MB_Vclass

I have a '06 R500 and need to put a Rear Entertainment system in the vehicle. My MB dealer suggested if I go with a 3rd party RES, speak to a A/V Automotive specialist. The one they use suggested "Fahrenheit Video System" over the Vizualogic headrest system.

They stated that the R500 Headrest could not be changed because it is tied into the airbag system and the headrests when in an accident move accordingly.

Anyone have any opinions on the Fahrenheit products?

rob13572468

well first of all, the headrest can absolutely be changed if you dont mind losing the neckpro (headrest restraint) system. vizualogic makes replacement headrests that are exact factory matched to the vehicle. this can be done without any error messages or problems and is completely reverseable. you would simply lose the neckpro portion of the system but not the rest of the aribags.

secondly if you want to keep neckpro, vizualogic makes an add-on piece that is also factory matched which mounts to the existing headrest post holders and sits directly behind the factory headrest. they are very nice looking and keeps the existing headrest and neckpro system intact.

the choice between the two is purely aesthetic: both systems have the dvd player actually integrated into the headrest itself. so there is no additional mounting of components and the fit-and-finish is excellent. some people just do not want the add-on piece and choose the replacement headrest. attached is a pic of an r-class install where the neckpro system was bypassed. vizualogic also has pictures of the add-on piece at their site. the kit can be completely wired so that it turns on/off with the headunit itself and also the sound can be easily directed into the aux input rather than the usual shoddy wireless fm modulator.

finally i usually do not like to offer positive or negative advice on a particular system but rather simply point out the merits of one system vs. another. in this case i really have to recommend that you not use the farenheit system. it is total crap from a third tier manufacturer. i have personally witnessed an excessively high failure rate.

jbondox

Come on Rob, quit lying to the guy, the Fahrenheit system is the worse garbage you can throw money at, however I do like the way you called it.
I would also like to say, you need to find another audio shop, to offer the Fahrenheit system over the Vizualogic, is like comparing the Chevy Aveo to an S65...

Also i want to point out a few more things beside the obvious. If they were a true professional shop, specializing in A/V they would already know that Vizualogic has a Headrest solution for this. I am not claiming that Vizualogic is the greatest out there, but out of every headrest manufacturer, savv, Myron Davis, Audiovox,...(and another) they have the best set up, best warranty, and hassle free. Now there are installers out there that can add Alpine screens or whatever your wallet desires, but for ease, functionality, reliability, and safety (the vizualogic were approved by some govt agency) it is Vizualogic

Also and overhead flip down (the Fahrenheit) blocks the rear view and is a missile hazard in an accident and will come down! I have seen factory screens become missile hazards when in an accident, so you are willing to let some yahoo, take a junk monitor and suspend it from your ceiling???

Let me know what MB dealer you use and i can call in a favor and have them do the Vizualogic headrests there, you definitely need a new shop, and they need not to recommend that one.

MB_Vclass

Thank you both for your honest responses. My hunch was a larger margin in the Fahrenheit system. Being that I only have 10 months left on the lease, maybe best if I just get the MB unit that goes above the front armrest? This way I could try selling it after the lease is up?

jbondox

seen it in a GL, not bad, talk to your dealer though about your lease and next purchase/lease... maybe they can roll a new one into your next vehicle.