I'm about to take delivery of my new S8 and I'm considering a hard wire install of some level of radar detector. Any advice ? Also wondering if there is a wheel and winter tire option that would fit (19" instead of 20" ??) and where you'd suggest to purchase same. Does it make any sense to "try" the Yokohama Advan Sports in the snow and ice in Wisconsin ?

or some of the other Nokians...depending upon how much snow/ice you run into. in NJ, the Nokian WRs is probably all one would need.

1) The link below describes my hardwired radar/laser system. If you have adaptive cruise as an option, you will have difficulty with radar detectors as your ACC sensor will paint everything in front of you with a radar signal.

2) Get winter tires - don't try to use summer tires in the winter. Bad news is Tire Rack does not have a solution for your car yet... check with the dealer to get Audi's recommendation. The issue here is finding a more narrow wheel that has acceptable clearance with your calipers.<ul><li><a href="http://forums.audiworld.com/a8d3/msgs/17965.phtml">Passport SRX radar/laser detector</a></li></ul>

I use a Valentine1. It's located near the top of the windshield, just on the drivers side of the mirror. It's hardwired to switched power in the car. There are other detectors that have "stealthier" installations but IMHO the Valentine gives the best protection. A few posts down there is an entry about a module that will display all of the Valentine warnings through the cars's information system (between the speedo &amp; tach). Once that's available you can stealth mount the V1. For laser I use a Blinder system with 2 IR emitters. Good Luck!

See my picture poster for install in earlier A4 Cab (same setup). Great performance and stealth.

Roy

Approximately what would your system (installed) cost ?

I paid $1500 which included the labor for removing my front bumper which was required to install it. The MSRP has risen a bit since March 2005 so YMMV.<ul><li><a href="http://www.passportsr1.com/srx.htm">More info here...</a></li></ul>

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I'm still very happy with the Bentley Continental GT 9x19 wheels fitted with 275 40ZR 19 PZeros. They fit the Phaeton and the A8 no problem and were good in the snow when new. Maybe not this winter - but I got me some Blizzaks. :-)

lm25's are what u want. if they can fit (not sure with the s8) go with 18's cheaper in the long run much more pot hole friendly too.

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