A client from Wake Forest reached out to Adrenaline Autosound near Raleigh while researching options for a 2017 BMW M3 radar detector. Since the M3 can exceed the highest speed limit in the nation in well under seven seconds, an extra second on the gas could easily result in a speeding ticket. We met with the client to discuss his expectations for the system and its installation. He wanted as much protection as possible from any radar gun or laser device – just in case.
AL Priority Radar and Laser Protection System
Once we had a solid understanding of the client’s vision, we suggested the AL Priority Triple System. To provide radar coverage, we added the ALP Radar / GPS Plugin. Finally, an ALPConnect Bluetooth Module provided connectivity to the client’s smartphone to configure and operate the system.
We mounted the three AL Priority sensor units on the underside of the lower air inlets. One sensor is directly in the center, and the other two are in the side inlets. We aimed all three sensors straight ahead and parallel to the ground to provide maximum range, performance and reliability. The radar receiver is also on the front of the vehicle, behind the bumper cover.
The wiring for the sensors runs to either side of the bumper. These are the same connection locations that BMW uses for the factory wire connections. If the bumper ever has to be removed, everything is in the same area. We harnessed all the wiring with high-temperature Tesa tape.
Radar Detector Module Installation
We fabricated an HDPE mounting bracket for the three AL Priority modules. The bracket mounts under the dash and provide easy access to the modules. We wrapped all of the interior wiring with cloth Tesa tape to prevent buzzes and rattles while the vehicle is moving.
We mounted the control set for the AL Priority system in the ashtray. We made a 1/8-inch acrylic plastic trim panel for the controller to give it a factory-installed appearance. The control set includes a multicolor LED, a small speaker and two multifunction control buttons to configure and operate the system.
Stealth Wiring Solution
We made use of an unused fuse location in the factory fuse panel to power the AL priority system. The 3- and 4-series vehicles all share the same fuse panel. We took advantage of an empty location that the convertible top in the M4 uses. We added the necessary wiring to the underside of the fuse holder and labeled the fuse location. Our somewhat fanatical attention to detail continued with the addition of an “ALP 143” label on the BMW fuse chart. 143 is BMW’s designation for that fuse location.
BMW M3 Radar Detector System
The client returned to Adrenaline Audio to review the installation. He loved the way we were able to integrate everything into the vehicle, especially the decision to use the open factory fuse location. With the system tour complete, we spent some time explaining how the M3 radar detection system works and how to use the laser defense system. If you are interested in a radar detector or laser defense system for your vehicle, we invite you to visit our store or send us an e-mail using our online contact page.