nextmilenium

I'm interested in getting a dash cam because there are too many crazy drivers out there.

So I'm thinking about getting the Thinkware U1000 which has both front and rear cameras.

I see Best Buy offers installation and wonder if anyone can share their experience dealing with BB's install? Online review seems pretty positive but I want a clean install and don't want to have any issues.

jtjbt20x

I think it depends on which particular BB you use. You'll have to look at reviews of each store and ask people who have used their services. The BB near where I used to live butchered cars and I'd never use them. On the other hand, a BB about 20 miles away had a stellar reputation. Maybe the bad reviews were from the good shop to get business but the bad reviews looked legit.

kvelez

It doesn't take much to cause 3-4K worth of damages to your interior so be very careful of who you pick and make sure they are insured.

Treihing

I have installed a few dash-cams and the GLE install is very simple whether hard wired or using the power adapter. There are great tutorials on YouTube that can assist.

That being said, I would not trust Best Buy with any type of install, especially with a Benz.

hyperion667

A great idea to have one these days. I'd simply ask to speak to the installer; meet them and explain your expectations, if you feel confident of the lad doing the work then proceed! I understand being hesitant, but really, anyone could screw it up.....I feel that by putting your face and expectations in the mix the installer would most likely do a good job....and if not you'd have a good relationship with them by then and they'd fix any mistakes/possible damage.
GL to ya!

nextmilenium

Thanks everyone with your inputs.

I'm definitely not going to go with BB on this. I've searched for a good installer locally and have a couple in mind. As some of you suggested, I will go and meet the installer and express my expectations and see what they have to say.

nsoltz

Don't even trust BB to hook up a TV to your cable box.

hyperion667

Care to elaborate?
I once had them install a stereo head unit on my F150......that was about 15 years ago......still solid and doing fine.

EINSER_M

had ours installed @ Best Buy Diamond Bar. Our local Best Buy installer didn't have a template for the install, so we were sent to their best tech in the district. Install went without any incident.

nextmilenium

Went to a local BB to check out something and ended up chatting with the install guy in the back. I mentioned about installing dash cam on my GLE and he immediately said he won't touch it. He said something about the newer MBs being too technical and he didn't want to mess it up.

He did recommend another BB across town with installers who are supposedly very knowledgeable and experienced. I may go over there and chat with them and see if they know their stuff.

I did call a local shop and they wanted to take a look at the car before giving me a solid quote. Initial quote for installation is $250. I'm not sure if that is reasonable.

SEPicks

Quote is pretty standard if you ask for professional installation. One thing I would make sure is that your wires are long enough because with the SUV's the wires need to be longer and I barely made it with my cam on my GLS and the cable is already one of the longer ones.