Radar detector interference
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Radar detector interference
I am interested in ordering a new S4. I would like to have the backup camera, but I don't want interference with my radar detector. I noticed that if you order the Premium Plus with the Nav package, you get the backup sensors and the backup camera. If you order the Prestige with the Driver Assist package, you get the backup sensors and camera, plus the side assist sensors for blindspot monitoring.
My question: are the side assist sensors the ones that cause the interference with radar detectors, or are the backup sensors at fault?
My proposed configuration:
Premium Plus with S-Tronic: $47,300
Ice Silver Metallic: $475
Audi Drive Select: $3950
MMI Nav Plus Package: $2500
Bang and Olufsen: $850
Black/Silver Silk Nappa leather: $1000
19" wheels/tires: $900
Sub-total: $56,975
Destination: $825
Total: $57,800
My question: are the side assist sensors the ones that cause the interference with radar detectors, or are the backup sensors at fault?
My proposed configuration:
Premium Plus with S-Tronic: $47,300
Ice Silver Metallic: $475
Audi Drive Select: $3950
MMI Nav Plus Package: $2500
Bang and Olufsen: $850
Black/Silver Silk Nappa leather: $1000
19" wheels/tires: $900
Sub-total: $56,975
Destination: $825
Total: $57,800
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,361
Likes: 5
From: Seattle, WA
They both should use radar, though are you really worried about interference with radar when in reverse? 
I know the one which commonly causes the problems is the blind sport sensors though for sure - I can'tsay for certain about the backup ones.
I know the one which commonly causes the problems is the blind sport sensors though for sure - I can'tsay for certain about the backup ones.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
As a data point, I have both side assist and backup sensors. Neither interfere with my Passport 9500ix at all. No false alarms period. I've heard of some side assist interference with V1's but if you disable pop alerts those go away as well.
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 917
Likes: 3
"My question: are the side assist sensors the ones that cause the interference with radar detectors, or are the backup sensors at fault?"
The car radars operate near 24 GHz and/or 70 something GHz, the police radars operate many MHz below that..ummm around 11 GHz or so. The radars detectors have a ****ty design that have a wide open LNA. So although they are off-tuned, they still go non-linear and give a detection. Now go to bed, since there is not much you can do about it, maybe move the detector around some and find a null in the radar's antenna pattern where it might not happen. Get some absorbing material, maybe wrap that around the detector. I am guessing that they have a plastic housing, and you might be getting case penetration.
The car radars operate near 24 GHz and/or 70 something GHz, the police radars operate many MHz below that..ummm around 11 GHz or so. The radars detectors have a ****ty design that have a wide open LNA. So although they are off-tuned, they still go non-linear and give a detection. Now go to bed, since there is not much you can do about it, maybe move the detector around some and find a null in the radar's antenna pattern where it might not happen. Get some absorbing material, maybe wrap that around the detector. I am guessing that they have a plastic housing, and you might be getting case penetration.
Trending Topics
AudiWorld Stories
Bringing Audi to Life for Audi Fans
Top 10 Most Expensive Audis Ever Sold on Bring-A-Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Audi Features & Options We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Audi Recreates Crazy-Looking Speed Record Breaker From 1935
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilder Recreates the 1995 Audi TTS Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Every Audi V10 Car Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
9 Audi Designs That Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
2026 Audi Q5 Buyer's Guide (Every Model Explained)
Brett Foote
Ranking Every Current Audi 'S' Model From Worst to First!
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Audis That are FINALLY LEGAL to Import to the U.S.!
Joe Kucinski
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,239
Likes: 302
Side Assist on my older V1 renders it unusable as it is constantly 'alarming' due to the the rear firing radar units. These are never turned off even when the 'sensor' button is turned off; it only shuts down the visual monitor. Very annoying, and I wouldn't have purchased Side Assist if I knew about this issue.
Bish
Bish
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
I have it enabled and it does NOT get activated by my side assist transmitters. My Passport sits happily silent and unaffected by false alarms, yet has never failed to warn me of an active radar gun or speed trap.