Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 Ambient Lighting Review — Cost

Upgrade Your Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 with Ambient Lighting

Many modern luxury vehicles, including newer Mercedes-Benz models, feature sophisticated interior ambient lighting that enhances the cabin's atmosphere. However, if you own an older Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213, particularly pre-2018 models, you might be missing out on this premium feature. This review explores the process and benefits of retrofitting ambient lighting, specifically focusing on a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet that received an interior lighting upgrade, including vent and midrange speaker illumination. The goal is to transform the cabin into a more luxurious and visually appealing space, especially during nighttime drives.

What is Ambient Lighting and Why Retrofit?

Ambient lighting is more than just decorative LEDs; it's an integrated system designed to subtly illuminate the interior, creating a mood and enhancing the sense of luxury. A key advantage of genuine or high-quality aftermarket ambient lighting is its seamless integration with the car's existing control systems. For Mercedes-Benz, this often means the ability to adjust color and brightness directly through the COMAND system, just like factory-installed options. This eliminates the need for separate switches or smartphone apps, offering a truly integrated experience. While newer E-Class coupes and convertibles may come with ambient lighting as standard, older models often lack this feature, creating a noticeable difference in perceived luxury. Retrofitting ambient lighting, particularly vent and midrange illumination, bridges this gap, bringing an older vehicle up to modern standards.

Installation Process: Ambient Lighting Retrofit

The installation process for ambient lighting on a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 focuses on integrating the new lighting elements without compromising the vehicle's original wiring or aesthetics. The process typically involves:

1. Initial Assessment: Verifying the existing interior setup, noting the specific areas for lighting, such as the air vents and midrange speaker grilles.
2. Wiring Integration: Utilizing the vehicle's original wiring pathways where possible. A common and recommended method involves using connector-type wiring. This approach connects the new ambient lighting components to the car's existing electrical system without cutting or splicing factory wires, ensuring a clean installation and preserving the option for future restoration to the original state.
3. Component Installation: Carefully installing the LED strips or modules around the air vents and behind custom speaker grilles. For midrange speaker illumination, this often involves replacing the stock speaker covers with 'Burmester style' grilles, which are designed to allow light to pass through, mimicking the premium audio system's aesthetic.
4. System Testing: After installation, thoroughly testing the lighting system to ensure all colors and brightness levels are adjustable via the car's native controls and that there are no electrical issues.

The specific vehicle in the original context, a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, underwent a dual upgrade: vent ambient lighting and midrange ambient lighting. The vent lighting involves discreetly placing LEDs around the turbine-style vents, while the midrange lighting is integrated with new speaker grilles, often designed to resemble those from the premium Burmester sound system. This comprehensive approach significantly elevates the interior ambiance, creating a more immersive and high-end feel, akin to a luxury theater.

Is Ambient Lighting Worth It for Your E-Class W213?

The decision to retrofit ambient lighting for your Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 hinges on your desire for enhanced interior aesthetics and a more premium driving experience. If you frequently drive at night or simply appreciate a sophisticated cabin atmosphere, the upgrade can be highly rewarding. The ability to control the lighting through the car's original interface is a significant value proposition, offering a factory-like experience. While the exact cost can vary, the investment in ambient lighting can significantly boost the perceived value and enjoyment of your vehicle. The original installation mentioned, which included vent and midrange lighting, was performed by 'Todays Car' in Incheon, South Korea. While specific pricing in USD isn't provided, similar aftermarket kits in the US can range from approximately $115 to $150 for basic setups, with more complex installations costing more.