DVD Playing?

[JPW]

I don't own an Equus (yet). I currently have a BMW 7-series with the rear entertainment system and I've always thought just how poorly it was designed. Basically, there isn't any way to control what is being played in the rear of the vehicle from the front. With kids it is always a challenge.

So I've looked through the Equus owner's manual and I can't find anything on this topic. I'm assuming you load the DVD's from the front and then can control the output to the rear (on the Ultimate)...correct? When you are parked does it show DVD content on the front display and the rear display? I'm assuming that if it does this the front display then turns the DVD off in the front when driving...correct? Is there any sort of workaround to have the DVD seen in the front and the rear while driving?

 

[hitman007]

I own a new 2012 Ultimate. You are correct in that you load the DVD in the front and the rear passengers have complete control of the system. You also have control from the front. The front screen does show the DVD when the car is in PARK. I am sure there is some workaround but I have no idea how it would be done. Perhaps a car audio guy may be able to do it.

For what its worth, I had a 2010 750Li and traded on the 2012 Equus Ultimate. I would rate the BMW build quality & materials higher and the features equal. However for the $30,000+ price savings I can live with the lesser quality materials. And by lesser I want to make sure you understand they are not "Ford" like. More "Cadillac" like.

 

[JPW]

I own a new 2012 Ultimate. You are correct in that you load the DVD in the front and the rear passengers have complete control of the system. You also have control from the front. The front screen does show the DVD when the car is in PARK. I am sure there is some workaround but I have no idea how it would be done. Perhaps a car audio guy may be able to do it.

For what its worth, I had a 2010 750Li and traded on the 2012 Equus Ultimate. I would rate the BMW build quality & materials higher and the features equal. However for the $30,000+ price savings I can live with the lesser quality materials. And by lesser I want to make sure you understand they are not "Ford" like. More "Cadillac" like.

Thanks for that. I really enjoyed your comments and think they are spot on.

I am curious though. If you traded in the 2010 750Li wouldn't the depreciation about bury you? After only such a short time of ownership I would think that $30,000 difference you mention might have been hard to come by. Again, only curious.

 

[hitman007]

I trade every two years regardless of the depreciation so that is not a factor. Its just an expense of my "car habit". The trade in value on the 750 is the same if I trade it on a Ford, Hyundai or another BMW. I can only look at the acquisition cost of the next car and try to get the best deal possible. Whats worse is I trade my sports car every year! Now that is a hard hit. Just traded my 2011 Mercedes E63 on the new 911. Ouch.