Houston Install Shop (Passport 9500ci)

[Swancoat]

I finally picked up my E92. Anyone know of a good install shop in Houston that can install a Passport 9500ci? Someone you'd trust with your car.

Given how much digging around the car goes on with this kind of install, I don't have the time or inclination to personally inspect every aspect of the install (otherwise I'd just install it myself), so I'd like a shop that I can trust to have done things correctly the first time (proper grommets, seals, etc...).

[M3OwnerHtown]

Check "River Oaks Custom Car" ... I haven't been there in a while but in my previous car they installed my stereo. The owner there is a "techy" and seems they do high-end and off the wall custom installs. Other option is "Custom Car Stereo" of 59S - they do alot of high end vehicles/boats but I went there to get quote for my E92 stereo upgrade and wasn't throughly convinced ... seems as if there are new faces there.

[Swancoat]

I had my Cayman done at Custom Car Stereo. They promise a lot, cost even more, and deliver less. I'll tell anyone who wants to listen my story about that place and let them make up their own minds. It's not like they're scam artists or anything like that, but the experience was pretty unfulfilling.

[frankzlin79]

I had my Acura TSX, Acura TL-S, and M3 installed with a V1 (same V1 for all three cars ha) by Custom Car Stereo. The prices I paid were $50, $50, and $70 respectively. They said they increased the price because of the economy. They did a good job and was pretty quick (30 min install). I was able to watch the installer and talk to him, while he was doing it.

Their customers typically drive high end stuff. I've seen several Porches, Ferraris, and an Aston Martin once at the shop.

[Swancoat]

I'm scared I may have to go back, since there seem to be so few options around here. The SoCal forums are full of good shops with good recommendations. Makes me jealous.

Of course if I was looking for a place to buy some hideous 24" chromed out wheels...

[Swancoat]

Originally Posted by M3OwnerHtown

Check "River Oaks Custom Car" ... I haven't been there in a while but in my previous car they installed my stereo. The owner there is a "techy" and seems they do high-end and off the wall custom installs. Other option is "Custom Car Stereo" of 59S - they do alot of high end vehicles/boats but I went there to get quote for my E92 stereo upgrade and wasn't throughly convinced ... seems as if there are new faces there.

Is that the same as "River Oaks Car Stereo"? Google found them on Richmond...

[scotsman]

who else is looking to get this done? Maybe we can somehow get a group pricing or something?

[frankzlin79]

You can try for group pricing on service. But for something that doesn't cost a lot ($50-$70) I don't think any installer will give a discount.

[Swancoat]

Originally Posted by frankzlin79

You can try for group pricing on service. But for something that doesn't cost a lot ($50-$70) I don't think any installer will give a discount.

Install is pretty involved and is likely to cost more like 300-400, but I agree discounts would be unlikely, since it's a service item.

As it is... I've bought a replacement radio trim piece and will probably be handling the cosmetic side of the install in the interior myself. I just don't want to crawl all around the car, go through the firewall, find a decent 12v lead to tap, etc...

In the end, I may go with one of the guys that the dealers use. I don't really need 'custom expertise' so much as I would like a guy who's familiar with the 3 series and knows what he's doing.

[frankzlin79]

Who quoted you $300 - $400 to install a radar detector? That's insane. Custom Car Stereo did mine for $70 in 30 min. Power came from the cigarette lighter on my install.

[Swancoat]

Originally Posted by frankzlin79

Who quoted you $300 - $400 to install a radar detector? That's insane. Custom Car Stereo did mine for $70 in 30 min. Power came from the cigarette lighter on my install.

Custom Car Stereo did my P-car for about $300 if I remember correctly.

Are we talking about the same kind of radar detector? I'm not talking about just hardwiring in a windshield-mount. A 9500ci requires laser heads and a radar antenna to be mounted in the front grill, etc...More of something like this:

https://www.escortradar.com/store/passport-9500ci.html

[frankzlin79]

Yeah sorry. Miscommunication. I was talking about a plain vanilla V1, which is easy to install. But a 9500ci is definitely an involved project.

[urgentcaredoc]

I have had Gary at GMS do all my radar installs beginning with K40 installs on on a BMW 545, BMW 335 vert, Hummer H2 and the wife's Lincoln Navigator. He just installed the Escort 9500ci on my new M3 and it's perfect!

Make sure you check out different forums and sites regarding this system. From my many hours of review, and non expert opinion, it appears unwise to install the laser shifter components behind either the front or rear grills.

Gary does all the tinting and radar work for a local BMW dealership. I'm sure he would appreciate the extra business. Call him at 713 705-3651.

Good luck.

[Swancoat]

Originally Posted by urgentcaredoc

I have had Gary at GMS do all my radar installs beginning with K40 installs on on a BMW 545, BMW 335 vert, Hummer H2 and the wife's Lincoln Navigator. He just installed the Escort 9500ci on my new M3 and it's perfect!

Make sure you check out different forums and sites regarding this system. From my many hours of review, and non expert opinion, it appears unwise to install the laser shifter components behind either the front or rear grills.

Gary does all the tinting and radar work for a local BMW dealership. I'm sure he would appreciate the extra business. Call him at 713 705-3651.

Good luck.

I've been doing my homework on this one too. I'm still a few weeks away from having everything lined up that I need.

I definitely like the idea of having someone who does BMWs often (and for dealers) do the work. I don't care how many Ferraris and Lambos you do in a day, I'd be much happier with the guy who's already seen my car with its pants off.

Got any pics of your install?

[urgentcaredoc]

Originally Posted by Swancoat

I've been doing my homework on this one too. I'm still a few weeks away from having everything lined up that I need.

I definitely like the idea of having someone who does BMWs often (and for dealers) do the work. I don't care how many Ferraris and Lambos you do in a day, I'd be much happier with the guy who's already seen my car with its pants off.

Got any pics of your install?

I just picked up the car Monday night. Barely had a chance to enjoy the new toy...my M3's the weekend drive. I'll try to get some pics posted before I go out of town this weekend. I'm sure you would be happy with his work. FYI...I'm not a relative or business partner. Keep checking the post.

[SBach444]

Originally Posted by scotsman

who else is looking to get this done? Maybe we can somehow get a group pricing or something?

I am looking to install the Escort Qi45 in my car and have been shopping around as well ... I went to Best Buy and they said they would do 80/hour and it usually takes 3-4 hours with two installers to install a 9500ci. Let me know if anyone has found a reliable installer or wants to get a group install done? Email me, stephnbachmann@aol.com or just reply back!

[navfaz]

I have a 9500ci, and I got mine installed at Custom Car Stereo and they did a good job.

[SBach444]

Originally Posted by navfaz

I have a 9500ci, and I got mine installed at Custom Car Stereo and they did a good job.

Did you buy your radar detector from Custom Car Stereo or did you buy it elsewhere ... How much was the total installation, not counting the retail cost of the 9500ci? Thanks for the time!

[navfaz]

Originally Posted by SBach444

Did you buy your radar detector from Custom Car Stereo or did you buy it elsewhere ... How much was the total installation, not counting the retail cost of the 9500ci? Thanks for the time!

hmm to be honest, I don't know because my 9500i got stolen out of my car and the 9500ci was a gift. I think I remember the guy saying its like 700 to take it out so I'm assuming its the same to install. The reason its so much is because its wired throughout from under the hood plus he said it takes awhile. They did an awesome job though, you cant see any wires. My display is on my speedometer area and the control module is under the the heated seat button in that bottom corner. Sorry, I hope that helps.