tanqueray201

How easy is it to add rear seat entertainment if you already have pre-wiring? Is it a simple "plug n play" type deal?

I'm buying a 2009 ML350, but I hate paying $1800 for the rear entertainment, when I'm sure I can buy it cheaper either used or after market. But now, I'm thinking it might be more trouble than its worth and might just pay the extra money now. Any thoughts?

sosh

Why on earth would you buy a new vehicle and then scrounge around for some used piece of equipment ot install in it?? Perhaps you can buy without tires and find a used set to install!!

tanqueray201

lol, I know what you mean. I just feel guilty spending $1800 on something "frivolous" like rear-seat entertainment. But then again, I'm also going to be getting the appearance package with 20" wheels and running boards, and my life doesn't exactly depend on those options...

But there must be a reason they sell pre-wiring as an option, right? Or is it just so MB can scam $150 bucks from people?

UR2SLO

It doesn't matter what aftermarket monitors you get. None of them would give a clean looks as the MB ones. You spending $40K+ on your ride you cant dish out another $1800?

dgiturbo

I know your dilemma. I also did not order the rear seat entertainment as the feature and its limited useage was not worth 1800 to me.
Instead, I got the kids a nice portable DVD player, and on trips, they plug it into the audio port in the glovebox or use headphones, and all is well.
Also when we reach our hotel, we can take the DVD with them and continue to watch.

As for adding one, I have learned from experience that these cars do not like when you plug or unplug stuff, and may trip a check engine light or SRS light. Even if the vehicle is off, key out when you plug/unplug. If you get the pre-wire, follow the directions very carefully.
Hope that helps.

vinceching

shop around some local audio stores. cheaper, and better options are available other than from the factory.

if none of those work for you, just buy a couple of laptop computers for $500 and use those for the kids. that way, in the future they can use the laptop for school and such.

UR2SLO

tanqueray201

Thanks everyone for your input. Just picked up the ML today without the rear entertainment. I was thinking it would be helpful for my 1.5 year old daughter, but figured it was a lot of money purely just for the purpose of keeping her occupied. If I came back at a later date to have the OEM system installed, the salesman estimated a cost of around $1800, so I can still have it done later if I change my mind at practically the same cost. It's definitely not something I'd try myself. After doing some research, it seems as if just a battery change is a huge deal on these cars, much less installing other equipment.