W221 Reversing Camera not working

[Sotolotl]

Hi all,
I recently bought a W221 S63, the car wasn't advertised a having a reversing camera (the dealer didn't seem too knowledgeable about the car as a whole). I've noticed it physically has a reversing camera in a housing that matches bodywork, and it looks at first blush to be an OEM part, but when I engage reverse nothing appears on the COMMAND screen.

1) how can I confirm that this is actually an OEM part and not an aftermarket solution? Are there any giveaways I can look for?

2) if this is an OEM part, what would cause this behaviour? I've seen lots of posts on this forum about the grid lines showing but with black video, but nothing about the command system not responding to being put into reverse at all.

Kindest Regards,
Sotolotl

 

[Diesel Benz]

Let us know your VIN or you can check yourself if the car had reversing camera from the factory.

Are you sure you have activated reversing camera on reverse gear from the COMAND menus.

 

[Sotolotl]

I've just checked my VIN number, it apparently came with the "rear view" camera option, which I presume is the reversing camera.

I can't, however, find the option to enable it anywhere in the COMAND menus.

 

[Diesel Benz]

Perhaps the COMAND menu does not exist on your MY car. I'm afraid you have to test the camera and the rest of the system with a proper diagnostics tool.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

I'm sure I've heard people complaining that although they have the camera they have to go through another process to activate the actual link between Comand and the camera. Sounds nonsensical but I believe that's the way it was.

I believe that there are cheap hardware and software workarounds but if you don't want to go through that, there's always your local indy or main dealer.

Someone else may pop up with personal experience. Failing that, Google should have more discussion and specific sources of kit to fix it.

 

[Sotolotl]

Thanks for the replies.

After a bit more investigation this weekend, I think this may not be the original COMAND unit for this car. It has the AUX audio line option available from the menu, but the physical aux cable isn't present.

I have a feeling I'll need take this somewhere to get it diagnosed properly, and code in any other missing features I find across.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[Diesel Benz]

Thanks for the replies.

After a bit more investigation this weekend, I think this may not be the original COMAND unit for this car. It has the AUX audio line option available from the menu, but the physical aux cable isn't present.

I have a feeling I'll need take this somewhere to get it diagnosed properly, and code in any other missing features I find across.

Thanks again for your help!

What model year car is it? I had a 2006 W221 that did not have audio/video AUX from the factory but I coded both active myself and installed the wiring. I think AUX audio became standard 2007 or 2008. See your manual for the AUX ports location.

If the screen turns black while reversing, the head unit must have been coded for rear view camera. Incorrect version coding should not be the issue then.