Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Safety Upgrades for Dallas Client

A client from Dallas, Pennsylvania, recently contacted the team at Mobile Edge to inquire about upgrading his 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a 360-degree camera system for added safety as well as several accessories to make using the vehicle more comfortable. We discussed the upgrade options available for the Sprinter and provided our insight into the features and benefits of each system. Together, we came up with a list of enhancements that would make driving the Sprinter more enjoyable and much safer.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 360-Degree Camera System

The new camera system allows 360 degree viewing.

The calibrated top view makes driving in tight spaces easier.

A front camera was added as part of the 360 camera system.

Cameras were mounted under the sideview mirrors.

The first upgrade was a 360-degree camera system that would allow the driver to see everything around the vehicle while he was parking or maneuvering. We used a TE-360-3D kit from iBEAM Vehicle Safety that includes four cameras and a digital image processor. Our technicians mounted a wide-angle camera underneath each of the side-view mirrors on the truck and a third camera inside the Mercedes badge on the front grille.

We installed two cameras on the back of the vehicle. One camera is dedicated to the TE-360-3D system and the second is connected to the new multimedia radio we installed. To complete the installation of the iBEAM system, we took the truck outside and used a calibration grid to teach the image processor how to blend the four camera images together into a single, coherent picture that looks like an aerial view of the truck.

The TE-360-3D includes a built-in DVR that records all four camera feeds while driving. Should the vehicle be involved in an accident, the owner can review the video footage using the included IR remote control.

Mercedes Stereo System Upgrade

Audison Prima speakers were chosen for their great value.

The compact Hertz amplifier powers the new speakers.

Since the client would be spending a fair amount of time in the truck, he wanted to upgrade the sound system. This process started with the aforementioned Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX multimedia receiver. This new radio includes a 6.94-inch touchscreen display and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

We connected the preamp output of the radio to a two-channel Hertz HCP2 amplifier. The amplifier provides up to 130 watts of power to a pair of Audison Prima-Series APX 6.5 speakers that we mounted in the factory speaker location in each door. We added a set of rubber gaskets around the speakers that will seal against the factory door panel and focus all the energy from the speakers into the cab.

Van Accessories Add Comfort and Safety

Hushmat was added to the rear wheel arches.

3M Crystalline tint was used to darken the windows.

Getting in and out of the Sprinter is easier now thanks to the Powersteps.

At this point, we were about halfway through the upgrades for this Sprinter. We added a layer of Hushmat sound deadening material to the inner rear wheel wells to help cut down road noise while the truck is traveling down the road.

We installed a set of Amp Research PowerStep motorized running boards to make it easier for people to get in and out. Unlike conventional steps, PowerSteps fit up tight to the rocker panels, so they don’t have a significant impact on ground clearance or aerodynamics. As soon as the driver or passenger door opens, the steps extend down automatically. Our team took care of mounting the steps and completing the electrical connections needed to power the steps and trigger their extension when a door opens.

Next on the list was the addition of 3M Crystalline tint to all the windows. Crystalline is unlike conventional films in that it blocks more than half of the IR energy from the sun to help keep the interior of the vehicle cool on hot summer days. As you can imagine, with 11 large windows, the interior of this Sprinter can feel like an oven in the summer.

The last upgrade was a Compustar remote starter with a DroneMobile smartphone interface. The client can start the van using an app on his phone from anywhere in the world, as long as he has access to the internet.

Carbon County’s Automotive Enhancement Specialists

It took several days to complete the safety and convenience upgrades on this Sprinter, but the results were well worth the effort. The client was thrilled with the improvements we made. We explained how to use each system and let him know we are here to answer any questions. If you are looking for safety or convenience upgrades for your Sprinter, drop by Mobile Edge in Lehighton or click the red button below to send us an e-mail.