Radar detectors

oneill3 · 07-15-2008, 07:16 AM

Has anyone had any experience with radar detectors? Can anyone recommend any good ones?

Some of the web sites I've been looking at suggest that some of the radar detectors are 100% undetectable to any type of radar detector. Can anyone verify this?

DTNJNQ · 07-15-2008, 07:40 AM

The only radar detector which is 100% undetectable is the Beltronic STI-R and STI-XR.

http://www.radarlaser.com.au/BelSTiAUNZ.htm
http://www.radarlaser.com.au/BelSTiRemote.htm

These are the only ones you should use outside of WA

BMWDave · 07-15-2008, 07:43 AM

I've got the Bel STi-R installed into my 135i. It's excellent. Already saved my bacon a few times, including just this morning.

amk2912 · 07-15-2008, 07:47 AM

My bacon's been saved a number of times by my Valentine One.

Over here in the Wild West the Kojaks with the Kodaks use laser which the V1 picks up - by which time it's too late because they've got your speed by the time you detect them.

The revenue-generating roadside Ka band Multanovas are picked up about 100m to 200m away. Apparently they only lock onto you at 40m so you get adequate warning. Of course if you're doing some ridiculous speed you'll get whacked as 200m will be over before you can react. In my case I don't speed excessively but it's good to know when the cameras are lurking about.

One of the Beltronics models claims to be undetectable though not an issue here as radar detectors are still legal in WA.

The BEST radar detector is the kindly motorist coming in the opposite direction that flashes their headlights to warn you - now THAT is illegal in WA!

amk2912 · 07-15-2008, 07:51 AM

BMWDave - who fitted yourSTi-R? I do get a bit cheesed pulling the V1 off the windscreen every time I park.

I'm always a bit suss with most of these operations as I've had dodgy work done in the past and the last thing I want is some spotty apprentice with a stuff-you-fascist-BMW-owner-attitude fiddling with my soon-to-arrive 135i.

BMWDave · 07-15-2008, 08:52 AM

amk2912, I got the my salesman from Autoclassic to install it (at his house). He's done a lot of installs for clients into several models of bmw, mine was the first 1 series tho. Unfortunatley, he's now resigned (waited for me to take delivery of my car and quit the same day!) He was very professional and i'm happy to show you the end product some time. He's a mate of mine so if you ever got one, I'm sure I could organise him to install it.

oneill3 · 07-15-2008, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTNJNQ

The only radar detector which is 100% undetectable is the Beltronic STI-R and STI-XR.

http://www.radarlaser.com.au/BelSTiAUNZ.htm
http://www.radarlaser.com.au/BelSTiRemote.htm

These are the only ones you should use outside of WA

Hi DTNJNQ, Yeah, those are the two I was looking at. Just wanted to know if they are actually 100% undetectable? Just trying to get confirmation that it actually works as claimed, especially before I go and spend the 1000 bucks. There would be nothing worse than getting a speeding ticket, getting busted for having a radar detector and working out I wasted a grand for a bit a junk that doesn't work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWDave

I've got the Bel STi-R installed into my 135i. It's excellent. Already saved my bacon a few times, including just this morning.

BMWDave, What is involved in installing it? much work? Is it obivious that a radar detector is installed?

amk2912 · 07-15-2008, 08:08 PM

Thanks BMWDave. I''ll give it some thought. My salesman bailed out also, which was a pity as the 135i was the third BMW I had bought thru him - it's great when you have a rapport. BTW were his initials TS?

oneill3 · 07-16-2008, 12:00 AM

If anyone is interested, I found a great website on the different radar detectors, http://www.speedzones.com.

Jase · 07-16-2008, 12:25 AM

Oniell3 I was wondering exactly the same thing as you. As we are both from brisbane they (Police) would throw the book at us if we got caught with one.

Riss Racing · 07-16-2008, 01:05 AM

V1 is really good.

oneill3 · 07-16-2008, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTNJNQ

The only radar detector which is 100% undetectable is the Beltronic STI-R and STI-XR.
http://www.radarlaser.com.au/BelSTiAUNZ.htm
http://www.radarlaser.com.au/BelSTiRemote.htm

Jase,

I’ve been reading through the sites that DTNJNQ provided, they are great, lots of useful information.

According to the speedzone site, the Bel STI is undetectable. Still, there's that uncertainty that it might not be 100%. It’s one of those things; you got to see it to believe it.

Jase · 07-16-2008, 01:31 AM

Yeah I agree,

It is okay in theory, but all that ends if you get pulled over and they say where is it?

Thanks for the links, I will have a read

cheers

ORIGIN M. · 07-16-2008, 01:37 AM

I rock a Solo~2 myself. Hardwired of course.

DTNJNQ · 07-16-2008, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anthony@rissracing

V1 is really good.

The V1 is supposed to work really well however, it is only good in Western Australia where detectors are still legal as it is not 100% undetectable.

BMWDave · 07-16-2008, 04:52 AM

oneill3, due to the Bel STi-R being remote mounted, you have to run wires through the firewall which is a b**ch in the 135 as there is so little space. You also need to hardwire an accessories wire for power (so that it comes in when you start the car) and a ground. Also need to mount the external speaker and find somewhere for the commander box. Also run wires to wherever you want to thave the control unit and display unit. It took us a few hours to do but it's all very neat when finally finish. As for whether you can see it, well, the control unit and display are almost unnoticable in cabin. The actual detector part, which on my car is behind one of the kidney grills, you can see if you're looking for it, else, no, you'd never notice it. I may try and get pics.

amk2912, yes, his initials were TS.

BMWDave · 07-16-2008, 05:14 AM

OK pics time

1. Dash (with display module by fuel guage)
2. Control module by gear selector
3. Radar unit sitting behind kidney grille

Given it's dark, when i take a photo of the front of the car, the radar unit shows up with the flash. Howver, in daytime light, unless you're looking for it, it's barely noticable.

oneill3 · 07-16-2008, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWDave

OK pics time

1. Dash (with display module by fuel guage)
2. Control module by gear selector
3. Radar unit sitting behind kidney grille

Given it's dark, when i take a photo of the front of the car, the radar unit shows up with the flash. Howver, in daytime light, unless you're looking for it, it's barely noticable.

Hey BMWDave,

Thanks for the pics! I didn't realise how small everything was. Looks great!

Do you think the radar unit blocks the radiator much? Because the detectors are illegal over here (brisbane) I think I'd have to go with the portable one. Especially if a cop pulled you over and saw the display or control module, you'd be screwed. Do you think you could conseal the display and control module any further?

oneill3 · 07-16-2008, 06:27 AM

BMWDave,

Bit off topic, how is the le mans blue? is it hard to keep clean? what about scratches/swirls?

BMWDave · 07-16-2008, 07:52 AM

Mate, i'm not too concerned about blocking the radiator. It's only a tiny unit and the air still flows around it so no cooling issues should ever present themselves with respect to that. In relation to concealing the display and control module, its up to you where you mount it, I even toyed with the idea of putting the control module in the ashtray, but given you have to access it to hit the mute button when you get stray K-band from servos/etc decided to leave it out of there. Also, given the unit can speak to you and makes different chirp noises depending on the threat, you could theoretically go without the display module at all. There is an option to turn off the display i believe too.

I guess if you did go the windscreen mounted option, you'd be screwed if the cop saw it anyway before you had a chance to take it down. At least with my module where it is on the front bumper, i could say that it's a park distance measuring device

On the Le Mans Blue....I simply adore it. It's stunning. No problems with swirls or anything as yet but admittedly, i've not given her a top to toe polish, just clean with water weekly to remove built up grime. I don't think it's any harder to keep clean than any other colour though. I think it hides the dirt well (except for like yellow sand or something) but I know it's there so it gets a clean anyway:wink:

oneill3 · 07-17-2008, 01:27 AM

BMWDave,
Too bad you can’t integrate these things into the BMW idrive.
Good point about the windscreen option, but as everyone has portable sat navs these days you might be able to get away with it. Maybe?

For the radar module, you could say it is Distronic (not sure what BMW call it) where the car will maintain the distance between you and the car in front.

amk2912 · 07-17-2008, 03:47 AM

Hmmm...as much as we like to think the local constabulary are a bit dim, somehow I don't think they'd fall for the Distronic story!

What's the fine and demerits for having a RD in QLD?

Look at it this way...if it saves your bacon half a dozen times, that's gotta be worth more $$$ than a fine. You'd probably lose less demerits for the one offence than for half a dozen speeding offences.

Err...of course, above comments made without prejudice!

07-15-2008, 07:16 AM	#1
oneill3 Private 5 Rep 99 Posts Drives: 135i Coupe Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Brisbane iTrader: (0)	Radar detectors Has anyone had any experience with radar detectors? Can anyone recommend any good ones? Some of the web sites I've been looking at suggest that some of the radar detectors are 100% undetectable to any type of radar detector. Can anyone verify this? __________________ "I'm here to chew bubblegum and kick ass, and I'm all out of bubblegum"
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

07-15-2008, 07:40 AM	#2
DTNJNQ Captain 110 Rep 994 Posts Drives: M2, 135i, Xclass Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [8.66]	The only radar detector which is 100% undetectable is the Beltronic STI-R and STI-XR. http://www.radarlaser.com.au/BelSTiAUNZ.htm http://www.radarlaser.com.au/BelSTiRemote.htm These are the only ones you should use outside of WA
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-15-2008, 07:43 AM	#3
BMWDave Totally Add1cted 17 Rep 503 Posts Drives: X1 Xdrive23d Join Date: May 2008 Location: Perth, Australia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW X1 23d [7.66]	I've got the Bel STi-R installed into my 135i. It's excellent. Already saved my bacon a few times, including just this morning. __________________ Proud new owner of a X1 23d in Jet Black
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-15-2008, 07:47 AM	#4
amk2912 Lieutenant Colonel 87 Rep 1,663 Posts Drives: '10 X5 40d & '12 F10 520d Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Perth iTrader: (0)	My bacon's been saved a number of times by my Valentine One. Over here in the Wild West the Kojaks with the Kodaks use laser which the V1 picks up - by which time it's too late because they've got your speed by the time you detect them. The revenue-generating roadside Ka band Multanovas are picked up about 100m to 200m away. Apparently they only lock onto you at 40m so you get adequate warning. Of course if you're doing some ridiculous speed you'll get whacked as 200m will be over before you can react. In my case I don't speed excessively but it's good to know when the cameras are lurking about. One of the Beltronics models claims to be undetectable though not an issue here as radar detectors are still legal in WA. The BEST radar detector is the kindly motorist coming in the opposite direction that flashes their headlights to warn you - now THAT is illegal in WA!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-15-2008, 07:51 AM	#5
amk2912 Lieutenant Colonel 87 Rep 1,663 Posts Drives: '10 X5 40d & '12 F10 520d Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Perth iTrader: (0)	BMWDave - who fitted yourSTi-R? I do get a bit cheesed pulling the V1 off the windscreen every time I park. I'm always a bit suss with most of these operations as I've had dodgy work done in the past and the last thing I want is some spotty apprentice with a stuff-you-fascist-BMW-owner-attitude fiddling with my soon-to-arrive 135i.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-15-2008, 08:52 AM	#6
BMWDave Totally Add1cted 17 Rep 503 Posts Drives: X1 Xdrive23d Join Date: May 2008 Location: Perth, Australia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW X1 23d [7.66]	amk2912, I got the my salesman from Autoclassic to install it (at his house). He's done a lot of installs for clients into several models of bmw, mine was the first 1 series tho. Unfortunatley, he's now resigned (waited for me to take delivery of my car and quit the same day!) He was very professional and i'm happy to show you the end product some time. He's a mate of mine so if you ever got one, I'm sure I could organise him to install it. __________________ Proud new owner of a X1 23d in Jet Black
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-15-2008, 08:08 PM	#8
amk2912 Lieutenant Colonel 87 Rep 1,663 Posts Drives: '10 X5 40d & '12 F10 520d Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Perth iTrader: (0)	Thanks BMWDave. I''ll give it some thought. My salesman bailed out also, which was a pity as the 135i was the third BMW I had bought thru him - it's great when you have a rapport. BTW were his initials TS?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-16-2008, 12:00 AM	#9
oneill3 Private 5 Rep 99 Posts Drives: 135i Coupe Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Brisbane iTrader: (0)	If anyone is interested, I found a great website on the different radar detectors, http://www.speedzones.com. __________________ "I'm here to chew bubblegum and kick ass, and I'm all out of bubblegum"
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-16-2008, 12:25 AM	#10
Jase Private 1 Rep 86 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2008 iTrader: (0)	Oniell3 I was wondering exactly the same thing as you. As we are both from brisbane they (Police) would throw the book at us if we got caught with one.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-16-2008, 01:05 AM	#11
Riss Racing Banned 276 Rep 2,650 Posts Drives: E60 M5/E92 335/HUMMER H2 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (7)	V1 is really good.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-16-2008, 01:31 AM	#13
Jase Private 1 Rep 86 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2008 iTrader: (0)	Yeah I agree, It is okay in theory, but all that ends if you get pulled over and they say where is it? Thanks for the links, I will have a read cheers
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-16-2008, 01:37 AM	#14
ORIGIN M. Banned 3161 Rep 9,134 Posts Drives: ///M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern Hemisphere iTrader: (0)	I rock a Solo~2 myself. Hardwired of course.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-16-2008, 04:52 AM	#16
BMWDave Totally Add1cted 17 Rep 503 Posts Drives: X1 Xdrive23d Join Date: May 2008 Location: Perth, Australia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW X1 23d [7.66]	oneill3, due to the Bel STi-R being remote mounted, you have to run wires through the firewall which is a b**ch in the 135 as there is so little space. You also need to hardwire an accessories wire for power (so that it comes in when you start the car) and a ground. Also need to mount the external speaker and find somewhere for the commander box. Also run wires to wherever you want to thave the control unit and display unit. It took us a few hours to do but it's all very neat when finally finish. As for whether you can see it, well, the control unit and display are almost unnoticable in cabin. The actual detector part, which on my car is behind one of the kidney grills, you can see if you're looking for it, else, no, you'd never notice it. I may try and get pics. amk2912, yes, his initials were TS. __________________ Proud new owner of a X1 23d in Jet Black
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-16-2008, 05:14 AM	#17
BMWDave Totally Add1cted 17 Rep 503 Posts Drives: X1 Xdrive23d Join Date: May 2008 Location: Perth, Australia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW X1 23d [7.66]	OK pics time 1. Dash (with display module by fuel guage) 2. Control module by gear selector 3. Radar unit sitting behind kidney grille Given it's dark, when i take a photo of the front of the car, the radar unit shows up with the flash. Howver, in daytime light, unless you're looking for it, it's barely noticable. Attached Images __________________ Proud new owner of a X1 23d in Jet Black
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-16-2008, 06:27 AM	#19
oneill3 Private 5 Rep 99 Posts Drives: 135i Coupe Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Brisbane iTrader: (0)	BMWDave, Bit off topic, how is the le mans blue? is it hard to keep clean? what about scratches/swirls? __________________ "I'm here to chew bubblegum and kick ass, and I'm all out of bubblegum"
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-16-2008, 07:52 AM	#20
BMWDave Totally Add1cted 17 Rep 503 Posts Drives: X1 Xdrive23d Join Date: May 2008 Location: Perth, Australia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW X1 23d [7.66]	Mate, i'm not too concerned about blocking the radiator. It's only a tiny unit and the air still flows around it so no cooling issues should ever present themselves with respect to that. In relation to concealing the display and control module, its up to you where you mount it, I even toyed with the idea of putting the control module in the ashtray, but given you have to access it to hit the mute button when you get stray K-band from servos/etc decided to leave it out of there. Also, given the unit can speak to you and makes different chirp noises depending on the threat, you could theoretically go without the display module at all. There is an option to turn off the display i believe too. I guess if you did go the windscreen mounted option, you'd be screwed if the cop saw it anyway before you had a chance to take it down. At least with my module where it is on the front bumper, i could say that it's a park distance measuring device On the Le Mans Blue....I simply adore it. It's stunning. No problems with swirls or anything as yet but admittedly, i've not given her a top to toe polish, just clean with water weekly to remove built up grime. I don't think it's any harder to keep clean than any other colour though. I think it hides the dirt well (except for like yellow sand or something) but I know it's there so it gets a clean anyway:wink: __________________ Proud new owner of a X1 23d in Jet Black
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-17-2008, 01:27 AM	#21
oneill3 Private 5 Rep 99 Posts Drives: 135i Coupe Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Brisbane iTrader: (0)	BMWDave, Too bad you can’t integrate these things into the BMW idrive. Good point about the windscreen option, but as everyone has portable sat navs these days you might be able to get away with it. Maybe? For the radar module, you could say it is Distronic (not sure what BMW call it) where the car will maintain the distance between you and the car in front. __________________ "I'm here to chew bubblegum and kick ass, and I'm all out of bubblegum"
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-17-2008, 03:47 AM	#22
amk2912 Lieutenant Colonel 87 Rep 1,663 Posts Drives: '10 X5 40d & '12 F10 520d Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Perth iTrader: (0)	Hmmm...as much as we like to think the local constabulary are a bit dim, somehow I don't think they'd fall for the Distronic story! What's the fine and demerits for having a RD in QLD? Look at it this way...if it saves your bacon half a dozen times, that's gotta be worth more $$$ than a fine. You'd probably lose less demerits for the one offence than for half a dozen speeding offences. Err...of course, above comments made without prejudice!
	Appreciate 0 Quote