[Luongo]

I picked up Escort 8500 X50 with blue LED for $260 at Abt Electronics in Illinois. That was an amazing deal since the unit usually sells for over $300. After using it for three weeks, I decided to return it. As for the pure radar/ lazer detection function, it was flawless. I was able to avoid about 4 speed traps (3 Ka Radars and 1 Lazer) in the past three weeks.

However, I just couldn't take the unit rattling against the windshield!!! The mounting device must be designed by a complete moron and probably never been field tested. Basically, the unit attaches itself to the windshield by two suction cups while the top of the unit touches the windshield for support. You can imagine how this thing rattles even over the slightest bump.

Anyway, now I am back to using a piece of crap $60 Whistler detector. It might be a piece of crap, but at least it has better mounting device and doesn't rattle AT ALL!!! I'll just slow down a bit until I get a different radar detector. I am still debating whether to order Valentine One or not. It costs about $100 more but if the thing doesn't rattle, it will be $100 well spent for me.

[human]

I am familiar with Abt Electronics and know that they have top-notch mobile electronics installers. Did you look into a solution there? They can customize / fit just about anything.

Also (to all) - does anyone know much about the new Escort custom installed system from BMW Service? It costs $1,500, but includes at least 3-4 sensors - - a couple mounted in the front and at least 1 in the back (radar, laser, etc.). The controller is specially mounted inside the car (not sure where exactly).

[Hunter399]

Get a V1 they are the best

[rossmelvin]

put those things u put under chairs to keep from rubbing. u will have to cut them to size. i had to do this with my Escort

[hotsand5]

I also have the escort 8500 and it's amazing. Can you give a pic of your setup? I've never had the problem that you are having. Did you know that there is a button on the top of the radar detector that lets you "pull out" the unit away from the windshield in 2 or 3 increments? It shouldn't be touching the window.

[Luongo]

I have already returned the detector, so I won't be able to upload a photo of the setup. I had tried adjusting so that the actual body of the detector doesn't touch the windshield. (this requires that you bend the metal mount to make the detector stay horizontal) However, since there are only two suction cups with no rubber foot touching the windshield on the actual windshield mount, the setup was very unstable and still rattled. The Whistler unit has two suction cups plus a rubber foot on the windshield mount for more secure fit.
It's just a poor design and there is no excuse for this for a detector that costs that much.

[pmacino]

I use an x50, and it's never bumped my windshield either. In addition to the tip about pulling it away from the windshield via the topside button, you can also bend the mount a little bit, to get it just right.

[SteveMD]

I have an 8500 X50 Blue and it only rattles in the BMW. It must have something to do with the angle of the windsheild.

$260 for an X50 Blue is insane and probably below cost. ABT's website has them for $344 whic is what I paid (+/-).

There are a ton of gray market units going around. Ebay is particularly bad for Escort units. A lot of them are 're-cased' - older 8500s. Buyer beware. Escort will not honor any warranty claim for detectors bought on Ebay. There are no Escort resellers on Ebay, this is stated on the Escort site.

If it was a genuine unit, for $260, that guy should be selling them by the thousand.

[Artz 330]

i installed mine next to my rearview mirror (Hardwired) it doesnt rattle...

[Luongo]

SteveMD,

At Abt electronics, the deal you get depends on which saleman you talk to on the floor. I have never bought anything for the regular price at Abt. I always talk to salesman into giving me 10~20% discount. Usually, asking for their "best price" does the trick. It was a brand new unopened product. Hard to believe it was a legitimate deal? Here is a pic of the return receipt.

[TENCHI]

Originally Posted by SteveMD

I have an 8500 X50 Blue and it only rattles in the BMW. It must have something to do with the angle of the windsheild.

$260 for an X50 Blue is insane and probably below cost. ABT's website has them for $344 whic is what I paid (+/-).

There are a ton of gray market units going around. Ebay is particularly bad for Escort units. A lot of them are 're-cased' - older 8500s. Buyer beware. Escort will not honor any warranty claim for detectors bought on Ebay. There are no Escort resellers on Ebay, this is stated on the Escort site.

If it was a genuine unit, for $260, that guy should be selling them by the thousand.

I bought mine new from an Amazon retailer for $239.


I have that rattling sound too but what are you gonna do? Maybe get one of those sticky pads to put on ur dashboard. I love the X50 and will continue to use it.

[Luongo]

I ended up buying a Valentine One. I bought the so called "returned unit" for $359 (10% off regular price), but I swear they sent me a new one.

When I called to place an order, I asked for a refurbished unit. I was told "we do not have any returned units in stock and we don't know when we'll be getting them." The salesman made it sound like it could take weeks before a returned unit becomes available. I just went ahead an placed an order for a refurb anyway.

Two days after I placed the order, I had a box waiting for me at home. I opened the box and found a brand spanking new V1!!!

I think Valentine Research is just filling the refurb orders by shipping new units!!! I ended up spending about $80 more for a V1 (no tax for a V1) compared to an X50, and I am extremely happy with the purchase. No more freaking rattles against the windshield!!! V1 actually has a rubber contact at the top of the unit. Very well built unit and I love those arrows!!!

[Brunotheboxer]

Originally Posted by Bertuzzi

I ended up buying a Valentine One. I bought the so called "returned unit" for $359 (10% off regular price), but I swear they sent me a new one.

When I called to place an order, I asked for a refurbished unit. I was told "we do not have any returned units in stock and we don't know when we'll be getting them." The salesman made it sound like it could take weeks before a returned unit becomes available. I just went ahead an placed an order for a refurb anyway.

Two days after I placed the order, I had a box waiting for me at home. I opened the box and found a brand spanking new V1!!!

I think Valentine Research is just filling the refurb orders by shipping new units!!! I ended up spending about $80 more for a V1 (no tax for a V1) compared to an X50, and I am extremely happy with the purchase. No more freaking rattles against the windshield!!! V1 actually has a rubber contact at the top of the unit. Very well built unit and I love those arrows!!!

and its a better unit than the 8500

[SteveMD]

Amazon is an authorizer reseller but Amazon's retailers are not.

From Escort's site regarding warranty repair: We cannot honor any third party invoices that you may receive from an individual, auction, internet site or other unauthorized reseller.

[Ze#yy7Kg]

I know this thread is stale now, however, there is a simple DIY fix for the windshield rattle. Take the detector down and set it on a bench. Take some clear silicon sealant and (using a toothpick for control) add very small amount on top of the two plastic bumpers on the top, leading edge of the unit where it rests against the windshield (it's supposed to do that as others have discovered). This provides a minimal amount of dampening for when the unit 'rattles' against the windshield, and pretty much eliminates the annoying rattle.

[Ninjaneer]

I found this site while browsing radardetector.net ... if you don't mind having the radar right under the rear-view mirror this mount sounds like a good solution and probably best after hardwiring: http://www.countryjoycrafts.com/minimount.htm

[Josh49]

Originally Posted by Luongo

However, I just couldn't take the unit rattling against the windshield!!! The mounting device must be designed by a complete moron and probably never been field tested. Basically, the unit attaches itself to the windshield by two suction cups while the top of the unit touches the windshield for support. You can imagine how this thing rattles even over the slightest bump.

The exact reason I switched up to the V1. I had the X50 for a few years on my A4, then the e90. I made a lot of attempts to get it to stop rattling. All of them would wear down after time. It was amazing how they (escort) made an incredible detector, and then skimped out and had a cheapass 5 cent bent of piece of sheet metal, 2 point mount.. After a few weeks of having the e90, I couldn't take the rattling any more. I actually designed a 3 point mount for it and was going to have it machined, but the money was too much IMO. I decided to just go V1 instead. Sold my 8500 x50 to a co-worker, and have been extremely satisfied with the V1 ever since..

[gdnyc]

Originally Posted by hunter399

Get a V1 they are the best

+1

[Ryan.M]

There is a guy on E46fanatics selling his 1 week old 8500 X50 for $210 http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=411912