Mercedes-Benz CLS350 OEM Options Review - Enhanced Safety

Enhancing Safety on the Mercedes-Benz CLS350 with Factory Options

Driving can present unexpected hazards, especially during lane changes. Even with careful attention, a vehicle lurking in a blind spot can lead to an accident. This review details the process of retrofitting a blind spot warning system, an essential factory option, onto an older Mercedes-Benz CLS350. Unfortunately, this model lacked this crucial safety feature from the factory, but we've comprehensively addressed this by installing an advanced rear-view safety detection system.

Pre-Installation Safety Check and System Design

To effectively add a blind spot monitoring system to the CLS350, a thorough understanding of the vehicle's structure is paramount. Our expert team meticulously examined the side mirrors, bumper, and electronic control systems. The original mirrors had a suboptimal angle, failing to adequately cover the rear-quarter blind spots.

The primary challenge was the significant "blind spot" area. Standard side mirrors offered limited visibility, meaning drivers were unaware of vehicles in adjacent lanes. Our solution involved a two-pronged approach: first, replacing the mirrors with BSM wide-angle mirrors (800R curvature) to eliminate blind spots, and second, installing the S-RADAR PLUS advanced detection sensors.

BSM Wide-Angle Mirror Replacement: Expanding Vision

While the stock Mercedes mirrors are functional, their field of vision is restricted. In contrast, the BSM wide-angle mirrors, with their 800R curvature, provide a significantly broader view. We carefully removed the original mirrors using specialized tools for imported vehicles.

A critical aspect of this upgrade is the placement of the sensor indicator lights. Unlike the original Mercedes mirrors, the BSM wide-angle mirrors feature a triangular marking, indicating the optimal position for the sensor lamps. This thoughtful design integrates the safety system seamlessly.

During the installation, all existing wiring was meticulously organized, and new wiring was routed cleanly using genuine protective conduits for a premium, factory-like finish, ensuring no external wiring is visible.

S-RADAR PLUS Sensor Installation: The Core of Advanced Detection

The installation of the S-RADAR PLUS sensors is the heart of this upgrade. These sensors are designed to detect only moving vehicles, distinguishing them from static objects like traffic lights or guardrails. This intelligent filtering ensures that only approaching vehicles in the blind spot trigger an alert.

The detection range is set at approximately 7 meters, providing ample warning time even at speeds up to 100 km/h. When a vehicle is detected, the indicator lamps on the side mirrors illuminate in a highly visible red color.

Typically, installing sensors in the bumper requires drilling. However, the S-RADAR PLUS features an innovative design that allows for flush mounting without any bumper modification. Our technicians utilized the internal space of the bumper to precisely position the sensors, achieving a clean, factory-integrated look.

Sensor Indicator Light Installation and Wiring: Visualizing Safety Alerts

When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the system alerts the driver through two methods: a visual cue via the red indicator lights on the side mirrors and an audible warning tone from a separate speaker. This dual alert system ensures the driver is immediately aware of potential hazards.

Wiring is handled with extreme care. All wiring entering the cabin is secured within protective conduits. To prevent interference with existing electronics, the wiring paths were routed away from sensitive components. Multiple securing points were used to prevent damage from vibration or heat.