Wow, Thanks guys, ya'll confirmed what I had been thinking. Looks like I'll be looking a little closer at the V1 and the hardwire install that I've seen posted.

Thanks again
PB

 

My 545i should be ready at my dealer for delivery MONDAY.
Valentine 1 sounds interesting. Is the great detection mentioned only for radar?
How is its laser detection, if anything really works against lasar. I thought by the time your detector gets beamed it was to late.
What is the cost installed by dealer, or does a portable unit work as well?

 

V1 has laser detection, but your understanding of the effectiveness is probably the way it is. The ony time I was lasered for sure was doing 80 in a 60 zone by a stationary Texas DPS trooper. I was immediately on the brakes and he eyeballed me as I sailed by in a nosedive. He pulled out, did a U-ie, accelerated, scared the pi$$ out of me, and pulled the fellow who had been riding my rear bumper. I thanked the forces that freed me and resumed my cruising speed.

 

This is good stuff. I know nothing about radar/laser detectors - except what I am learning here. Say I want the V1, who installs it, the dealer or shop? Do most of you have it hardwired or use the lighter? I saw where there is a concealed display, any benefit? I live in California, do they use radar and laser? Does V1 detect both? Any information is greatly appreciated.

 

V1 works OK from a cigarette lighter, but is relatively easy to hardwire if you find a switched green /yellow wire going into the rain detector for the windshield wipersl

V1 detects laser and radar. It also counts the number of bogeys and locates them fore and aft or to the side. Knowing the number has saved me a few times. If you plan on enjoying your Bimmer, get a V1.

 

The tests show Valentine,Escort and Bel are very close. I bought the Bel because my window gets broken less with the Bel.

 

The V1 is good. Got mine after passing a police car (I was passing 4 cars and he was the first in line). Mine's hardwired in upper left corner of windshield. Now I can drive the car as it's meant to be driven....hard and fast.

 

pennetta, as far as detection is concerned, I imagine the tests are right. The V1 edge, IMO, comes from directional arrow indicators to the sides and behind as well as in front, and also the counting feature.

 

Yup, JDN's right. It's about [b]information[/] and detection.

These days, most detectors have managed to provide decent detection but after using a V1 for a while, you'll never be able to go back to a unit that doesn't provide better information about the signals it's detecting.

 

Will the police know that you have a radar detector installed in your car by scanning using other sophiscated devices?