manjurino1

Hi all,

I just called the dealer to install the rear seat entertainment system. Factory set up to go with the pre wiring option. I was quoted $4100 in parts, and about $500 in labor.

Does this make sense to anyone?
Considering the iPad route now since the dealer price seems outrageous.

Any feedback would be great.

jrsmith_68

Their quote is pretty high. I did the RSES retrofit and bought my kit from MB of Melbourne, FL. My local dealer sucks, almost always prices higher than retail. This dealer quotes under retail. This is what he quoted me for the RSES. Not sure if prices have changed since then but give them a call.

166-870-06-96-7376 166 RSES GR 1 2205.00
166-970-49-50-7J95 HEADREST 2 232.50
166-680-39-07-7E94 COVER 1 22.50
166-918-22-00-7376 COVER 2 11.25
166-680-01-10-7E94 STORAGE SPA 1 150.00
+30 shipping (this is insured through FedEx, and two more dollars due to the additional weight)
Total shipped: $2895.00 (plus tax if you live in Florida)

I installed myself, so I can't comment on labor.

manjurino1

Thanks! Yes I found Mercedes in Melbourne as well on eBay. They actually gave me $2900 which I thought was very fair. Funny enough I called both local dealers and they said they would match the price at $2900.

How do you like the RES? Was it worth the cost? I was looking at the rear accessory System, which I found for $1400, but no one seems to have any idea on the functionality.

jrsmith_68

I like it a lot. Headphones sound great, picture is good, and I like the integration with the COMAND unit. You won't get that with the less expensive systems. The integration makes it worth the extra cost, well kinda.

fabbrisd1

Yes - the "factory" rear entertainment system provides rear center console DVD/access - and also allows front COMAND to act as DVD/source which allows front driver/passenger to control content played to the rear, and to choose to play front content over the system speakers - although front can't see it themselves unless hacked/unlocked.

Accessory rear system gives each rear side it's own DVD/input - eitehr side can play to both sides - or each side can play indiv content - headphones only - does not play over system speakers -front COMAND is not a rear source...

Frankly, either plan/budget buys a LOT in tablets/iPads

manjurino1

Many thanks! Very informative. It's strange that I can't get this kind of information from the dealer.

My only concern on the iPads are the fact that they need to be removed every time you get out of the car. I figure that is a pain and a target to have it stolen.

It's surprising that the accessory system can't be played through the surround sound. (A feature I would really like). I

fabbrisd1

Frankly - for most dealers the only Rear Seat Entertainment that come up are (1) build-to-order units where the customer (usually grandparents) want RSE added or (2) trade-in's.

RSE is really going the way of the Dinosaur - the days of wowing the kid's with Disney Princess are kindof behind us..

manjurino1

You are correct. The reality is there is much more functionality on the iPad. Also cheaper. As mentioned biggest draw back is getting it in and out of the car and taking the iPad with you or hiding it.

Would you have any recommend iPad mounts for the headrest?

Wolfman

+1

Plus it's using 1980's tech in terms on connectivity and resolution. Who even uses analog anymore?
Using iPads is dirt cheap, even cellular with a dataplan for streaming movies.

skw

When we 1st got our ML, I was looking for how to use the factory installed pre-wiring. Can only be used w/ one of the 2 options given above. The vehicle before this was an Acura MDX in which we had the built-in headrest screens that played DVD's. Decided we didn't want to go the DVD route anymore so went w/ the iPad. Main reasons were portability from car to car as well as expanded entertainment options (movies, games, streaming, learning apps, etc). Bought the mount from Best Buy, only about $20 or $30. Clips onto the headrest posts and comes w/ a case for the ipad that snaps into the mount when in the car. Has worked good and can stream the sound over bluetooth to play through the car's speakers.