Rear Entertainment
 

I am ordering an 2017 GLS450 and would like any thoughts on ordering the rear entertainment package. We have (2 kids 3 and 1 y/o). We wanted it but the dealer said it wasn't worth it b/c of iPads. I do not own and DVD's, is there an input for digital videos? I will post in the GLE forum as well. I would like to finalize our order ASAP and any input is much appreciated!

I have a similar question that I will tack on here Amulsp. The answer to this may benefit you as well. I already ordered my GLS and noticed they added;

866 Pre-Wiring for Rear Seat Entertainment $170 (I did not request this)

I know this is not the entire entertainment package with screens but just the wiring.

Was this added because it's part of a package I ordered?
What options does the Pre-Wiring give me?

Your dealer is indeed right about ipads or Tabs. They are conveniently replacing most RES units available through manufacturers. I personally ordered the RES for a few reasons. I have to say that the biggest reason that contributed was the fact that the factory RES functions and looks better than aftermarket units or ipad or tab brackets.

The LEAST expensive way to have Rear Seat Entertainment is to order it on the build - the MOST expensive way to have RSE is dealer install - it's the way the system is connected - and the price of the post-factory components - even with pre-wiring.

thank you, any insight on if you can play digital content via usb/sd card ect. or dvd only. I understand bluray is not supported.

Well, I ordered it as we have an 8, 5 and 2 year old. Old school dvds are nice just to simply throw in there on long trips. Would highly recommend the RES.

I always order a rear entertainment

I have a RES system in a 2014 model. It keeps my kids occupied on the long drives as well as any time they start getting whiny. You can play a different source in each screen. There are non-digital inputs to hook up external sources like a playstation, ipad, etc on there.

I am more than satisfied with them. Unless they have changed it in the GLS, I would highly recommend.

2 head-rest mounted iPads and my kids love it. I got a Seagate wireless plus hard drive, a wireless media streaming device with built-in wireless router and battery for 10 hours HD streaming simultaneously to 3 iOS devices. I can add content to the Hard drive in the last minute without the hassle of sync.
My kids can either watch videos or play games. Worked out pretty well for me. Its all individual preference.

I have always ordered it with screens and just ordered my new one without it. Kids use iPads. My experience is no one uses the screens anymore. No reason to mount iPads as that just takes away functionality (games, etc). My dealer wanted to add the pre-wiring so I agreed to do that.

I've Ricketfish iPad mounts, iPads are enclosed in protective case that snap out/in with a easy click. Very convenient when watching movies and snap out when playing games!

So pre-wiring gives me nothing but provides the dealers an easier installation for the RSE?

It would be very hard to add the RSE without pre wiring. Surprised that they didn't upgrade the system from GL. Just not worth the money.

Not sure about the GLS, but on the GLE, the pre-wiring is actually a bundled pkg that gives you memory presets and power headrest on the front passenger seat. W/o the pre-wiring option selected, on the GLE anyway, the passenger headrest is manually controlled w/ a dummy button on the door.

Heard this system was rather difficult to use. Anyone have first hand experience? Thanks.

I have had this system from the past 6 yrs in my R350 and do not have any issues with it nor it is difficult to use.

IMO, if you're not a techie, all the german RSE systems are difficult to use, at least for young kids. We just use iPads on headrest mounts.

Although it could be worse. The RSE system in the new Q7 is a disaster. It can't even play dvd's!

We have had our 2011 and 2014 GL with the rear seat entertainment installed from the factory. We have learned how to use it and it is pretty impressive. We order our 2017 again with this, no hesitation or scratching my head for this either.

Without pre-wire, you can only install the accessory rse system. It looks aftermarket and it vibrates. It's a no go....

If you have small kids, the rse is great. You can play three sources at once. Adults can listen to radio, sat, or in my case internet radio via Bluetooth, one monitor in back can play a disc in the dash, the other can play a disc in the rear DVD player.

If you have older kids that you trust to manage their own IPads, then the iPad route is the way to go. Rse is great for my elementary school age kids that watch different age content. I've tried ipads for my young kids. The last thing I want to do is deal with loading content on an iPad before a long trip. I have a big binder of DVDs, my kids lov it, my 10 yo works the remote.

Help! When you rotate the selector on the remote to CONTROL what does it do? For me.. nothing. Same with the split screen option

Does anyone know if the passenger head rest is the same as this on the GLS without RSE or prewiring? If so, I'm going to be very disappointed! I didn't order either because there will rarely be anyone in the rear seats.

It's a PITA that the rear screens look like CRT's double stick taped to the back of the seats .. circa 1990. Amazed Merc did not at least use the screens in the 4 year old W222.

Rear screens are a thing of the past anyway.