DIY Bel STI-R Plus/Escort 9500ci install w/integrated rear view mirror display

**ExhaustNote** · 11-12-2011 06:06 PM

This is an DIY for a BEL STI-R Plus install on a 2009 Audi S5. This DIY should be exactly the same for an Escort 9500ci minus the ZR4 shifters. If you follow this install, however, you should have no problems figuring that part out.

Install Pictures

I purchaed a Beltronics STI-R Plus a few months back, replacing an windshield mounted Escort 9500ix. While I loved the 9500ix, there were a few things that bothered me with it. The obvious first was that it wasn't an integrated system but rather a windshield/visor mounted unit. The second was that it had a blue display. As we all know, Audi's interior lighting is red so the blue really stood out and you could tell that this wasn't OEM.
The STI-R Plus solved both of those issues while also delivering significantly improved performance. As this is a DIY, I don't want to get into details on the radar detector itself but search google for more information as it truely is a remarkable unit. I plan on pairing the STI-R Plus with Laser Interceptor Duals in the near future as that really complete's the ideal setup.
The only complaint I have is that I prefer the female voice on the 9500ix/9500ci over the male voice on the STI-R Plus. Anyways, let's get on with the DIY.

**ExhaustNote** · 11-12-2011 06:10 PM

Components:
First of all, let's look at what we are going to work with.

The speaker, controls, and display

The radar receiver, interface, and GPS antenna

USB Connector

Those are the main components and there are a few more wires, connectors, etc. in the box as well.

**ExhaustNote** · 11-12-2011 06:15 PM

Planning
One of the goals of this install was to make it completely seamless but allow me to bring the car back to stock whenever I decide to sell it. Other than the modifications for the rear view mirror integration, absolutely no drilling was required for this install.
It is VERY important that you test the equipment before you do the install. It would suck to go through all this work only to find out that you have a defective unit.

This is where I chose to mount the radar receiver

The display will be integrated into the rear view mirror

The main interface and speaker will be mounted under the dash

The control module will be installed in the ashtray

The USB cable will be installed in the fuse box. I may change this location in the future but for now this will do.

Finally the GPS antenna will be mounted in the area between the firewall and the engine bay

**ExhaustNote** · 11-12-2011 06:18 PM

Rear View Mirror Removal
First remove the plastic piece above the mirror by gently pulling on it and it will pop right off.

This will expose the wires that connect the mirror to the car.

Unclip the wires from the base and unplug the mirror.

To remove the mirror from the window, get a good grip on the base and firmly turn it counter-clockwise.

**ExhaustNote** · 11-12-2011 06:19 PM

Rear View Mirror Display Modification

Coming Soon!!

**ExhaustNote** · 11-12-2011 06:22 PM

Dashboard
First we need to access the fuse panel. To do this, just stick a trim tool into the groove circled in green and pry it open. It's clipped in around 5 or 6 places along its edge so just tug a bit to unclip them.

Once open, We need to remove a total of 5 bolts to remove the panel that will allow us access underneath the dash. I believe they are 10mm
The first bolt is to the right of the fuses in the panel we just opened.

The next 4 are under the dash

Once you remove those bolts, the trim is clipped into place by about 4 clips that are circled in the photo. Tug the part left of the steering wheel first until it unclips and then tug on the right to do the same.

Now that we have access to underneath the dash, we can begin the installation of the main interface that all the components will plug into.

**ExhaustNote** · 11-12-2011 06:24 PM

Main Interface
This is the main interface that we will be installing first. It is the brains of the whole system that all the components interface with.

First we need to get power to the unit and we'll do this by using a fuse tap. When choosing which fuse to tap power from, it's important to pick a switched fuse so that the radar system doesn't continue to stay powered and draw from the battery when the car is off. We will be tapping from the Home Link fuse for this install.

Next we need to attach the ground wire. Just choose any bolt that attaches to the frame.

Now that the brains of the whole system has power, we just need the rest of the components to wired to this area. We can then plug them into the interface and have the whole system work.

**ExhaustNote** · 11-12-2011 06:27 PM

USB Port
The usb port should be installed in an easily accessible spot so that the radar detector can be updated when needed. The port will be installed in the fuse box but may be relocated to the glove box in the future.
First feed the wire behind the fuses and down below the dash to the main interface.
Next just use some 3M tape or velcro to hold the end in place.

**ExhaustNote** · 11-12-2011 06:28 PM

The speaker is a bit bulky so I was afraid that it was going to be difficult to find a spot big enough under the dash that was also clear enough to not muffle the sound. Fortunately the S5 has the perfect location for the speaker.
There is a metal plate that has enough area behind it to snugly fit the speaker. It's located below and just to the left of the steering wheel.
Use some 3M tape or industrial strength velcro to attach the speaker to the plate.

The metal plate is even angled up so the speaker is aimed directly at the driver. What a perfect location.

**ExhaustNote** · 11-12-2011 06:35 PM

Control Module
The control module will be installed in the ash tray.
Use a set of radio keys to remove the CD Changer.

Unplug the changer and set it aside. There should be 3 plugs.

Next we need to remove the climate control unit. This is just clipped into place so just give it a gentle tug and it will pop right out.

There are 2 plugs to remove. To remove these plugs, you first need to lift the red clips until feel them unlock and then you can remove unplug the cables.

The shifter surround will need to be removed as well. Just reach down into the leather around the shifter and pull up on the surround. It will pop right out.

There are 3 plugs connecting the surround to the trim. Remove the plugs and you can lift the shifter surround out.

Once the surround is removed, you can access 2 10mm bolts to list the ashtray from the console. Sorry for the blurry photo.

There is a cable that connects the ashtray to the console. Do not attempt to remove it from the area marked "X". Instead trace the wire down until you find a grey foam cover around another set of plugs that can easily be unplugged from each other.

Now the ash tray can be removed completely from the console.

Slide open the ashtray and there should be a switch next below the lighter. Slide it to remove the astray from the holder. The silver clip that attached the ashtray is now visible. Remove that to reveal a set of holes that can be used to thread the control wires through the ashtray and under the dash.

Now reinstall the shifter surround, climate control and radio by just doing the reverse of the previous instructions. Here is the control unit sitting nicely inside the ash tray.

**ExhaustNote** · 11-12-2011 06:39 PM

To reinstall the modified mirror, turn the base clockwise to snap it back on. reconnect the wiring and feed the new display wire up to the headliner.

Snap the mirror cover back over the wiring

Start feeding the display wiring under the headliner, down the A-Pillar and to the fuse box

Feed the wiring behind the fusebox and down under the dash.

**ExhaustNote** · 11-12-2011 06:40 PM

Getting through the firewall
As I was doing research on this project, I read about another install someone did for a set of Laser Intercepters on an automatic S5. They got through the firewall by poking through a grommet located under the dash and to the left of the brake pedal. Without looking, I just figured I would do the same when I got this point in the install. When it was finally time to get through the firewall, I looked under the dash and saw that the place where the grommet was supposed to be was already in use by my clutch pedal.
It took a bit of trial and error but I finally found another way through underneath the ECU. It's actually a rather large opening so once I found it, it made the install a lot easier then having to poke through a grommet.
We will be feading the receiver connector cable as well as the GPS cable through the fireall.
First pop open the hood of the car. The GPS unit will be installed in the circled area so the plastic cover needs to be removed first.

There are two plastic screws on either side that can be unscrewed by hand.

Once the screws are removed, the plastic panel can be lifted off.

To access the ECU box, the wiper fluid reservoir needs to be removed.

There is a single bolt holding it down. Remove this bolt and the reservoir will slide out.

First slide the reservoir in the direction of the arrow. As its sliding, lift the bolt hook(circled in green) over the weather striping and continue to slide the whole reservoir out.
BE CAREFUL! If your wiper fluid reservoid is not empty, it will all spill out down to the ground so make sure you are not indoors or your ground is protected before you remove the reservoir.

Once the reservoir is removed, the ECU box can be accessed. There are 3 hex screws that need to be removed to open the box.

Once the box is open, the ECU is visible.

To remove it, simply grab and pull.

This will reveal a huge hole through the firewall and right to underneath the dash.

**ExhaustNote** · 11-12-2011 06:41 PM

Now that we are able to get through the firewall, we can install the GPS antenna. In order to protect the wiring and have as close to an OEM install as possible, the wiring will be wrapped in a plastic sheath.

Once wrapped, feed the wiring down along the firewall and to the desired install location

The GPS antenna itself has a very strong magnetic back so just stick it to the body of the car.

**ExhaustNote** · 11-12-2011 06:41 PM

The S5 grille has the perfect opening to fit the radar antenna without having to do any cutting or drilling.

First remove the cover to expose the back of the grille. There are 4 hex screws that need to be removed.

Once removed, we can easily reach down to install the radar without having to remove the bumper. Clean the both the bottom of the antenna and the top of the bumper bar with some alcohol before attaching them together with 3M tape.

Once installed, wrap the wiring with the wiring sheath.

Run the wiring along the side of the engine bay and up to the firewall. Use zip ties for a clean look and more importantly, to keep the wiring from moving around.

Once the wiring is up to the firewall, plug it into the receiver cord. Feed that other end of the receiver cord back through the hole under the ecu and to underneath the dash.

Reinstall the ECU, ECU box cover, wiper fluid reservoir and finally the two plastic covers.

**ExhaustNote** · 11-12-2011 06:42 PM

Now that all the wiring leads down under the dash and to the main interface, we can plug everything in and test the system out.

If everything is working correctly, clean up the wiring and close up the dash.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed your Bel STI-R Plus (or Escort 9500ci) in your Audi S5!

**UmIsThisThingOn** · 11-12-2011 07:31 PM

Thanks for the detailed DIY! This is on my list of 'mods' even is it less than legal.

**Beast** · 11-12-2011 08:45 PM

wow nice writeup exhaust!

**ActivS5** · 11-12-2011 10:08 PM

Now that's what I call a DIY!

**svo142010** · 11-13-2011 02:06 AM

slow clap...yes!

**buiyahkah** · 11-13-2011 02:25 PM

VERY nice! I'm definitely going to do this once i get the RS5 and especially when I relocate to CA since it's illegal to have anything suction cup mounted on the windshield (excluding GPS units) over there
P.S. can't wait to see how you did the rear view mirror install!

**GuzmanA5** · 11-14-2011 07:16 AM

I never owned a radar detector and never had a speeding ticket ever in my life, and I go fast when I feel like it where I feel like it, just keep a good eye on things and a bit of luck too. I can't believe you went through all that hassle to install one, you think you can fool cops by making it "stealth"?? Cops will detect you and your radar and pull your over for simply trying to fool them with your fancy device. I would invest in something useful.

**apexit1** · 11-14-2011 08:45 AM

I don't know how advanced things are no but last I checked there were radar detectors, radar detector detectors for police and the latest RD's are RDD proof. Sound like you might be a LEO though so maybe there's a new gen device being used to detect the latest RDD proof devices.

**ExhaustNote** · 11-14-2011 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by GuzmanA5

I never owned a radar detector and never had a speeding ticket ever in my life, and I go fast when I feel like it where I feel like it, just keep a good eye on things and a bit of luck too. I can't believe you went through all that hassle to install one, you think you can fool cops by making it "stealth"?? Cops will detect you and your radar and pull your over for simply trying to fool them with your fancy device. I would invest in something useful.

I'm not trying to fool anyone....why would I need to when radar detectors are legal here in California? I like a clean install that looks OEM instead of something hanging off my windshield. Not everyone installs radar detectors to speed and fool cops, some people just like to be aware of their surroundings. And what is defined as useful to you? This radar detector is useful to me...usefulness is relative.

**todd1010** · 11-14-2011 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by GuzmanA5

I never owned a radar detector and never had a speeding ticket ever in my life, and I go fast when I feel like it where I feel like it, just keep a good eye on things and a bit of luck too. I can't believe you went through all that hassle to install one, you think you can fool cops by making it "stealth"?? Cops will detect you and your radar and pull your over for simply trying to fool them with your fancy device. I would invest in something useful.

His radar is undetectable by radar detector detectors, and it's not illegal in most states so there's no reason to try and fool any one.

**todd1010** · 11-18-2011 01:57 PM

ExhaustNote....

Can you confirm a few things for me with the BEL STI-R Plus and how it works with the Audi Lane Assist?

1) Are you running with POP on or off?
2) Do you have it programmed in a way that it can not false alert to the Audi Lane Assist?

Because I've spoke with other owners and they've said that their's DOES alert to the Lane Assist.

**ExhaustNote** · 11-19-2011 09:35 AM

Yes, I am running with pop off. I haven't run it with it on but I'll try it today to see if I get false alerts with my Lane Assist.

**Toysoldier** · 11-20-2011 02:57 PM

I have the POP on. Been about 3 months since mine was installed and no alerts so far because of the Lane Assist.

**BlkS5** · 11-20-2011 04:52 PM

What a great write up. The best I have seen. So how much money did you just cost me?

**Sinhcredible** · 11-28-2011 10:54 AM

Patiently waiting for the mirror modification update.

**TeckniX** · 11-28-2011 07:37 PM

wow such a great DIY with great detailed pics and explanation. Good work!

I do want to see the mirror setup/install :D

**#1steelerfan** · 02-01-2012 06:28 PM

Awesome job... anxiously awaiting the rear view mirror install DIY... i love it when thinks look like they could pass for OEM....

**CupcakeS5** · 02-01-2012 06:47 PM

Glad this was brought to the front page, I'm going to want to follow it! I have a 9500ci w/ shifters, but my display is mounted with the control unit in the ashtray with a custom panel. It's kinda hard to see most of the time so I'm really interested to see the rest of the mirror display install. Very cool Brian.
All my wires were run though an opening on the driver's side towards the middle, next to the brake booster. Not sure if it's the same one you mentioned w/ the clutch cable....but it ended up being the source of the nasty water leak that developed late Dec. Friggen shop left out the grommet. Dealer installed one, but I was still getting some water; silicone sealant ended that problem. Looks like where you fed yours in was a MUCH better option.

**ACowabunga** · 02-01-2012 08:30 PM

Great write-up and a very clean install. I too like having any and all my mods appearing as OEM as possible. Having the radar detector mounted in this manner allows you to leave the detector mounted in the windshield because no one sees any exposed wires. Great job!

**ahkim** · 02-13-2012 12:18 AM

Wow - this is great. I'm in the process of getting quotes to have a 8500ci Plus installed. I was looking at having the mirror done but it's too expensive! To confirm, you did the mirror yourself? If so, looking forward to your writeup. I'm hoping to do this myself.

I cant tell from the photos, but the area of the mirror where the display is, is that etched out or does it still appear as a mirror?

**#1steelerfan** · 02-13-2012 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by ahkim

Wow - this is great. I'm in the process of getting quotes to have a 8500ci Plus installed. I was looking at having the mirror done but it's too expensive! To confirm, you did the mirror yourself? If so, looking forward to your writeup. I'm hoping to do this myself.

I cant tell from the photos, but the area of the mirror where the display is, is that etched out or does it still appear as a mirror?

Do you mind sharing what quote prices you received? I received one for $499 & i gotta ship them my mirror... So i am really curious how the OP did the mirror part b/c i want to do this to my car... Throws us a bone OP...:o)...

**ACowabunga** · 02-13-2012 11:00 PM

Here is a link to a member installing his V1 remote display into the rear view mirror. This should give you an insight as to what is involved when opening up the mirror. If you're not technically inclined, you might want to just send your mirror out and pay the $499 to a company like radar-mirror.com because at least you won't have to open it up and risk damaging something inside the mirror. Good luck.

Rearview Mirror and V1 Concealed Display

**ahkim** · 02-13-2012 11:01 PM

I got a quote for $499 as well. However, the guy said that he could maybe lower the price if I buy the radar from him as well. I’ll let you know what he comes back with. At $499, I probably won’t pay to do it. I’d rather spend that on stepping up to the Bel Sti-R Plus from the Escort 8500ci Plus that I’m look at. It’s a $400 difference between the two. I just can’t seem to find a good place to mount the display. I want an integrated look if possible.

**NateS5** · 03-26-2012 10:17 PM

Just do the mirror yourself, it isn't so hard. :) Here's my thread on it for cross reference:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post7405155

**ahkim** · 03-26-2012 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by NateS5

Just do the mirror yourself, it isn't so hard. :) Here's my thread on it for cross reference:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post7405155

Nate, thanks for the link. I literally just found your build thread 5 mins ago and already posted some questions to ExhaustNote's Bel Mirror thread. Your photos are very helpful. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...51#post7418251

**bthall** · 05-01-2012 05:50 AM

Originally Posted by ExhaustNote

Rear View Mirror Display Modification

Coming Soon!!

I'm looking at doing this install and would love to see how you did the mirror install of the display. Were you able to separate the mirror sections without damaging them? I read the post on the mirror install of the V1 detector and it looked like that guy damaged the mirror a bit as he was opening it up. Any tips or tricks for getting the display in with minimal to no damage would be appreciated.