New X5 Owner & 9500ix Mounting

I did some looking around but didn't find a good solution on how/where to mount a 9500ix. I had it in my C6 hardwired to the mirror but doing a similar install is a little more intimidating on a brand new 13' X5.

Love the X5. Just looking for a discrete way to have a little radar detection.

Thanks in advance.

If you search there is a thread with photos showing how to wire into the light panel above the mirror.
I mounted my V1 above the mirror and ran the power cord tucked into the liner around the windshield and then under the rubber trim outside the pillar down to the OBD port and am using V1's Savvy option to power from there.

Not sure if its cool to link the other forum, so I won't...but there is a nice post there with photos.

Didn't think about the light panel! I was digging around the mirror...

That is exactly where I have mine mounted and also hard wired. I am looking for another mounting feature as the suction cups are a PIA. The mirror helps with some stability but about every ten days or so they fail due to heat from the sun.

Originally Posted by X5FX

If you search there is a thread with photos showing how to wire into the light panel above the mirror.
I mounted my V1 above the mirror and ran the power cord tucked into the liner around the windshield and then under the rubber trim outside the pillar down to the OBD port and am using V1's Savvy option to power from there.

Not sure if its cool to link the other forum, so I won't...but there is a nice post there with photos.

On the second picture, is that a power cord going into a power socket? Where is the socket located at?
Thanks.

Originally Posted by Kzang

On the second picture, is that a power cord going into a power socket? Where is the socket located at?
Thanks.

Thats a new unit only available for the V1. Its called Savvy and it powers thru the OBD port which allows it to mute alerts below a certain speed.

The OBD port is below the steering wheel.

http://www.valentine1.com/savvy/

Cool. Thanks for this info.. for $70... Could you tell me or show me a link of where or how the power cord was "hidden" for a clean install?

I tucked mine under the headliner where it meets the windshield, then used a small spatula to place it under the rubber trim along the pillar to bring it down below the front dash. The cord is totally hidden except where it comes out to attach to radar unit.

Originally Posted by X5FX

If you search there is a thread with photos showing how to wire into the light panel above the mirror.
I mounted my V1 above the mirror and ran the power cord tucked into the liner around the windshield and then under the rubber trim outside the pillar down to the OBD port and am using V1's Savvy option to power from there.

Not sure if its cool to link the other forum, so I won't...but there is a nice post there with photos.

Did you notice any change in reception? I also like the high position b/c it can see further (over smaller cars etc), but was not sure if X5 windshield upper tint will interfere. Did not have an opportunity to carefully test and compare both positions...

no, did not test...but I am feeling like the reception is not as good.
someone else suggested the left side was better but didnt say why....I can't see why left would be better than right.

Finally got around to ordering the V1 Savvy and it arrived today. Going to have it plugged in and ready to go. The muting at slower speeds will certainly make for a quieter V1!!


Sent from BimmerApp mobile app

it would about time for the Valentine one to integrate a GPS so they can actually measure speed withing the device without taping the obd, that is really the minumum they should do at the price they are asking for their radar...

Originally Posted by philooo

it would about time for the Valentine one to integrate a GPS so they can actually measure speed withing the device without taping the obd, that is really the minumum they should do at the price they are asking for their radar...

Thats what Bel / Escort does. BTW, Valentine's patent on the arrows have expired, so anyone is free to use them

My STiR is silent on my commute, it knows where all the false alarms are as it locks them out based on frequency and GPS location. When I do get an alert, I know its the real thing, unlike V1 screaming bloody murder at every supermarket door opener

I get alerted to speed cameras, redlight cameras and popular speedtraps (database is updated weekly). With the app on my iphone, I get real time reporting from users running the app and encountering radar/laser in my vicinity.

V1 is great for alerting at laser scatter, but in most cases, if you get a laser alert, its just informing you that you are about to get a ticket (unless you have jammers of course)

Originally Posted by Kzang

Finally got around to ordering the V1 Savvy and it arrived today. Going to have it plugged in and ready to go. The muting at slower speeds will certainly make for a quieter V1!!

Yeah, it definitely improves the V1 experience. I have mine set to "play down" the alerts below 45mph.

Originally Posted by blue dragon

Thats what Bel / Escort does. BTW, Valentine's patent on the arrows have expired, so anyone is free to use them

My STiR is silent on my commute, it knows where all the false alarms are as it locks them out based on frequency and GPS location. When I do get an alert, I know its the real thing, unlike V1 screaming bloody murder at every supermarket door opener

I get alerted to speed cameras, redlight cameras and popular speedtraps (database is updated weekly). With the app on my iphone, I get real time reporting from users running the app and encountering radar/laser in my vicinity.

V1 is great for alerting at laser scatter, but in most cases, if you get a laser alert, its just informing you that you are about to get a ticket (unless you have jammers of course)

I agree with you 100%... After I bought my V1 a few years ago I had buyers remorse..
My next detector will be the passport.

Originally Posted by brian5

Yeah, it definitely improves the V1 experience. I have mine set to "play down" the alerts below 45mph.

I have mine set at 35 mph until I get more comfortable with it and may change the speed.