Looking for advice- Passport 9500ix install

[Josh_F82]

I just picked up a Passport 9500ix and I’m looking to see what some of you have done with regards to the cleanest installation method (either on or around the mirror only). I see some using the suction cups, I’ve seen a single large (black) suction cup, I’ve heard things about the blendmount, and I’ve seen regular amazon mirror mounts… but im looking for a setup thats clean and not entirely intrusive (I heard the blendmount and some mirror mounts don’t sit back far enough and have the unit right in your face). A method that also delivers power without having to plugs into lighter socket is also a necessity. I know the V1 has the savvy, but I’m not sure what options the 9500ix has. If I can avoid having to tap into anything to that would be a plus as well. Again, a clean simple install. If anyone has pics that would be great.

(Fyi I did a few searches and 99.9% of everything I’ve come up with were radar comparisons which I’ve done a good amount of research on before purchasing.)

[sdwilly]

Originally Posted by Josh_F82

I just picked up a Passport 9500ix and I’m looking to see what some of you have done with regards to the cleanest installation method (either on or around the mirror only). I see some using the suction cups, I’ve seen a single large (black) suction cup, I’ve heard things about the blendmount, and I’ve seen regular amazon mirror mounts… but im looking for a setup thats clean and not entirely intrusive (I heard the blendmount and some mirror mounts don’t sit back far enough and have the unit right in your face). A method that also delivers power without having to plugs into lighter socket is also a necessity. I know the V1 has the savvy, but I’m not sure what options the 9500ix has. If I can avoid having to tap into anything to that would be a plus as well. Again, a clean simple install. If anyone has pics that would be great.

(Fyi I did a few searches and 99.9% of everything I’ve come up with were radar comparisons which I’ve done a good amount of research on before purchasing.)

While I have a different detector (V1), I do have a blendmount and at least for the V1 the location is about perfect. It sits close enough to the window where I don't feel like it's right in my face but I can still see it clearly. I also tapped the power into the mirror (There was a DIY in this forum for that, while it was for a V1 I don't see why it wouldn't work for the Passport as well), so it turns on and off with the car, and the visible cord is super short.

[sdwilly]

Here are a few quick pictures I took of my V1 on the Blendmount.

[Josh_F82]

Originally Posted by sdwilly

Here are a few quick pictures I took of my V1 on the Blendmount.

Thanks for the feedback. I think the 9500ix is slightly larger than the V1 though, so I'm kinda curious as to what that would look like with the blendmount opposed to the V1. Deff looks like a good setup tho, thanks!

Anyone have any pics of their 9500ix with a blendmount?

[M_Swee]

I was in a similar predicament, given that I'm in VA and detectors are illegal - thus wanting a discreet set up.

I used the MirrorTap, so that power is drawn from the rearview mirror instead of the cord dangling all the way down to the lighter socket. Followed these instructions:
http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...radar+detector

I use the Escort StickyCup to mount my Redline to the right of the rearview mirror (I can take photos of the set up if you'd like).

The only downside is not having the use of a the SmartCord functions (mute), but I just reach over and hit the mute button the detector itself. Not a big deal, for the sake of minimizing cables.

[Josh_F82]

Originally Posted by apexcorner

I was in a similar predicament, given that I'm in VA and detectors are illegal - thus wanting a discreet set up.

I used the MirrorTap, so that power is drawn from the rearview mirror instead of the cord dangling all the way down to the lighter socket. Followed these instructions:
http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...radar+detector

I use the Escort StickyCup to mount my Redline to the right of the rearview mirror (I can take photos of the set up if you'd like).

The only downside is not having the use of a the SmartCord functions (mute), but I just reach over and hit the mute button the detector itself. Not a big deal, for the sake of minimizing cables.

Hmmm, interesting.... yeah if you had a few pics I'd appreciate that!

[Ian1973]

I put mine to the left of the rearview mirror as high up as possible. I tapped into the power in the headliner, but at the time I got my car there were no schematics online for me to locate the switchable power, so I took it to the dealer who had it done in a few minutes and cost me like 30 bucks.

[Josh_F82]

Originally Posted by Ian1973

I put mine to the left of the rearview mirror as high up as possible. I tapped into the power in the headliner, but at the time I got my car there were no schematics online for me to locate the switchable power, so I took it to the dealer who had it done in a few minutes and cost me like 30 bucks.

That dark (factory) tint at top of the windshield doesn't interfere with your readings?

[Ian1973]

I can't answer that as it's too difficult to test out, but I figure if it does at all, it's not that bad. I can tell you that it never fails to give me adequate warning.

[IrvineTim]

Originally Posted by Ian1973

I put mine to the left of the rearview mirror as high up as possible. I tapped into the power in the headliner, but at the time I got my car there were no schematics online for me to locate the switchable power, so I took it to the dealer who had it done in a few minutes and cost me like 30 bucks.

how did you remove the mirror cover?

[tsbrown]

In my F30 340i I installed my 9500ix using a permanent mount (shown in the link below) on passenger side of the rearview mirror. It's a tight fit between the headliner and rearview mirror but does not interfere with the passenger visor.

Power is via a straight Smartcord that runs along the headliner, down the passenger A-pillar where it connects to a power wire run from the rear fuse box (add-a-fuse), and grounded on a screw accessible from the dash side panel. The smartcord runs under the glovebox (behind the passenger airbag) to the center console where I have the mute button/alert light module on the driver side of the tray behind the cupholder.

All wires are hidden behind the dash, behind the headliner or A-pillar trim or under carpet. Took a couple hours to run the wires but a very clean install just like I had in my E90 M3, except the fuse is not immediately behind the glovebox.

https://www.amazon.com/Escort-Perman...detector+mount

[bb1857]

Originally Posted by IrvineTim

how did you remove the mirror cover?

If you push up on the center of the mirror cover where it joins together it will kind of split then you can pull it apart.

[Ian1973]

Originally Posted by IrvineTim

how did you remove the mirror cover?

I didn't, you take the overhead cover off with some trim removal tools, it's a few clips. Piece of cake. I would not want to get power from the mirror cover as then the wires would be visible.

[MFNATIK]

Originally Posted by Josh_F82

Thanks for the feedback. I think the 9500ix is slightly larger than the V1 though, so I'm kinda curious as to what that would look like with the blendmount opposed to the V1. Deff looks like a good setup tho, thanks!

Anyone have any pics of their 9500ix with a blendmount?

Ask and you shall receive. I have it wired the same way sdwilly has his and it turns on and off with the car. Really easy. Just split the cover in the middle using a plastic tool and pry it open gently. Its just clipped together down the middle.

[goneloco]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

Ask and you shall receive

Not nearly as good a shot but same result. Really easy.

[larryn]

I can't get over how intrusive the blendmount would be for me. Every time I see this setup in person and in pictures, all I can think of is that thing sits right in the middle of line of sight for me.

[MFNATIK]

Originally Posted by larryn

I can't get over how intrusive the blendmount would be for me. Every time I see this setup in person and in pictures, all I can think of is that thing sits right in the middle of line of sight for me.

I know what you mean but its still the best location IMO to mount it. It doesn't bother me as much as using a suction cup on a nice car such as ours.

[Josh_F82]

Does anyone have the link to the hardwire DIY? I'm hoping I don't have to drill into anything

[MFNATIK]

Originally Posted by Josh_F82

Does anyone have the link to the hardwire DIY? I'm hoping I don't have to drill into anything

There is nothing to drill. You use a plastic tool or plastic knife and pry open the mirror cover on the windshield at the seam and it you'll see the plug that you need to insert the pins of the pig tail lead in. You need to purchase that off Amazon for $10. Will make it look very clean.

[Ian1973]

That would drive me crazy. I much prefer it mounted right up at the headliner above the mirror.

[Wah]

I like it mounted high and out of the way.

[IrvineTim]

For the guys that are running the escort up high on the windshield near the visor, Is it picking up bogies in front and in back pretty good?