Nuru

Hello All, I was wondering if anyone knows if the Refrig can be retrofitted in a car without that option?

All Advice/comments welcome

Jason B

Yes. Super pricy. Cutting required and loose a lot if space.

Nuru

Yeah, I was looking on a site where someone had done it on a 2008 and it does look like a bit of work.

cmpcpro

Yes but worth it! Always need a spot for my beer when I drive! JUST KIDDING!

Nuru

You mean I would lose a lot of space in the trunk, correct? But only in the middle of the trunk, not a solid line with the rear of the refrigerator unit,?

Nuru

Hmmm, it did not look like it was large enough to handle very many beer cans/bottles?

Jason B

I checked into this a while back and dug up some pics for you. Let the drooling begin.

Nuru

Thanks Jason, I also found these pics. I am looking at the parts list right now.

steveb9771

The refrigerator can ONLY be easily installed in vehicles that had the ski package which provided an opening from the trunk to the back seat console for skis.This same opening could then be used for the refrigerator.

Without the opening, substantial rework is required to the structure behind the seats. There may also be some electronic components that may have to be relocated.

Try contacting http://www.mbenznl.nl/
They specialize in retrofitting factory options to Mercedes vehicles and should be able to tell you which parts are needed and what is involved in the installation.

lganski

In the 220 version the gas tank is located behind the seat.

Nuru

Actually, I pulled my rear panel in the trunk, and it is already setup for retrofit, all I need is the parts. The hole is already there just blocked by the existing plastic storage box, and my rear panel, which has cutouts already molded into its plastic. So after researching this a bit, over the past few days and consulting others (thanks DB!) on this forum. I think I could do it by the following steps:

• Replace my rear panel with the one that includes the Ski bag door and frame
• Replace the Stiffener frame with the one that includes the mounting points for the Ski Door and the Refrigerator (may have to pull the rear backrests to do this - no big deal they are not Multicontour).
• Replace the existing Rear backrest storage box, with the one that accommodates the Ski bag
• Connect Refrigerator harness to Rear SAM in the identified open slot (Temporarily store car's configuration on a DAS/XENTRY terminal, remove power, install harness connection on Rear SAM).

On my car it does not require any cutting, unless I wanted to save time and just use my Dremel on my existing Rear backrest storage box, and make the hole that is already molded into the replacement part. It does not appear to require any repositioning of any electronic components from what I am saw. The hole is already there just blocked by plastic parts that can be removed via unscrewing mounting bolts

Nuru

My car is a W221, and does not have the tank behind the seat - see pics


First pic shows the existing Rear Backrest Storage box, which is located behind the armrest when it is stowed.

Second Pic; shows view of the end and depth of the storage box, covered with sound deadening material

Third pic; shows the rear of the box as can be seen from the trunk if you remove the rear panel

I also have checked on the parts availability and can get the major components that I need. Once I save up some pennies, I may go for it.

Nuru

Weird, when I clicked on the pics to view them, they are not right side up? The first one is on its side and the other two are upside down, but they appear in the message to be correctly shown? Anyone have any experience with this or ideas?

Nuru

I am still researching, but I am gonna probably start with just retrofitting the Through-loading feature by getting the parts to install that feature (cabin side door and frame, Stiffening Frame for ski bag/through loading feature), and the trunk-side door and frame. I will post pics after completion.

lganski

Let us know what the total cost is when you are done.

vantage78

Very cool project. Definitely keep us updated!

triniexr

How does the fridge work in the Mercedes? I had the option in my LS460 but was disappointed when I read the manual and found out the way it cools is by turning on the rear AC.....

Jason B

It has its own compressor built into the fridge and only turns on when the car is on if course. Also for this reason the unit is the size of a small child.

Nuru

Sofar the major parts appear to total less than $3500

Nuru

Ok, will do. I am going to go for the Ski bag/pass through option first, then purchase the fridge and install the power harness.

Nuru

Yes the all in one version is large (Option 308), the one that has most of the electronics and compressor in the handrest is smaller, but more complicated and costly to get parts and to install. I am going for option 308. The 308 option fridge can be easily removed and stored for times when not in use. So if you need the trunk space you can get it back.

Jason B

Cool. Now, what do you plan on putting in the fridge? Also, are you doing it more for show to blow people away with the cool option, or are you going to be back there using it. None the less, I do think it's cool.

CiLKY

Curious to see how this goes and total cost.

Nuru

Jason, probably Fruit, food, liquids, depending on the occasion, yes I plan to use, it, but I may do a little show here and there, I dunno.

Nuru

I would think it will be very close to what I have stated in post #19