Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 OEM Options Review

Enhancing Your Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 with OEM Options

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 is a popular choice for families, and keeping rear passengers, especially children, comfortable and entertained on long drives is a priority. This review focuses on two key OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) options that significantly enhance the rear cabin experience: a factory-option style rear monitor system and genuine rear sunshades. These upgrades aim to provide a seamless, integrated look and feel, much like they were factory-installed from the start.

Seamless Integration: OEM Style Rear Monitors

For families frequently traveling with children, the rear seat can become a battleground of boredom on extended journeys. The OEM-style rear monitor system addresses this directly. Installed using a dedicated bracket that attaches discreetly to the back of the front seats, these monitors blend in perfectly, appearing as a natural extension of the car's interior. The bracket design, similar to that used in previous W213 models, ensures a clean installation with wiring neatly concealed within the seat structure. A significant advantage of this system is its user-friendliness; the monitor simply clicks into place on the bracket, and removal is just as easy, often involving a simple button press. This makes them convenient for cleaning or if you need to temporarily remove them.

These rear monitors operate on an Android-based platform, offering tablet-like functionality. By connecting to a smartphone's hotspot for Wi-Fi, users can access the Google Play Store to download a wide array of applications. This means streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and other popular entertainment apps are readily available, ensuring children remain engaged and entertained during drives. The system can be fitted to one or both sides of the rear seat, depending on your specific needs. The installation process is straightforward:

1. Bracket Installation: A custom bracket is securely mounted to the back of the front seat using the vehicle's existing structure.
2. Wiring Integration: Necessary power and data cables are routed discreetly and cleanly behind interior panels and within the seat.
3. Monitor Attachment: The rear monitor unit is then easily clipped or slotted into the mounted bracket.
4. System Setup: Connect to Wi-Fi via a hotspot and log in to your preferred apps.

The cost for this type of rear monitor installation typically ranges from approximately ₩300,000 to ₩600,000 (roughly $220 - $440 USD, subject to exchange rates) in Korea, depending on the specific monitor model chosen and whether one or two units are installed. While these are not strictly 'factory options' in the sense of being ordered from the assembly line, they are designed to mimic the look and function of OEM upgrades.

Practicality Meets Elegance: Genuine Rear Sunshades

Protecting rear passengers from harsh sunlight and UV rays is crucial, especially for children. The genuine Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 rear sunshades offer a superior solution compared to temporary stick-on shades. These are installed by replacing the existing trim pieces on the rear doors with genuine parts that incorporate the retractable sunshade mechanism. Unlike aftermarket solutions that can be cumbersome to deploy and retract, or may fall off when windows are lowered, these integrated shades retract neatly into the door panel when not in use. This preserves the vehicle's clean interior aesthetic and ensures they are always ready when needed.

The benefit extends beyond sun protection; they also help reduce the interior temperature during hot weather by blocking direct sunlight, making the seats and cabin more comfortable. The integration is flawless, maintaining the premium feel of the E-Class. The durability of genuine parts ensures long-term performance without degradation, unlike some adhesive-backed or plastic aftermarket alternatives.

Transforming the Rear Cabin Experience

The combined effect of installing these OEM-style rear monitors and genuine rear sunshades transforms the back of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 into a more comfortable, entertaining, and protected space. Children can enjoy their favorite shows, reducing travel fatigue, while all rear passengers benefit from reduced glare and heat. This upgrade enhances the overall ownership experience, making journeys more pleasant for everyone involved.