When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Location: Dallas-Fort Worth area, North Texas, USA
Car Info: 2016 Mercedes Benz E350 Sport Sedan W212 -- aka “Marvin (the Martian)”
Stock Options: Vehicle is mechanically stock, Diamond Silver Metallic, with stock 18” wheels, all the driver assist aids I want, parktronic (that I use daily), Sport wheel with wood inserts, etc.
Modifications: My car features several practical mechanical additions of my own design, plus several subtle, inventive adornments inside and out that I created to make the car uniquely mine. I like to have fun with my MBs. I hope you have fun along with me, too…
Exterior:
-- JBSpeed Rear Deck Spoiler
-- Illuminated Star in Grille
-- Phillips Diamond Vision High Beams (no more yellow highs)
-- Sport Badging on front fenders (looks empty without them)
-- DFWdude’s own White Star Flat Badge on hood (ser.#001 of 600)
-- MBWorld.org badging on rear window
-- Marvin the Martian badge on rear panel
-- Flux Capacitor logo on outside antenna – just for fun
Interior:
-- HU firmware upgraded to HU5S1 to accommodate rare (for 2016 sedan) Apple Carplay-Android Auto upgrade
-- Brand New Burled Walnut trim throughout.
-- Aftermarket multi-function Heads-Up Display with Remote on 3D-printed mount
-- Modified ash tray to incorporate self-designed and built, 4-port USB charging station
-- “The Shade” windshield blind from Dash Designs.com (to protect interior wood)
-- Full Madico tint on all side/rear windows, and across top of windshield.
-- Custom-created “Mercedes-Benz” labeling on center stack and Comand control knob
-- Flux Capacitor Drive adornment on unused center stack button -- just for fun
Future plans in Process: Adapting a video or radar sensor system under front bumper to see concrete parking tire stops. (The first radar system I bought neglected to include the power connections, so I had to return it. But I am not deterred.)
To keep within the seven image requirements (6 pics + 1 video), I have inserted images within larger photos to show many subtle, one-off cosmetic and mechanical enhancements. I couldn't justify using one of my picture allotment for a full-size image of my self-designed, 4-port USB changer, for example.
Thanks, pamiboy. It's nice to know that people appreciate a "personalized" lightly modified car, as much as they appreciate a tuned, lowered car with special wheels and tires, etc. In sum, it encourages more people to consider entering their cars in future, in whatever state of modification.
My guess is that 95% of all Mercedes owners drive their cars in well-kept, stock condition. Nothing wrong with that.
Dag! That car has more USB ports than my house does! Love the HUD too.
When I first created the USB hub, the idea was to free the standard ciggy plug for other uses. And it still is available, by just removing the 2-port adapter.
Originally Posted by TeeEl
Looks like the interior is like, beige? Wish we had pics of that, I love the lighter color interior. My last three cars have all had black interiors.
I really like the beige interior. Both of my MBs have it. The color does not show dust like Black does, and shows little dirt, as a white interior would. And I still maintain it acquires less solar heating in summer months.
I know some people swear by black interiors, as they do black paint outside. Having lived with both in the past, I'm convinced it's like driving a convertible... Everyone should live the joy of owning a convertible... for a couple months.
Some interior pics, as delivered. The carpets are protected by Weathertech floor mats, now (also beige).
Hey man, love the car. I have a silver 2013 CLS 250 and have access to star /xentry! Regarding:
"HU firmware upgraded to HU5S1 to accommodate rare (for 2016 sedan) Apple Carplay-Android Auto upgrade"
Do you k ow if I update my firmware to HU5S1 will android auto work for me???
PS I got dynamic indicators for the mirrors, relatively inexpensive and look great of your looking for another mod
Your 2013 model has an older version of firmware (NTG 4.7, I believe). HU5S1 is based on NTG 5.0-5.5 firmware.
I'm not certain, but I'm not sure cars with NTG 4.X can be upgraded. There are a couple threads in the W212 forum that discuss this in detail.