

[MikeVictor]

You know, this is a good arguement for making people slow down and being able to install radar detectors legitimately (in eastern states at least).

Detector goes off, people slow down. And we all know that "speed kills", right?

So why not let people install something that makes them slow down? Oh yeah, revenue... *BONK SELF*

[banglemangle]

Originally Posted by mattyv

*BONK SELF*

Owner / Operator??

[AussieRacer]

Originally Posted by mattyv

And we all know that "speed kills", right?

You say that cause that's what they want you to think. Speed itself doesn't kill. It is all the other factors (eg. driver skill, car condition, weather conditions, road condition - if not properly warning sign posted, other vehicles, etc...) that can result in death or injury. Every Govt. stat quoting speed skills, only ever lists speed as a contributing factor. Unfortunately the other factors don't generate income so they don't give them the attention they deserve.

- end rant -

[BMWDave]

Originally Posted by AussieRacer

You say that cause that's what they want you to think. Speed itself doesn't kill. It is all the other factors (eg. driver skill, car condition, weather conditions, road condition - if not properly warning sign posted, other vehicles, etc...) that can result in death or injury. Every Govt. stat quoting speed skills, only ever lists speed as a contributing factor. Unfortunately the other factors don't generate income so they don't give them the attention they deserve.

- end rant -

Usually it's the sudden stop that kills, not speed

Despite my tongue in cheek comment, I do agree with you. Better education, more comprehensive driver training, more common sense is required.

Though I can see how this thread turned to a conversation about speed, it was more an informative thread on the detection capabilities of these rear facing multanovas, not a debate about why it's ok to speed with a radar detector, which I don't believe to be true. My radar detector is to merely to let me know that there are some revenue raising activities in the area and to be mindful of my speed in case I'm dawdling along and not paying full attention to my speedo (talking that annoying 1 point, $100 fine for 5-9km/h over the limit).

[amk2912]

B*stards.......Anyway, Dave, are you coming on the BMW Club track day at Barbagallo? No worries about multanovas there!

[m 135]

Tell me more

[BMWDave]

Originally Posted by amk2912

B*stards.......Anyway, Dave, are you coming on the BMW Club track day at Barbagallo? No worries about multanovas there!

Unfortunately not mate. Had more than my fair share of expenses in the last little while, plus i'm busy saving for and paying off a trip to Germany in September (can we all say Oktoberfest!). Given my ability to save is next to zero, and that I haven't had a pay rise in two years (i.e. since buying my 135i) I just can't stretch the budget this time around (not so much the cost of the day but more then cost to the vehicle - brakes, oil, tyres + any damage)

[m 135]

Originally Posted by BMWDave

Unfortunately not mate. Had more than my fair share of expenses in the last little while, plus i'm busy saving for and paying off a trip to Germany in September (can we all say Oktoberfest!). Given my ability to save is next to zero, and that I haven't had a pay rise in two years (i.e. since buying my 135i) I just can't stretch the budget this time around (not so much the cost of the day but more then cost to the vehicle - brakes, oil, tyres + any damage)

Dave,have you done a track day before ?did you enjoy it? do you lap with other drivers or are you on your own and can you take it easy if you want ?and do you think damage is a given?how do you go about it with the BMW club?
Thanks.

[amk2912]

Originally Posted by BMWDave

(not so much the cost of the day but more then cost to the vehicle - brakes, oil, tyres + any damage)

Sorry you can't make it this time. I hear you about the extra costs - I'll be looking at a new set of rubber, oil change and new pads after this session!

[amk2912]

Originally Posted by m 135

Dave,have you done a track day before ?did you enjoy it? do you lap with other drivers or are you on your own and can you take it easy if you want ?and do you think damage is a given?how do you go about it with the BMW club?
Thanks.

You may be a little late for this one as it's next Friday (21st). You could give the BMW Club of WA a call and see if it's possible to get in. Contact Bruce Robins on redrobins@bigpond.com

Your car needs to have an approved fire-extinguisher with bracket fitted and the car needs to pass a scrutineering session before allowed onto the track. You have an instructor initially and when they deem you OK they'll unleash you. It's not a race and you can take it easy but you'll need to watch out for E9x M3's coming up fast (I know of three that'll be there)!

You'll certainly get an appreciation of the 135i ( I ran a 135i last year) and it's blistering speed!

[m 135]

Originally Posted by amk2912

You may be a little late for this one as it's next Friday (21st). You could give the BMW Club of WA a call and see if it's possible to get in. Contact Bruce Robins on redrobins@bigpond.com

Your car needs to have an approved fire-extinguisher with bracket fitted and the car needs to pass a scrutineering session before allowed onto the track. You have an instructor initially and when they deem you OK they'll unleash you. It's not a race and you can take it easy but you'll need to watch out for E9x M3's coming up fast (I know of three that'll be there)!

You'll certainly get an appreciation of the 135i ( I ran a 135i last year) and it's blistering speed!

Thanks for the info,i will see what i can do,sounds like a great day!

[hayespn]

On the topic of the new rear facing speed cameras - my impression was that they were based on laser technology - the consequence being that by the time the detector makes a noise and you brake, it is already too late - your speed has been measured.

I also have a detector (no, I am not a chronic speeder and I haven't received a fine in more than 10 years as I pick my place and time carefully) so I will report back as soon as I encounter one of these.

Cheers

Paul

[amk2912]

I've encountered one of these revenue-raisers. Fortunately I was forewarned by oncoming traffic. My RD started false alarming alot so I hardly use it except on country runs.

[Taymaishu]

Which RDs are you using?

Had a mate here in Sydney using a V1 in his Cooper S. Heading down to the snow one day he opened up to 170km/h on the Monaro highway; warning came on and he mashed the brake. Went pottering past a stationary car-mounted radar, cop had no idea.

If i was to purchase one, i'd probably be looking at the Bel STi. But that choice is limiting as we can't be found with them here Penalties are just too severe.

I've also noticed a LOT of highway patrol are prefering to be stationary and using Lidar guns, hence a radar detector would be useless. A laser jammer raises too many questions for a copper ("Why the hell aren't i pinging this guy?"), but have seen a jammer that is auto-off after 5 seconds or so.

That gives you time to slow down to speed if need be, and still allows the cop to ping you after those 5 seconds - making the time he spent trying to ping you look legit

[BMWDave]

I have the Bel STi-R in my car. It's a god-send when you find yourself creeping a little over the limit at helping to avoid those $100 and a point type fines. Other than these new fangled rear facing multi's, i've never had a problem with it. It gives ample detection notice on the standard multanovas.

[hayespn]

I have a Whistler Pro-78SE myself, primarily because I am too cheap to buy the Bel.

I also like to idea of being able to use it in whatever car I am using.

Having said that it has performed flawlessly and gives 'enough' Multi warning and is very strong for Laser and the other radar based (e.g. car mounted/hand held).

For less than AUD$250 in my hand it was too good to refuse.

[amk2912]

I have a V1 but I seem to be getting alot of false alarms.