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This is probably going to be one of those features that has little to no benefit but I didn't want to pass it up. I was able to acquire a cupholder, mating connector, and factory pins. If you require a complete kit, contact mbenznl@gmail.com. Steve can get you the necessary parts as a kit.
I wanted to make the harness first before tearing the console apart. The cupholder requires 4 wires.
1. Power - 12volts
2. Ground - Passenger footwell right side. There is a ground point there below the fuse box.
3. LIN connector - x138/1x1 which can be found in the center console itself.
4. Dimming circuit to illuminate the button itself at night.
There is a seperate connector for the multi-color illumination. My car already has factory multicolor illumination (I Think all USA models have this) so this just requires to move the connector from the old cup holder to new.
Below is a picture of progress on the harness. I use TXL wire (automotive grade) and wrapped in fabric TEXA tape (as mercedes does from factory).
The harness custom made with factory connector and pins. The cupholder using a Peltier cooler for heating and cooling. Wiring diagram and Mercedes tray with factory pins (from when I use to own my shop)
Just my two cents but honestly even though I ordered the heated/cooled cup holders. I wish I didn't I dont find myself turning them on as much as I thought I would. However more importantly they suck when it comes to holding any sort of cup, can, mug, thermos or what have you in place. The standard cup holders are much better at grabbing and holding the item in place. I think it boils down to design and engineering with the big opening in the center between both sides being the achilles heel along with only one retension arm. . I had my share of tip overs from standard driving to the point that I will only use my cupholders with items that have a secure leak proof top that I have to open ever sip which defeats the ease of use all together
Just my two cents but honestly even though I ordered the heated/cooled cup holders. I wish I didn't I dont find myself turning them on as much as I thought I would. However more importantly they suck when it comes to holding any sort of cup, can, mug, thermos or what have you in place. The standard cup holders are much better at grabbing and holding the item in place. I think it boils down to design and engineering with the big opening in the center between both sides being the achilles heel along with only one retension arm. . I had my share of tip overs from standard driving to the point that I will only use my cupholders with items that have a secure leak proof top that I have to open ever sip which defeats the ease of use all together
We have a new '23 GLE350 with heated/cooled and I quickly realized our mistake in ordering these. Anything skinny like a plastic water bottle, can of red bull ,etc. flops around terribly.
I have been on the search for a solution and recently found something with a wide enough base that stays in place well. You can angle the handle toward the big opening between the cupholders.
We have a new '23 GLE350 with heated/cooled and I quickly realized our mistake in ordering these. Anything skinny like a plastic water bottle, can of red bull ,etc. flops around terribly.
I have been on the search for a solution and recently found something with a wide enough base that stays in place well. You can angle the handle toward the big opening between the cupholders.
yes! Great minds think a like all my mugs and tumblers are all yeti. The bases and come in a few different diameters, depending on the capacity and some fit better than others. I actually love and swear by their hotshot cap. It is 100% leak proof when closed. So you can just throw it in a bag and not worry but also when opened, you can just grab it and sip from anywhere without having to look for the opening which is gray for driving. No misses or accidents. it’s a brilliant designing, a win-win, across-the-board. However, yetis are double walled, insulated so that negates the ability of the heating and cooling to work which brings your right back to the standard cupholders, which are designed much better and are more functional than the upgrade in the first place
Just my two cents but honestly even though I ordered the heated/cooled cup holders. I wish I didn't I dont find myself turning them on as much as I thought I would. However more importantly they suck when it comes to holding any sort of cup, can, mug, thermos or what have you in place. The standard cup holders are much better at grabbing and holding the item in place. I think it boils down to design and engineering with the big opening in the center between both sides being the achilles heel along with only one retension arm. . I had my share of tip overs from standard driving to the point that I will only use my cupholders with items that have a secure leak proof top that I have to open ever sip which defeats the ease of use all together
I absolutely agree. My 2023 GLE 350 loaner has the heated/cooled cup holders. I had skinny bottles in them and tried to use them. I did feel the sides of the cup holders get cold, but I did not notice the drink get any cooler. Also the skinny bottles flop around in those cup holders.
I prefer the standard cup holders in my 2021 GLE 350.
This is probably going to be one of those features that has little to no benefit but I didn't want to pass it up. I was able to acquire a cupholder, mating connector, and factory pins. If you require a complete kit, contact mbenznl@gmail.com. Steve can get you the necessary parts as a kit.
I wanted to make the harness first before tearing the console apart. The cupholder requires 4 wires.
1. Power - 12volts
2. Ground - Passenger footwell right side. There is a ground point there below the fuse box.
3. LIN connector - x138/1x1 which can be found in the center console itself.
4. Dimming circuit to illuminate the button itself at night.
There is a seperate connector for the multi-color illumination. My car already has factory multicolor illumination (I Think all USA models have this) so this just requires to move the connector from the old cup holder to new.
Below is a picture of progress on the harness. I use TXL wire (automotive grade) and wrapped in fabric TEXA tape (as mercedes does from factory).
The harness custom made with factory connector and pins. The cupholder using a Peltier cooler for heating and cooling. Wiring diagram and Mercedes tray with factory pins (from when I use to own my shop)
this will not work, you need to code it to the car. Even Mercedes dealers do not have tools for coding new features to any Mercedes.Also I’m not sure if you can find the wire from rear SAM.
Starting from 2020, Mercedes produces different wiring for different functions, if any function is not provided, then the wire will not be laid in the harness .
The new cupholders in the V167 is not as useful like the one on the X166. The new one is so big that when I was using it it gets a bad spot as it is not fully enclosed. On the X166 there are two sizes and each side has it's retainer tab like the V167. So those not so big drinks does get cooled or kept warm better to a certain point not like on the V167 it is all just a show.
this will not work, you need to code it to the car. Even Mercedes dealers do not have tools for coding new features to any Mercedes.Also I’m not sure if you can find the wire from rear SAM. Starting from 2020, Mercedes produces different wiring for different functions, if any function is not provided, then the wire will not be laid in the harness .
Are you sure?
That would mean they are abandoning the CANbus, which is a staple of modern cars.