BMW M3 e92 STi-R+ and LI Dual Install - Completed but NEED ADVICE!
I had my STi-R+ and LI Dual installed at a professional shop a couple of weeks ago. I am very happy with the install with the exception of the radar receiver placement. I was told it would be installed behind the bumper cover but when I picked it up, it was behind the grille. Unfortunately, the grille is chrome.
My question for you guys is, is it better to leave it where it is now or to move it behind the bumper cover? The shop said they would move it for free but I assume they wouldn't move it back if I didn't like the results so my decision will be final.
The shop told me an exec from Escort came by the shop while they were installing an 9500 CI on another e92 and he recommended they place it behind the grille. They had previously always installed it behind the bumper cover.
My one concern is that I've read in a couple of places that newer BMW bumpers are very bad a passing a radar signal.
"Some of the newer BMW models,AUDI's and VW's have have very "bad" bumpers,that don't pass Radar signals well.VAG cars have bumpers from PPP-EPDM which attenuate radar signals. Bumpers made with/from PP,ABS+PET, ABS, ASA, EVA, PS will pass Radar signals. Another VERY important thing is to ALWAYS mount radar receiver at least 2-3 inches behind the bumper or any other (plastic) obstacle."
Does anyone have any experience installing the radar receiver from a 9500 CI or STi-R behind a newer BMW bumper cover? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
The rest of my install is below...enjoy!
I told them where to put the LI heads. I didn't want the vertical install and this is the next best placement.
Here's a closeup of the radar receiver behind the right grille.
Here are the LI Dual's mounted level with the bubbles facing outward. I also spray painted the screws black so they don't stand out as much. On the first picture you can see on the left they are painted and on the right I had not painted them yet.
You can see the LI bubble receivers can see a laser shot from a very steep angle (i.e. overpass shots) I had them mount the receivers as far forward as possible without sticking out when viewed straight down.
Nice and level with a minimalist bracket.
I had them install everything in the ash tray with the display on top, controls on the bottom and the LI power switch on the right. It looks very stock and the ash tray can be closed for stealth and thieves. I don't mind having to look down at the display since most of the time it yells at me anyway and there is no need to look down. There was a ~$300 option to put it in the mirror but I decided it was'nt worth the money or the possible distraction having it in my line of sight.
They installed the USB port in the OBD box with Velcro so it can easily be accessed and pulled out.
There is an external speaker for the STi-R+ and also for the LI installed just below the steering column. It's very loud and can easily be heard over my stereo. I've also reprogrammed the LI to have no start up sound and no parking aid for a silent start. The green light lets me know the LI is on and a simple shot from a remote control lets me know it's working. The LI box is also installed hidden away inside the footwell behind a cover. I'm not exactly sure where the STi-R+ brains are but with the USB extension, I hopefully won't need to access it.
The GPS antenna is installed under the dash just to the left of the navigation screen. It gets a signal in about 1-2 minutes which i assume is normal. It has no trouble keeping a signal once acquired.
Feel free to comment/criticize if you think something can be done better. Also, any advice on the radar receiver placement would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
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Originally Posted by Weeth
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