Hi, Just bought an M coupe S54. It is extremely clean, low-mileage, and unmodified. These cars are anticipated to have collector value in the future, and I don't want to subvert that. I drive swiftly, and my daily driver has a custom-installed Laser/Radar detector under the hood. Is a non-drivetrain addition like this detrimental to the collector value? I have no idea about such things. Just looking for some opinions. Thanks, all.
Most radar detectors are designed to be removeable. That being said, provided you don't do what two previous owners BACK did to mine (the fool HARDWIRED an obsolete radar detector directly in the electrical system, creating a rat's nest of splices and other wiring horrors), I don't see the harm in it. Just keep it discreet and removable according to the manufacturer's design, and no one will know you had a radar detector in it. The greater danger to your car is not the installation of a radar detector, but its use. Using the radar detector to flout local speed laws, driving the car recklessly, and subsequently wrapping your car around a stationary object. That result (the wreck) would certainly harm your M-coupe's collector value. Body panels can be replaced, but typically, most high-speed accidents completely total the vehicle via too much structural damage. Just my $20.02.
Well, I bought it primarily as a driving car, I just don't want to unnecessarily devalue it. The Escort system is removable but there would be a few holes in the dash, etc. It would be much simpler to just sell it with the unit installed. It is hardwired. Thanks for the advice.
Don't, under any circumstances, do things like drill holes in the dash. People like myself, (who is currently looking for a ZHP - BUT CANNOT FIND ANYTHING I LIKE IN THE NORTH EAST!) would immediately turn away from even a car that seems absolutely perfect in every way and is what I wanted - but had holes in the dash. The previous owner drilled holes in my center console to mount an obsolete car phone. It looks horrible now that it's removed. Sure, that piece is easily replaceable, but a dash is not.
Speed does not kill or damage vehicles. It is poor driving skills and inattentiveness that does, whether going the speed limit or twice it.
+1 on this. Cosmetic changes/flaws are as bad as or worse than mechanical mods/defects, in the eyes of a collector. If you want to preserve its collectible value, keep the car as original as possible in every way. Arrange to have a friend or family member slap you upside the head whenever you even think of fastening anything to the car. That should stop you long enough to review whether the attachment is completely reversible with no trace: No color changes/fading, no marks, no glue residue and for heaven's sake, NO HOLES. Even easily-replaced parts won't be available forever. The day will come when any damaged or altered part can only be replaced by custom fabrication. The only things you should be adding to it are miles on the odometer (and not too many of those if you can manage it). Fix anything that fails promptly and use genuine BMW parts as much as possible. Ensure any/all repairs and maintenance are performed to expert standards--and that includes yourself, if you're a DIYer. No repair should leave any trace other than new parts and a clean spot. If your skills aren't up to that level, improve them on a different car. Oh yeah, and most important of all: Enjoy the car! Clown-shoes rock!
It can easily be installed without drilling any holes. Mine is a Z4 but the installation is basically the same. The wire fits easily up the A pillar and across the top of the windshield frame.
Took the words right out of my mouth. Who cares about future collector value? We're not talking about a rare Ferrari or Bugatti. It's a BMW M Coupe, probably the most fun car I've ever driven. It would be a sin to treat it as a rare art piece that exists only to be looked at. Drive the hell out of it, enjoy it and share the stories with your grandchildren years from now when they see one in a museum. But back to the original poster's question ... Like rspeser said, it can, and should, be done without drilling.
The system I am thinking of is the Escort 9500ci, which has a display/readout, a warning light, and a control unit in the passenger area. There are 10 pieces overall, the rest of which are under the hood and around the license plates. I will ask the installer about creative placement that will not require drilling holes in the dash, but the options are limited if the display unit is to be in my sightlines. Thank you for the advice all, I will look for a more low-impact installation, and definitely consider a non-custom-install unit as well. But dammit, the 9500ci is so very indispensable!
I agree with beastcharmer and eam -- put a million miles on it -- if you don't the guy who gets it when you pass on will. enjoy the hell out of it. Owner of a 2000 M Roadster with 94000+ miles ... and going strong.
