Help with retrofit Reverse Camera W221 2009 pre facelift

[ninjin]

Hi guys,

I wonder if someone can help me. I got a 2009 registered S320CDI, its one of the last pre-facelifts (without the LED headlights)

From what I have been reading, I can install a universal reverse camera and run the signal to the back of the head unit and plug it in.

To get it to work I need to use Star Diag to activate it.

Is this correct?

If so, what connector is used by the OEM system to take the camera signal?

I guess the power for the camera can be wired to come on with the reversing lights.

If anyone has any info to help me, please feel free to post it!

Thanks in advance.

Alan

 

[350_Coupe]

Alfie or Richard are the guys who are likely to be able to answer this one for you, certainly on the star diagnostic side anyway.

As for power, i would be inclined not to take it off the reversing lights circuit, because i'm assuming the camera will draw a fair bit more than the expected bulbs, plus i don't know if the reversing lights are hooked to the bulb out system.

 

[npuk]

Rear Parking sensors are linked to the reverse light circuit. Have installed rear view cameras hooked to the reverse light feed in the past with no problems, the current draw is not large.

I assume you have a Comand NTG2.5 (has a sd card slot above the dvd slot). If so you need a green fakra to rca cable to hook up the camera to Comand. Can be bought on ebay.

You need the unit to be coded via STAR to enable the camera input. Once coded when reverse is selected unit will auto switch to the camera.

 

[350_Coupe]

see, i said someone far more knowledgeable than me would be along

can he use any camera ? ... PAL or NTSC or does it need to be a specific type ?

 

[npuk]

I had read NTG2.5 needs a NTSC camera but that appears to be incorrect as another member is using a PAL camera without any problems so either can be used. I have a PAL camera ready to hook up too but unit still needs coding.

 

[350_Coupe]

lol ... i read both of those too, probably the same things you did ... hence why i asked

 

[thepalmtrees]

What's the best way to get at the plug sockets behind the command screen to plug the camera in ? ( W221 facelift )

 

[Diesel Benz]

What's the best way to get at the plug sockets behind the command screen to plug the camera in ? ( W221 facelift )

Remove the Comand unit, then take care of the wires and reinstall Comand.

Or did you mean "how to feed the wire from the rear of the car to the front"?

 

[Alfie]

What's the best way to get at the plug sockets behind the command screen to plug the camera in ? ( W221 facelift )

The wiring you need is behind the Comand not the screen.

I take it you are aware that there isnt a dedicated camera input on the back of your Comand?

 

[thepalmtrees]

Thanks for your replies. I'm a retired motor engineer, but new to the 'electronic era, Mercedes so it's a steep learning curve ! I've only had the car for a couple of months ( 2009, 25000 miles ). I've bought a camera that fits in the number plate light hole + a Fakra / RCA cable which I believe I need ( neither delivered to me yet ) So, from my position of ignorance, I take it you mean the Comand part in front of the central armrest? So, is this where the camera lead plugs in ? And is there a spare socket for it ? If not any suggestions about a separate video head or whatever would be appreciated. Glyn

 

[Range]

Thanks for your replies. I'm a retired motor engineer, but new to the 'electronic era, Mercedes so it's a steep learning curve ! I've only had the car for a couple of months ( 2009, 25000 miles ). I've bought a camera that fits in the number plate light hole + a Fakra / RCA cable which I believe I need ( neither delivered to me yet ) So, from my position of ignorance, I take it you mean the Comand part in front of the central armrest? So, is this where the camera lead plugs in ? And is there a spare socket for it ? If not any suggestions about a separate video head or whatever would be appreciated. Glyn

I had a 57 plate w221 and I wanted the camera so I bought an interface from a online chinese website I think it was alibaba i think after that i used a relay in boot for switching the interface to reverse and took permanent power from rear cig socket got a 15 quid camera off ebay but the ones for our cars you can get on ebay for 35 quid, mounted interface behind center air vents under screen ran wiring from boot into car and to front all parts cost me about £270 no coding no programming camera works like it was factory installed and when i sold car to dealer i told them that I installed camera and they didnt believe me so must have been a convincing install? you do need a few hours to get it all done as these cars are well put together but I loved installing it and results spoke for themselves!!