A client from Scottsdale, Arizona, came to Handcrafted Car Audio for some help with his BMW radar and laser system. He owned a beautiful 2008 BMW M3 and had another shop do a custom-installed laser and radar detector system for him. To say he was not pleased with the installation would be an understatement. Our team spent some time getting to know him, and realized he was a good guy who had become a victim of a shop with a staff that was in over their heads on this vehicle.
Full BEL Radar And Laser Shifter System Needed Proper Installation
He had chosen the BEL STiR radar system and the AL Priority laser defense system with five receivers. The finished product did not work properly, and the installation itself was a fire hazard. We offered to completely remove and reinstall the system properly, and he jumped at the opportunity, so we set him up with an installation appointment.
The first thing we did was completely remove all of the equipment and all of the wiring. We also fixed any wiring damage that had been caused by the previous shop. At this point, the vehicle was ready for a proper installation.
Front BMW Radar Receiver Hidden Behind Front Bumper Cover
In the front of the vehicle, we mounted the BEL radar receiver securely in a hidden location behind the front end, but in an area that would still give it maximum sensitivity. As with all of our radar installations, we want to keep the integrity of the vehicle intact and minimize the cosmetic changes needed to properly install any of the components. It is our goal to give the client a finished product that looks like BMW installed it at the factory. This accomplishes two things: First, the performance is going to be as good as it can get. If you are going to make the significant investment in a custom-installed laser and radar detector, you want all of the performance available. Second, you want it to be reliable. If it doesn’t work, it can’t protect you. Our installations are designed to give you years of reliable use.
Triple Front Laser Protection
As you can see from the pictures, we installed three laser receivers in the front of the vehicle. The team at Handcrafted installed them in discreet locations that still allowed a direct view of the road ahead. If a laser receiver is not mounted perfectly, the performance will suffer greatly. Remember, we are dealing with beams of light that are shot directly at the vehicle, so the receivers have to be in the optimum position to receive those beams and defuse the signal properly.
Double Rear Laser Sensors
In the rear of the vehicle, we mounted two more AL Priority laser receivers underneath the trunk lip on either side of the license plate.
OEM Quality Installation Products
If you look closely at the pictures, you will see that we use the exact same loom that BMW uses for its wiring harnesses. This keeps the installation looking like factory work, and ensures long-lasting performance.
Vehicle Protection Sets Us Apart
In every part of the vehicle where we worked, we used protection tape to eliminate any possibility of damage to the painted surfaces. That is just one of the ways Handcrafted separates ourselves from the competition. It is our unwavering goal to give our clients their vehicles back in the exact same condition we received them.
Ashtray Mounted Controllers
Now it was time to turn our attention to the inside of the vehicle. We made a custom mount to hold the controllers for both of the systems inside the ashtray at the front of the center console. When the client does not need to access them, they are discreetly hidden by simply closing the ashtray cover.
BEL Radar Display
We mounted the display for the BEL STiR in the lower left corner of the instrument cluster where the driver would easily see it, yet it is unobtrusive to the eye.
Before And After
If you look at the before and after pictures, you will notice the complete transformation of the installation.
When you are in the market for a custom-installed BMW radar and laser system, we invite you to stop by Handcrafted Car Audio with your vehicle. Let us give you a tour of our facility so you can see firsthand what makes us different. Let us show you why Mobile Electronics magazine named us the Top Mobile Electronics Retailer in the Nation, and why Jon Kowanetz, our founder, was named Installer of the Year by the same prestigious magazine.
When you choose to do business with us, we don’t pitch you on products. Rather, we will get to know you and your goals for the upgrade, and then offer you solutions designed to meet those goals.
You can also contact us HERE for more information about any of our products and services.
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