Just bought a new 2011 GL450 with the prewired rear entertainment. I was curious if the prewirement can be used with other aftermarket units? Also, what is exactly prewired.....does anyone know?

 

I've been pricing out GL350s and I was going to go with the factory entertainment system but now I'm thinking I may just save the $2000 by getting the pre-wire option (as insurance) and dropping $500 on a second iPad for kid #2 instead. I can count on one hand the number of times we've used the RSE system in our Escalade (since we don't allow it for daily around-town trips) and iPads are handy to have around all the time.

Besides, the screen integration into these cars sucks (compared with the drops-from-the-ceiling screens in competing trucks like my Slade).

- Mark

 

I believe the prewiring works only for the MB units.

 

I disagree 100%. I have the MB rear entertainment system and it works like a charm. I love the dual zone feature (kids can watch tv or listen to music while front passenger can either watch or listen to different source up front). Why log around an ipad that you must hide somewhere when you stop and park or risk someone breaking your window for it. By the way, you can also connect an outside source (ipod, iphone, ipad, video game console, etc...) to your rear monitors for even greater expandability. Those drop from the ceiling screens are so "old school".

 

Well, remember I have the RSE in my Escalade, so I have some experience with this topic.

And as for the "old school" nature of the drop from the ceiling screens, the system in my Escalade works exactly the same way as the system in the MBZ with respect to independent inputs, etc. The screens are just better-integrated than the tacked-on-for-the-American-market disaster that MBZ is currently using (and yes, I expect that to be resolved in the next-gen GL).

- Mark

 

Not exactly sure but i remember when i was shopping for my 450 the salesman advised that you can get the pre-wire option and then add the MB rear monitors afterwards. He said that the dealership works with an outside contractor to add the monitors if the current vehicle was not shipped with them. He also said that going that route would save a few hundred dollars.

 

Your "old school" system may work the same as MB's. It may actually be better, if you dont mind those bulky screens hindering your rear vision through the rearview mirror or if you dont mind that large plastic box protruding from your headliner.

 

As opposed to the tacked-on exposed screens that are always hanging off the front seat headrests? That can't be seen at all from the 3rd row? That apparently break when the second row folds forward?

Different strokes, I guess. That's life!

- Mark

 

Yes, the screens could look more integrated but you quickly get used to it. As far as the people in the third row, screw them. If i put them in the third row, they don't deserve to watch tv.

By the way, i have folded my second row on numerous occasions and the screens are very much still working.

 

LOL!!!

- Mark

 

iPads - great idea from mdadgar - so much more functionality than RSE and i can also use it when at home, on the road etc.

There must be some kind of mounting device sold for this so it looks decent off the backrests.

 

Proclip makes a nice mount.

I think Mercedes is developing one too. Not sure if it connects to the prewired system

 

Damn, that's perfect!

- Mark

 

Would be nice if you can mount one for the third row as well. With latest Airplay, you can eventually stream content from one iPad to others.

Add MiFi, all iPad devices can access Internet as well.

 

It's a bit on the cheap but we got a mickey mouse flat DVD player/screen that we hogtied with 550 cord onto the passenger seat headrest pegs. 80 bucks and it will do the job until the kid can figure out how to get at it. The previous fold out "lap top" model failed miserably under sustained and repeated treatment as a kicking bag for our 1.5yr old. With no protruding parts this one is outside her reach...for now. I can't see paying beaucoup bucks for the MB system when I can get this for a tenth.

 

BlackFriday/XMas/Hannuka/Kwanza list

Two iPads
Two proclip mounts
One MiFi
Two wireless headphone sets

I already have the 2 screaming kids - Anything else i need?

 

how about some handcuffs and duct tape? If that puts you over your budget, how about some roofies? (for the kids, not your wife).

 

I like this setup! To pay $2500 for a DVD system is a waste of money, unless you have $$$ to burn.

 

I'm about to order gl350 and I think I like this option better than MB RSE. has anyone done this setup yet? if so, how do you charge ipads and how do you hide the wires?

 

Look, i have been doing the iPad's in a pre-wired GL for some time, there are huge draw backs, further with the mi-fi and the dual modem box I have with sprint made for mass transit.

First and foremost, though nothing is perfect, the MB rear seat entertainment system 2009 and above is greatly improved over the past versions.

As for flip downs, they are missile hazards and hinder rear view vision of the driver, though 1 screen can easily entertain both rear rows

The iPad's... love them, but you can not input an A/V source to it, such as the COMAND's DVD source on 2009+ models. I have tried and am trying to work with Apple on a fix for this.

next with the iPad, when I output video to the COMAND from the iPad, it does not mirror the iPad on the COMAND, for instance a YouTube video will show what is selected on the iPad (title) but play the video on the COMAND, NetFlix was the same way, but I believed they fixed it.

Further with the mounts from profit, due to the headrest post spacing and the design of the ProFit, your screen will be off centered 1/2" in either direction.

I had a few brackets CNC'd to fix this and to also clear up the stupid looking profit mount. I applied for a patent for them, because that is what the machine shop does for all their stuff. It is a very nice mount and looks like it belongs.

Further I have heard about people busting their face on the iPads in an accident, I am sorry, but if you are seat belted to the seat, it is not going to happen like that. So I just want to head off the stupid comments before they arise on here.

Also the charging port for the iPad is different, I recommend the Griffen car charger which is 2.1 amp or 10 watt charger for the ipad using USB. power jolt p/n is gc23092

So obviously you can't replace the "on the go" DVD feature and ease, you are.. or will not download a movie on the MiFi while on the go... but the iPad is an awesome unit.

I think I tried everything so if you have any questions let me know

also the iPad will have iPod out for the MB with the release of the new OS software, so look into getting an extension cord, for your iPad to the glove box connector

 

Also, just remember, that the factory DVD system mounted on the seat backs is because of the Neck-Pro system, something the caddy doesn't have...

So everything is a work around for the Neck-Pro, and yes... I do not agree with the Neck-Pro system.

 

How does the Neck-Pro system affect mounting screens on the ceiling? I don't profess to be an expert on Neck-Pro (yet), but I don't see how they are related?

- Mark

 

I simply stated that the caddy's don't have neck pro and the Mb does... it would have nothing to do with ceiling mount...

 

I was trying to understand this statement:

Why does the Neck-Pro system mandate mounting the screens on the seat back vs. the ceiling?

- Mark

 

it doesn't mandate anything... again simply stating with the neck pro you are discouraged from replacing the headrest with another that is pre-loaded with a screen and DVD player, which is why there is a piggy back system both aftermarket and from the factory.

there is an electromagnetic solenoid inside the headrest that allows the headrest to expand when the vehicle is hit from behind, allowing the seat occupant to have their head smash into it at a closer distance and also buffering the shock.