Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 Ambient Lighting Review
Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 ambient lighting retrofit: Price varies, enhances interior with LED mood lighting and touch screen upgrade.
Enhancing Your Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 with Ambient Lighting
For owners of the pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213, issues like wide-cockpit display blackouts can be a common frustration. This review details a comprehensive upgrade that not only addresses such technical concerns but also significantly elevates the interior ambiance. The process involved repairing the wide-cockpit display and integrating an 'Air Touch' system, followed by the addition of sophisticated ambient lighting, specifically focusing on the air vents.
Wide-Cockpit Repair and Air Touch Integration
The initial phase focused on rectifying the wide-cockpit display issues prevalent in earlier W213 models. Following the successful repair, a 'Carlinkit Pro Air Touch' system was installed. This innovative retrofit allows for touch functionality directly on the original command screen. Previously, drivers relied on joysticks or Bluetooth mice for navigation and app control, which could be cumbersome. The Air Touch system overlays a touch panel onto the existing display, preserving the factory look while adding significant convenience. This upgrade streamlines operations like entering navigation addresses and using various applications, enhancing driver focus and safety by making controls more intuitive.
Ambient Lighting Upgrade: Air Vent Illumination
While some Mercedes-Benz E-Class variants, like the coupe and convertible, come with integrated air vent ambient lighting, the sedan models often lack this feature. This review showcases the addition of high-class ambient lighting to the air vents, transforming the cabin's atmosphere. The installed ambient lighting is designed to perfectly match the vehicle's existing interior color scheme, ensuring a seamless and factory-integrated appearance. Crucially, the colors and brightness can be adjusted via the car's command screen, mirroring the functionality of the original ambient lighting system. This upgrade often involves replacing the standard air vents with a turbine-style design and can be applied to both the front and rear seating areas. The cost of this ambient lighting retrofit can vary depending on whether the 1st-row only or both 1st and 2nd rows are illuminated, as well as the specific quality of the ambient lighting kit chosen.
Installation Process and Considerations
The combined process of repairing the wide-cockpit display and installing the Carlinkit Pro Air Touch system typically takes around 3 to 4 hours and can often be completed within a single day. The ambient lighting installation for the air vents usually requires an additional 1 to 2 hours. The total time will depend on the specific vehicle condition and the extent of the ambient lighting work (e.g., front-only vs. full cabin). Regarding pricing, the exact cost for these upgrades is best determined through a direct consultation after the vehicle has been inspected. In Korea, such comprehensive upgrades might range from approximately ₩700,000 to over ₩1,500,000 (roughly $500 to $1100 USD), depending heavily on the chosen components and labor involved. While the source details a specific installation in Korea, the components and processes are generally applicable globally, though local pricing will vary significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much does ambient lighting cost for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213?
In Korea, this type of ambient lighting retrofit can range from approximately ₩700,000 to over ₩1,500,000 (around $500-$1100 USD), with exact US pricing varying by shop and components.
Q. How long does ambient lighting installation take on a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213?
Ambient lighting installation for air vents typically takes 1-2 hours, while a full interior lighting upgrade combined with screen repair can take 3-4 hours.
Q. Is aftermarket ambient lighting worth it for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213?
Ambient lighting is worth it for owners seeking to enhance cabin aesthetics and create a more luxurious mood, especially if adding features like touch screen functionality.
Q. How is ambient lighting installed on a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213?
Installation involves replacing existing air vents with illuminated versions, integrating LED strips, and connecting them to the vehicle's power and control system, often via the infotainment unit.
Q. What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket ambient lighting for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213?
OEM ambient lighting is factory-installed and perfectly integrated, while aftermarket options offer more customization and can be retrofitted, often at a lower cost but requiring professional installation.
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