dean@theactionr

Looking for advice in adding a entertainment system to our new to us; 2014 GL 450. The window sticker says it has entertainment system pre-wiring. What is a good route to go? The local shop will install "their" system, but I would like to hear if there is a better choice. Thank you

Chedman13

Installing a factory one will run you around $4k. It's nice integrated with the front command system, but for the money I bet the aftermarket has more features.

fabbrisd1

Frankly.. in today's day-in-age - I have gran parents who on occasion got for it - actually a few more parents go for it as "punishment".. really.

MB "accessory" rear entertainment - wired to each seatback - listen thru headphones - DVD source on either side can be played on both sides if you want - cannot play thru system speakers .

MB "factory" or "full" rear seat entertainment - middle console DVD source in rear - front COMAND DVD source - rear or front can be played to both side - each one side or another - headphones or can be played thru system speakers.

Now... to play DVD's a Audiovox plug-n-play system - each system has it's own DVD - DVD runs on each side separately - cannot be played from front COMAND but can be played thru speakers using FM transmitter... can pull them out and use outside the car... get a 3yr Fair Trade warranty ..

jlim

A cheaper alternative.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EMHXWBU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I ran 2 of these on a trip but ended up returning them as I didn't know how to permanently have them powered. Was using the 12V adapters and one of them kept burning the fuse when connected to a cigarette light adapter splitter.

I know folks recommend simply giving younger kids iPad but still you need to get movies on the iPad. How? I'm not about to buy tons of movies just for a trip. DVDs are cheap or free and I've tons of those or can borrow from the library. Unless you already have a data plan from T-MOBILE allowing you to binge-on, otherwise DVD is better. During the trip, the kids can just swap out/in DVDs and they were ok with it. Now, Netflix also allows for offline viewing. So I suppose with Amazon Prime Video offline and Netflix offline, it won't be so bad.

Chedman13

I did think the iPad route - get nice iPad mounts, plus two iPads, plus 2 bluetooth headphones. Then buy tons of movies, even a data package and you're still under $4k.

But I just still like the OEM factory solution and would do it again. Also, much harder to steal.

darrell12345

Does the pre wire give you the opportunity to install the factory type entertainment system on a 2017 GLS ?