SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Reus Systems....absolutely awesome

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Old Jul 14, 2006 | 04:35 AM
  #1  
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Reus Systems....absolutely awesome

I just took delivery of my SL55 from Reus Systems today. I am so damn happy with it that I had to come aboard to say thanks to Cliff, Rick, and his staff (in case they read the boards). Those guys are truly professionals and did an awesome job. I couldn't be happier.

Also "thanks" to Ian and Eric for providing information on their (Reus) systems. It helped me in my decision.

If any of you guys ever thought about doing audio upgrades Reus is definitely the way to go. The sound is crystal clear and the bass is just right.

Here is an attached pic of the face unit (AVIC-Z1).

Also thanks to Adam at Kronen for the Carlsson front spoiler.
Attached Thumbnails Reus Systems....absolutely awesome-0713062314.jpg   Reus Systems....absolutely awesome-0713062314a.jpg  
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Old Jul 14, 2006 | 05:40 AM
  #2  
Ted Baldwin's Avatar
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.....are you able to use your steering wheel buttons and your hands free phone?

Ted
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Old Jul 14, 2006 | 07:46 AM
  #3  
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06 Infiniti FX35, 07 SL55
Im confused.

I thought they didnt change the NAV head unit and only added amps and speakers.

I discovered Reus on this board and called and made an appointment to have them do my SL55. Theyre flying out to Louisiana in October which was pretty much the earliest they could come.

Any more info on the head unit and functionality?
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Old Jul 14, 2006 | 11:18 AM
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Prsmith777,

Rick prefers to use the Eclipse head unit if the customer wants an aftermarket NAV unit. I'm not a big fan of Eclipse or it's interface so I had Rick install a Pioneer AVIC-Z1. The AVIC-Z1's interface is much more intuitive and as far as eye candy go, it's stunning. Otherwise, if you want to retain the factory unit, he'll do that too. Mine is a 03' SL, so it came with the prehistoric 3" screen COMMAND unit. I had every right to justify an upgrade if you know what I mean.

Here's a link that provides an extensive walkthrough of the AVIC-Z1 (make sure to watch the video in each section):

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pn...unit=AVIC%20Z1

I've added the Bluetooth, IPOD interface, TV Tuner, and had them install a camera in the front (behind the mesh grill) so as to see how close to the parking stub the car is. The car is lowered and I added the Carlsson lip, so the inview camera helps with parking.

Aside from the AVIC-Z1, everything else used is what Rick's system normally comes with.

I'm sure you'll love the system once it's done.


Ted,

You do lose the steering wheel controls, but since the AVIC-Z1 is completely touch screen, I don't feel like I miss them. Also of note, there is a button on the screen of the AVIC-Z1 that activates voice command. So you basically hit it once and tell the system "next track" or something like that.

If that still doesn't do it for you, you can always opt to get the remote control that operates the unit:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pn...349926,00.html

Also the Bluetooth module I added allows me the integrate any Bluetooth phone into the system. (ie. when a call comes in, the AVIC-Z1 will stop the music). It also ties in nicely with the NAV function. The above link detailing the AVIC-Z1 will provide details.

Hope that answers the questions.

Last edited by BLKSL55; Jul 14, 2006 at 11:51 AM.
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Old Jul 14, 2006 | 12:33 PM
  #5  
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From: Alexandria, Lousiana
06 Infiniti FX35, 07 SL55
Originally Posted by BLKSL55
I've added the Bluetooth, IPOD interface, TV Tuner, and had them install a camera in the front (behind the mesh grill) so as to see how close to the parking stub the car is. The car is lowered and I added the Carlsson lip, so the inview camera helps with parking.
I too was thinking of adding the front camera to avoid scraping the front end on those dreaded cement blocks. Good idea.

What an awesome setup.

I am going to keep mine as stock as possible, however.

Paul
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Old Jul 14, 2006 | 05:50 PM
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Extreemly cool, and way of an upgrade to the prehistoric Comand (I have a '03 as well). However, loosing the steering wheel controls would be single reason for me not to an upgrade like this. I couldn't stand buttons in my face that don't do anything anymore Still your setup does look alot cooler than stock
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Old Jul 14, 2006 | 06:43 PM
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that's sweet! did you get new speakers/amp as well?
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Old Jul 14, 2006 | 09:02 PM
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Originally Posted by sprins
Extreemly cool, and way of an upgrade to the prehistoric Comand (I have a '03 as well). However, loosing the steering wheel controls would be single reason for me not to an upgrade like this. I couldn't stand buttons in my face that don't do anything anymore Still your setup does look alot cooler than stock
If the unit has a remote control there are IR repeater kits on the market that can interface with the steering controls of many cars and forward the signal to the head unit as such. I have seen this done in a Trans-Am, but I am uncertain about availability of a kit for Mercedes... but that would be the way to go!

***

Where can I find out more information on Reus and their stereo work? I just posted a stereo question and maybe I have my answer already!
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Old Jul 14, 2006 | 10:24 PM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by BLKSL55
Prsmith777,

Rick prefers to use the Eclipse head unit if the customer wants an aftermarket NAV unit. I'm not a big fan of Eclipse or it's interface so I had Rick install a Pioneer AVIC-Z1. The AVIC-Z1's interface is much more intuitive and as far as eye candy go, it's stunning. Otherwise, if you want to retain the factory unit, he'll do that too. Mine is a 03' SL, so it came with the prehistoric 3" screen COMMAND unit. I had every right to justify an upgrade if you know what I mean.

Here's a link that provides an extensive walkthrough of the AVIC-Z1 (make sure to watch the video in each section):

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pn...unit=AVIC%20Z1

I've added the Bluetooth, IPOD interface, TV Tuner, and had them install a camera in the front (behind the mesh grill) so as to see how close to the parking stub the car is. The car is lowered and I added the Carlsson lip, so the inview camera helps with parking.

Aside from the AVIC-Z1, everything else used is what Rick's system normally comes with.

I'm sure you'll love the system once it's done.


Ted,

You do lose the steering wheel controls, but since the AVIC-Z1 is completely touch screen, I don't feel like I miss them. Also of note, there is a button on the screen of the AVIC-Z1 that activates voice command. So you basically hit it once and tell the system "next track" or something like that.

If that still doesn't do it for you, you can always opt to get the remote control that operates the unit:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pn...349926,00.html

Also the Bluetooth module I added allows me the integrate any Bluetooth phone into the system. (ie. when a call comes in, the AVIC-Z1 will stop the music). It also ties in nicely with the NAV function. The above link detailing the AVIC-Z1 will provide details.

Hope that answers the questions.
.............thanks for the reply. Very nice system.

Ted
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Old Jul 18, 2006 | 02:11 PM
  #10  
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Choson1,

New AMPs were installed as well as crossovers (I think). There were a couple of speaker swap outs and a new sub. All in all, Rick and his team does whatever it takes to get your system to sound right.

Sundownz,

I've came to find that Reus systems is more "word of mouth" than something you can do "research" on. Ian and Eric from the board gave me some input about theirs, but when it came to it, I visited Reus audio for a demonstration and was sold.
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 04:16 PM
  #11  
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What Eclipse head unit do they prefer to use? I love the interface of the Alpine touchscreen myself.

Last edited by topless in SB; Dec 3, 2006 at 04:17 PM. Reason: typo
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 08:10 PM
  #12  
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Do they do work all over the country? I need some work done to my car and would like to see some pics of what they did with the amps, subs added speakers etc.
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Old Dec 3, 2006 | 11:48 PM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by BiTurboAmg
Do they do work all over the country? I need some work done to my car and would like to see some pics of what they did with the amps, subs added speakers etc.
I'd gladly drive your car here to OC for the work!

~ Ian
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Old Dec 13, 2006 | 10:14 PM
  #14  
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Can you tell me the total cost on this upgrade????
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Old Dec 13, 2006 | 10:21 PM
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price check on the install?
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Old Dec 19, 2006 | 12:22 AM
  #16  
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back from my meet with the Reus gents and they were awesome. Basic audio upgrade will run you about $3200, going with after market head unit/nav will add about $3k and then you can go with audio upgrade for another $2k
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Old Dec 19, 2006 | 01:54 AM
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is that plus parts or what????
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Old Dec 20, 2006 | 05:16 PM
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Wondering if changing out the headunit will affect the keyless go in any ways?
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Old Feb 7, 2007 | 10:48 PM
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Not bad....Almost as good as me LOL!! Clean install...
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Old Feb 9, 2007 | 11:56 AM
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Does anyone make a double din install trim kit ? Is the one that was used custom made? Thanks!
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Old Feb 9, 2007 | 06:47 PM
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Originally Posted by topless in SB
back from my meet with the Reus gents and they were awesome. Basic audio upgrade will run you about $3200, going with after market head unit/nav will add about $3k and then you can go with audio upgrade for another $2k
But does any of this stuff lighten the car and make it go faster?
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Old Feb 11, 2007 | 08:56 AM
  #22  
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no , but when i go to the track it only take me 15 minutes to pull the sub from the trunk.
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Old Mar 9, 2007 | 05:35 PM
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That is very disappointing that Reus did not bother to retain the steering wheel controls with the Z1. I would also expect them to fabricate a better faceplate adapter.
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Old Mar 9, 2007 | 06:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Venom-AMG
Wondering if changing out the headunit will affect the keyless go in any ways?
no it will not. Those 2 systems are not related.
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Old Mar 19, 2007 | 06:07 AM
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Depends where I'm going.
Originally Posted by BLKSL55
Rick prefers to use the Eclipse head unit if the customer wants an aftermarket NAV unit.
This is the first thing that popped into my head when I saw the Pioneer unit. I made the mistake of going against Rick's recommendation and getting a Pioneer Premier unit the first time. The 2nd time around, I went against his recommendation again because I wanted MP3 playback and XM radio which Eclipse didn't offer at the time. Biggest mistakes I ever made, the Eclipse unit may not have the best user interface but it's definitely the shiznit when it comes to sound quality. Huge difference! Mention me and Rick will probably laugh! Regardless, congrats on the system. It's truly one of those things that you have to hear to appreciate.
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