Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 OEM Options Review: Cost & Results

Enhancing Your Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 with OEM Options

Modern Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 vehicles often come equipped with impressive factory features like illuminated grilles and head-up displays. However, the rear passenger experience, particularly for entertainment, can sometimes feel less prioritized. This is where the appeal of specific OEM options, such as rear seat monitors, comes into play. These upgrades can transform long journeys for all passengers, especially children, by providing access to streaming services like YouTube and Netflix, turning potentially tedious drives into enjoyable experiences. This review focuses on a popular bracket-style rear monitor system designed for seamless integration.

The Advantage of Bracket-Style OEM Options

When considering rear monitor installations for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213, various mounting methods exist. However, the bracket-style approach stands out for its clean integration and user-friendliness. This method utilizes a bracket designed to mimic the factory option, fitting snugly against the seat back without protruding awkwardly. The result is a look that feels genuinely OEM, with minimal visible wiring and a secure fit that doesn't detract from the seat's aesthetics. A significant benefit of this design is its ease of removal; when not needed, such as when carrying bulky items or when children aren't present, the monitors can be detached quickly. This versatility adds practical value beyond just entertainment. Importantly, this bracket system is often adaptable to other Mercedes-Benz models, including the C-Class, GLC, and GLE, showcasing its broad applicability as a factory upgrade.

OEM Options Installation Process for the E-Class W213

Installing these OEM options requires specialized knowledge, especially since it may involve removing seat components. It's crucial to have the work performed by a Mercedes-Benz specialist to ensure proper fitment and avoid damage, particularly on brand-new vehicles where seat covers might need careful handling. The entire installation process typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, though this can vary based on the specific vehicle and the extent of the work. Once completed, both the driver and front passenger seats will feature integrated rear monitors, each operating independently. The bracket system ensures the monitors are securely housed within the seat structure, appearing almost as if they were factory-installed. Detachment is designed to be simple, usually involving a press of a side button, allowing for easy removal when necessary.

Installation process:

1. Seat disassembly: The technician carefully removes the seat back panels to access the mounting points.
2. Bracket installation: The custom bracket is securely attached to the seat frame, designed for a flush fit.
3. Monitor mounting: The rear monitor is then fitted into the bracket, ensuring it's stable and aligned.
4. Wiring and reassembly: Electrical connections are made discreetly, and the seat panels are reassembled for a factory-like finish.

The final result is a clean, integrated look that enhances the rear cabin's entertainment capabilities without compromising the vehicle's interior design. The durability of this setup is high due to the secure bracket mounting, and maintenance primarily involves standard screen cleaning.