W212 retrofit reversing camera

[ken thomas]

Can I retrofit a reversing camera to my E350 2015 W212?

 

[st13phil]

In short, yes. Mercedes-Benz offer a camera kit for the car but even if you're comfortable fitting it yourself, the car will still need to be coded by a specialist or main dealer to make it work.

Alternatively, there are a few firms that specialise in such retrofits such as COMAND Online who can offer a complete supply and fit service.

 

[ken thomas]

Thanks for the info, I was thinking of fitting one myself, I think I am capable, however, I think my car has the NTG 5 system and I can`t access the engineering mode in order to activate the camera once it is all installed, has anyone cracked the entry code yet?

 

[st13phil]

I can`t access the engineering mode in order to activate the camera once it is all installed, has anyone cracked the entry code yet?

As I said, all later cars need live coding - it's not a matter of cracking any codes, I'm afraid.

 

[ken thomas]

Thanks for that.....looked at Command online, they are too far away from me. There are system kits for sale on ebay for w212 cars but mine is a facelift 2016 model, not sure if they would do for mine, do you know if they are a standard fit item?

 

[st13phil]

I believe the kit for NTG5 is different to that for earlier versions, but can’t confirm that. Would suggest giving the guys at COMAND Online a call as they’re really helpful and will point you in the right direction.

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

@KillerHERTZ did a tutorial on fitting on in his CLS63. it might give you an idea on the level of work involved:

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[ken thomas]

As suggested, I have contacted Command Online, unfortunately, they were less than helpful. Has anybody experience of this type of install....i.e. part numbers of the parts required and coding etc.

 

[pmcgsmurf]

As suggested, I have contacted Command Online, unfortunately, they were less than helpful. Has anybody experience of this type of install....i.e. part numbers of the parts required and coding etc.

Very strange, they have always been very helpful @Alfie @richard

Or is it simply that there is not a system available for your particular setup you find less than helpful?

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

Check out the video I posted as the install will be similar if not identical to that

 

[ken thomas]

Check out the video I posted as the install will be similar if not identical to that

Thanks for the video link, I have viewed it and I am sure I could carry out this install myself, the problem is finding the right kit as my car is the facelift with the NTG5 head unit and the usual engineering access code ...end call+1+# doesn`t work? unless you know the latest code for these head units?

 

[ken thomas]

Very strange, they have always been very helpful @Alfie @richard

Or is it simply that there is not a system available for your particular setup you find less than helpful?

Quite frustrating really, I emailed my VIN number to them along with a list of OEM part numbers for a complete set up that I have been offered, they declined any help on these but offered me their kit for £699 including install, or if I sauced my own kit they would charge £499 to activate it! the problem here is that I am based in the north midlands and they are down south which makes it impracticable for me to use them, so, we are getting nowhere fast.

 

[KillerHERTZ]

STAR/XENTRY Costs a huge amount per month for the licence, they will code it for you correctly and also update your VIN to reflect this (so that when even MB themselves search your VIN it will slow as an original option). added to which its a big job to fit (it took me about 3 hours alone).

I managed to source the parts myself and fit them myself + enable the option, im afraid its not possible to enable the feature on NTG-5 without having it connected to a STAR machine.

The fact they are located 2 hours away from you isnt their fault. I dont understand how you say they were 'less than helpful'?

 

[ken thomas]

STAR/XENTRY Costs a huge amount per month for the licence, they will code it for you correctly and also update your VIN to reflect this (so that when even MB themselves search your VIN it will slow as an original option). added to which its a big job to fit (it took me about 3 hours alone).

I managed to source the parts myself and fit them myself + enable the option, im afraid its not possible to enable the feature on NTG-5 without having it connected to a STAR machine.

The fact they are located 2 hours away from you isnt their fault. I dont understand how you say they were 'less than helpful'?

I appreciate the cost of coding is unavoidable, however, the fact that I gave the part numbers for kit that I have been offered (A212 905 43 05) for a facelift model, a simple yes or no would have been nice. I subscribe to your video channel and find them very good and helpful, keep them coming.

 

[pmcgsmurf]

Quite frustrating really, I emailed my VIN number to them along with a list of OEM part numbers for a complete set up that I have been offered, they declined any help on these but offered me their kit for £699 including install, or if I sauced my own kit they would charge £499 to activate it! the problem here is that I am based in the north midlands and they are down south which makes it impracticable for me to use them, so, we are getting nowhere fast.

I see, they quoted you a price for the job and you found this less than helpful!

I appreciate the cost of coding is unavoidable, however, the fact that I gave the part numbers for kit that I have been offered (A212 905 43 05) for a facelift model, a simple yes or no would have been nice. I subscribe to your video channel and find them very good and helpful, keep them coming.

Thing is they do not need to check part numbers as they know what they are doing.
If you are simply looking for the part numbers then best ask your local dealer.

 

[Alfie]

I appreciate the cost of coding is unavoidable, however, the fact that I gave the part numbers for kit that I have been offered (A212 905 43 05) for a facelift model, a simple yes or no would have been nice. I subscribe to your video channel and find them very good and helpful, keep them coming.

Im sorry you feel we were less than helpful.

We have a strict policy of not endorsing customer supplied part numbers. This is because as/when you fit them and they dont work we do not want to take that responsibility. There are a number of different kits for the ntg 5 cars depending on the bodyshape and generation of Comand/audio unit.

We offered to help you. It seems you want all the help and advice for free from us which up to a point we will accomodate. We have customers who have travelled huge distances to us as we pride our selves in doing a great job.

Fitting a reverse camera to an NTG 5 car requires online coding to get the calibration and guidelines correct. The camera may well need a firmware update too. All this is done on a Mercedes Xentry system. The process can take up to two hours just to code it.

 

[Headhurts]

Quite frustrating really, I emailed my VIN number to them along with a list of OEM part numbers for a complete set up that I have been offered, they declined any help on these but offered me their kit for £699 including install, or if I sauced my own kit they would charge £499 to activate it! the problem here is that I am based in the north midlands and they are down south which makes it impracticable for me to use them, so, we are getting nowhere fast.

I have an S212 E350 Night Edition 2016 year which surprisingly did not come with a reverse camera, I travelled from Norfolk to Comand to have this retrofit, it’s done as per factory spec, the camera now shows as part of the car specification.

Comand did a superb job and I can wholly endorse them.

Unlike you though this would have been beyond my capabilities.

Good luck with your endeavou.

Robin

 

[ken thomas]

Hi Robin, thanks for your input, nothing against Command but it`s a long way to travel what with Covid restrictions etc. I have now decided to go down the route of fitting a 10.5 inch Android screen, this will upgrade my existing screen and I will then be able to fit an aftermarket reversing camera at the same time (no coding required) I can then also update my navigation maps as and when I like, ( google, waze, etc) plus quite a few extra benefits that come with this upgrade, I think this the way to go.
Regards
Ken.

 

[Hectors Dad]

Hi Robin, thanks for your input, nothing against Command but it`s a long way to travel what with Covid restrictions etc. I have now decided to go down the route of fitting a 10.5 inch Android screen, this will upgrade my existing screen and I will then be able to fit an aftermarket reversing camera at the same time (no coding required) I can then also update my navigation maps as and when I like, ( google, waze, etc) plus quite a few extra benefits that come with this upgrade, I think this the way to go.
Regards
Ken.

Hi Ken,
I have a 10.25" Android screen installed in my S212 and whilst it is a good upgrade (it gives you touchscreen ability for a start) there are still some things to be wary of.

1. The connection for audio is VERY hit and miss - Some people have no problem, others never get it sorted out properly.
2. Problems with the MOST aspect of the COMAND head unit are still prevelant.
3. Getting the new wiring harness and associated fittings back in behind the dash neatly (and safely) is extremely difficult.

Having said that, I would give it 7/10 as an upgrade.

I am just at the end of the long and arduous task of retrofitting several options. I have fitted and have fully working, fully electric seats with memory and memory steering column (options 241, 242 & 275) fitting the OEM 360 surround camera system (option 501).

To acheive the last option (501) I have removed my retrofitted OEM rear camera (option 218) and so have the full kit available if you are interested (this can still be integrated into the 10.25" screen).

I would have PMd you but as a new member, you cannot receive PMs but would be happy to have a chat or give some advice about the retrofit of 218 if you let me have some contact details (I am down the road from you in Warwickshire).

Regards, HD

 

[ken thomas]

Hi HD
Thanks for your input, very encouraging, I have been researching these upgrades for a while. I have just been informed that the latest incarnation has been greatly improved and now comes with an even higher resolution screen, so, in for a penny, in for a pound, just ordered this latest incarnation. wish me luck!