Recently a client came to Sound Depot and Performance looking for a Mercedes S550 radar enhancement. We sat down with the client and went over his goals for the system. We also went out to the vehicle and looked it over, so we could make educated decisions about how to extract all the performance out of the proposed system. In addition we made sure to look at the vehicle in detail from a cosmetic perspective, so we can do our best to make the install look like it was a factory installed option.
After speaking with the client, it was clear that he wanted a top of the line product, so we suggested the Escort 9500ci with the optional rear laser shifter and the Escort Live interface. To further integrate the system with the car, we decided on the Mid City Engineering integration module, that displays the Escort alerts in the car’s driver information center.
Window Film, Paint Protection Film, and Bluetooth Integration Added to Project
As we got to know the customer better we let them know about another neat integration module we could install that would allow him to access his Bluetooth phonebook, and enter destinations in his navigation system while driving. He liked that idea as well, and it was added to the project. The last item we discussed with the client was protecting the interior and exterior of his beautiful car. We suggested window film to protect the interior and paint protection film to protect the paint on the front of the car. The client agreed those would both be beneficial to maintaining the great looks of his Mercedes. 3M Crystaline window film and Suntek paint protection film were chosen and added to the list.
Utmost Care Is Taken to Protect the Vehicle While Being Serviced By Sound Depot and Performance
If you are familiar with Mercedes, then you know the S Class vehicles are their flagship vehicles. They are designed to pamper their owners while giving them a powerful, refined driving experience. Many modern technologies that we now take for granted first became available on these vehicles. Why is this important? Good question. It is important because these vehicles have the most complex, advanced electrical systems on the market. So you want to choose very carefully who is going to work on this vehicle. Sound Depot and Performance technicians are well versed in the CAN BUS and MOST electrical systems found in this Mercedes, and we are experts in the disassembly and reassembly of these German vehicles. The preparation process for cars we work on includes protective covers on the seats and steering wheel as well as an automotive grade tape to protect the paint in possible contact areas.
Front Mounted Radar and Laser Diffusers
Rear Mounted Laser Diffusers
When it comes to custom installed radar detectors and laser shifters, the quality of the installation is even more important than the product. If the sensors and shifters are not mounted in the right locations, all the money you have spent becomes a complete waste. If you look closely at the pictures you will see that the front radar sensor was mounted as high as possible behind the factory grill so it would have the best reception. Removing the grill allowed us to hide the sensor completely, again keeping with the factory look. When it comes to the laser shifters, they need to have a clear, unobstructed view so they can receive and respond to the laser threat effectively. When a police officer shoots your car with a laser radar gun, they are aiming at the center of your vehicle. The laser guns are very precise, and only have around a three foot wide beam at a few hundred yards. The laser shifters from Escort receive the signal and instantly fire back a signal that gets received by the laser gun operator. The operator gets an error code, allowing you time to slow down.
Portable radar detectors with laser receiver only serve to confirm that you are about to get a speeding ticket. With all this being said, the mounting location and positioning of these shifters is critical. We custom fabricated new mounts for the Mercedes S550 radar sensors, allowing them to be installed inside one of the openings in the grill. In the rear of the vehicle, we modified the Escort mounts for the laser shifters so we could install them near the license plate tag. While the majority of laser guns get shot at the front of a vehicle, adding the rear shifters is a great idea if the budget allows. You now have complete protection from laser guns from either direction. Sound Depot and Performance looms all the wiring that we install for an extra measure of durability and reliability, and it keeps with the factory appearance.
Additional Escort Pieces Expertly Mounted
Inside of the vehicle we installed the controller for both the detector and the Live unit in a convenient spot in the center console. You want these items easily accessible, but in the unfortunate possibility that you get pulled over, you want them hidden from view.
Mercedes S550 Radar and Laser Display Information Visible in OEM Driver’s Information Center
Adding the interface for the driver information center adds to the safety aspect of the radar and laser system. Now when you are driving up the road, and you hear an alert from the under dash mounted speaker, you only need to glance down slightly, and you will know exactly what is going on. This truly defines factory integration.
As the final touch, we installed the interface to allow use of the Bluetooth phone book and navigation entry while the vehicle is moving. Have you ever been in a vehicle with a passenger who could enter any information you needed, and you had to stop the vehicle to do it? This eliminates the stopping part, making you much more efficient with your time.
Does the idea of having a custom installed radar and laser system sound appealing to you? Would you love to have a system that does not sit in plain view on your dash, and has a complete stealth appearance? Would you like to have your factory navigation system more user-friendly when you are moving? If you answered yes to any of these questions, we invite you to contact us for more information. We would also like to invite you to stop by our facility here at Sound Depot and Performance. We think you will find we are a lot different from other shops you may have visited.
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