Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 Ambient Lighting Review
Service Price
Est. $400–800
Estimated price · Actual price may vary by shop
Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 ambient lighting retrofit: approx. $400–800. Enhances interior with customizable LED mood lighting and electric tweeters.
Elevate Your Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 Interior
For owners of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213, particularly pre-facelift models, there's often a desire to enhance the premium feel beyond the factory options. Many appreciate the sophisticated Burmester sound system but notice the absence of smoothly deploying electric tweeters or subtle ambient lighting upon startup. Furthermore, the original COMAND system's lack of touch functionality can feel dated. This review explores a comprehensive interior upgrade package for the W213 E-Class, including the installation of Burmester-style 3D electric tweeters, ambient lighting for the air vents, and the addition of a Carlinkit Pro with Air Touch for enhanced convenience.
Enhanced Aesthetics and Functionality
The upgrade begins with the electric tweeters. These units, manufactured domestically in Korea, are designed for reliability and ease of after-sales service. They integrate seamlessly with the car's CAN communication system, automatically deploying when the audio system is activated and retracting when it's turned off, mimicking a factory option. Utilizing the same Mabuchi motor as genuine Burmester tweeters ensures quiet operation. The visual effect of these tweeters smoothly rising upon ignition adds a touch of luxury and enhances the audio experience during music playback. Complementing the tweeters are the air vent ambient lights. Unlike lower-quality alternatives, these are designed to match the quality and color output of Mercedes-Benz's original ambient lighting, preventing error codes and ensuring a cohesive look. The installation involves replacing the standard vents with a turbine-style design that incorporates the LED lighting, creating a refined atmosphere akin to the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet models. This lighting extends to both the front and rear vents, ensuring all occupants enjoy the enhanced ambiance. To address the non-touch COMAND system in earlier W213 models, the Carlinkit Pro with Air Touch was installed. This upgrade allows for direct touchscreen control of the infotainment system, similar to a smartphone interface. It significantly improves usability, especially for navigation input, making destination searches quicker and more convenient while driving.
Installation Process and Value Proposition
The combined installation of electric tweeters, air vent ambient lighting, and the Carlinkit Pro with Air Touch typically takes approximately 3 to 5 hours, allowing for completion within a single day. The cost for these upgrades can vary based on the specific products chosen and the installation location, but generally ranges from around 300,000 KRW (approximately $220 USD) for the tweeters and ambient lighting alone, up to 700,000 KRW (approximately $500 USD) or more when including the Carlinkit Pro system. It's advisable to obtain quotes from multiple reputable installers to compare pricing and confirm the quality of components used. The durability of the electric tweeters and ambient lighting is expected to be long-term, essentially lasting the life of the vehicle with proper care. The Carlinkit module may have a warranty of 1-2 years, depending on the provider. This comprehensive upgrade significantly enhances the perceived value and daily enjoyment of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213, transforming the cabin into a more modern, luxurious, and user-friendly environment. It's a worthwhile investment for owners seeking to bridge the gap between their car's existing features and the latest automotive technology and aesthetics.
Installation process:
- Removal of existing air vents and/or tweeter covers.
- Wiring integration for ambient lighting and electric tweeters, connecting to the vehicle's power and CAN bus system.
- Installation of the Carlinkit Pro module and connection to the COMAND system.
- Mounting of new turbine-style air vents with integrated ambient lighting.
- Testing of all functions, including lighting color synchronization, tweeter deployment, and touchscreen responsiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much does ambient lighting cost for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213?
In Korea, this specific ambient lighting and electric tweeter upgrade package typically costs around 300,000 KRW to 700,000 KRW (approx. $220-$500 USD). In the US, similar comprehensive ambient lighting retrofits for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 can range from $400 to $800.
Q. How long does ambient lighting installation take on a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213?
The installation for ambient lighting and electric tweeters on a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 usually takes about 1-2 hours per component, with a full package including the Carlinkit Pro taking 3-5 hours. Proper maintenance involves keeping the LEDs clean and ensuring wiring connections remain secure.
Q. Is aftermarket ambient lighting worth it for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213?
Aftermarket ambient lighting is highly recommended for Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 owners who desire a more customizable and luxurious cabin ambiance than offered by factory options. The value lies in significantly enhancing the interior's aesthetic appeal and creating a personalized mood lighting experience.
Q. How is ambient lighting installed on a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213?
Installation typically involves replacing existing air vents with new units featuring integrated LEDs, and wiring them into the vehicle's electrical system for power and control. For electric tweeters, the original units are replaced, and wiring is connected to the audio system's CAN communication. The Carlinkit Pro is integrated to enable touchscreen functionality.
Q. What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket ambient lighting for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213?
The primary difference is cost and feature set; OEM ambient lighting is factory-integrated and limited, while quality aftermarket kits, like the ones described, offer more customization options (colors, brightness) and can be retrofitted to non-equipped vehicles. For the W213, aftermarket options often provide a more comprehensive aesthetic upgrade, especially when combined with features like electric tweeters.
Q. What should I know before getting Ambient Lighting on a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213? (common regrets and mistakes)
A common regret is choosing low-quality kits that cause error codes or have poor color matching; always opt for kits designed to match OEM quality and ensure professional installation. Another mistake is not considering the full package, like adding electric tweeters and touchscreen upgrades simultaneously for a complete interior transformation.
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