Radar detector

Gremlin

Gremlin

Zorg Guru (III)
British Zeds
Joined
Aug 10, 2016
Points
128
Location
Salisbury
Model of Z
Z3 1.9
while stripping out my interior today I found a square box about the size of a 20 size cigarette pack it has a red led light in the middle of it and one small electric plug in the end. It would appear that it had been glued in as while taking centre consol out it feel down. It has written on it Radar sensor. I don't think this is standard fit or is it ? and if so what is it for ?.
I am thinking that one of the previous owners had it fitted to detect speed cameras or such but if so took the other part of it out that warns you what ever that was.
Can any one explain what this may be or am I right in my thinking, I was toying with the idea of taking it out once I can find where the other end is connected to, don't want to just cut it out till I'm sure.
Sorry I don't have a picture at this point but could take one tomorrow. Any thoughts would be great thanks.
Oh and sorry if I've posted this in wrong section wasn't sure where to place it.
 
Gremlin said:
while stripping out my interior today I found a square box about the size of a 20 size cigarette pack it has a red led light in the middle of it and one small electric plug in the end. It would appear that it had been glued in as while taking centre consol out it feel down. It has written on it Radar sensor. I don't think this is standard fit or is it ? and if so what is it for ?.
I am thinking that one of the previous owners had it fitted to detect speed cameras or such but if so took the other part of it out that warns you what ever that was.
Can any one explain what this may be or am I right in my thinking, I was toying with the idea of taking it out once I can find where the other end is connected to, don't want to just cut it out till I'm sure.
Sorry I don't have a picture at this point but could take one tomorrow. Any thoughts would be great thanks.
Oh and sorry if I've posted this in wrong section wasn't sure where to place it.
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I would think your suspicions are correct. I would trace the wiring back to the feed and remove it. If you don't have the part that sits on the dash to alert you it isn't much use, and could well be illegal? Road Angel is one make of this type of thing.

Tony.
 
Thanks Tony and Gaz
This was I think why it has been tucked away deep inside centre consol with the heat there I think glue gave up so when I moved things it dropped down.
Thanks again Roger
 
I would say its alarm system related with its location more microwave than radar but the name suggests it.
The old system of sensors on the windscreen provide little protection to a softtop when the roof is down.
The radar sensor being in the middle of the car emits a field and its only when broken it would trigger so roof down its only someone leaning in that would cause this.
It may be aftermarket but it may be in use....
 
It dose on closer inspection have something microwave written on it. I think I will just stick it back when I refit the centre consol. It been there since I got the car with out me knowing and not caused a problem so I will make out I've not seen it lol. But thanks again every one.
Roger.
 
Did @gookah fit that Dave?;)=))=))

Tony.
 
Just like a Dad mate.;)=))=))

Tony.
 
If it's a microwave sensor then it's alarm related for when the roof is down. Have you got an aftermarket alarm fitted? This is a Clifford version which is around the same size by the look of it.

IMG_3563.webp
 
The one I was asking about looks like the one above but it's not clear it's black with a red light in the centre. But I'm not sure if it's working nor if my alarm system is original BMW fit, I will have to have a look when I put it back together.
 
If you leave the roof and window down then arm the alarm, lean inside your car and the led will probably light up then the alarm will sound. I think the led is just a visual indicator to check it picks your movement up when programming and fault finding etc. I would mount it where ever it came from as it would of been set up based on it been in that location. If you relocate it the settings will probably be out and you may get false alarms etc.
 
Neilc said:
If you leave the roof and window down then arm the alarm, lean inside your car and the led will probably light up then the alarm will sound. I think the led is just a visual indicator to check it picks your movement up when programming and fault finding etc. I would mount it where ever it came from as it would of been set up based on it been in that location. If you relocate it the settings will probably be out and you may get false alarms etc.
Click to expand...

To be honest I truly have no idea as to where it was, I think it became detached as it had been glued on out of site under the centre consol I've an idea it may have been next to the clock where all the blank switch plates are. As for read light you could not see it at all under there.
Thanks.
 
They normally just sit central they sometimes have a sensitivity setting the old clifford set up used to protect just beyond the car as if you got to close it would tell you to stand back !
If its in use i would drop the roof arm the alarm wait 30 seconds and stick you hand in and see if you trigger the alarm.:thumbsup:
 
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