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Mercedes: Worst back up camera out there?
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Joined: Oct 2009
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2017 E300 • 2016 Tesla Model S 75D
Mercedes: Worst back up camera out there?
Is there is one thing that irks me about the E350, it's the backup camera.
Don't get me wrong, it's better than no camera for sure, but why did they go with a fisheye lens and why aren't there any guide lines like other cars have? I find it very hard to judge both the distance behind the car and the width of the car itself.
I don't think it would have been terribly difficult to have some guide lines on the screen, even if they don't move with the steering wheel like they do in an Audi.
Don't get me wrong, it's better than no camera for sure, but why did they go with a fisheye lens and why aren't there any guide lines like other cars have? I find it very hard to judge both the distance behind the car and the width of the car itself.
I don't think it would have been terribly difficult to have some guide lines on the screen, even if they don't move with the steering wheel like they do in an Audi.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 12
From: Connecticut
2018 BMW 540d
MY BT is the first car I've owned with a backup camera.The camera,combined with the tilting passenger side mirror,does nicely for me.If others are even better that's great.Perhaps I haven't been "spoiled" by having owned any such vehicle.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
2012 E550
I bought an Infiniti in 2005 (seven years ago!) that had a backup camera with guidelines that followed the steering and colour-coded distance markers. I was disappointed that my 2009 Jag didn't have them (although they've added them for 2012), and almost shocked to find that a 2012 MB didn't. BMW even has the 360-degree view on the 5-series now (which i first saw in an Infiniti three years ago).
-brent
-brent
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,391
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W212 FL
Honestly, when I first saw the guidelines I found them very confusing then practical 
However, I have learnt how these lines work and help drivers park easily
I find my back up camera very useful , no guide lines but I can park my car between two cars easily w/o any problem and thanks to rear view , I can go as far back as I can find it proper . Normally, sensors only beep and you may wonder what's behind you but rear view assist can really show what's behind you and you can set your mind at ease when the sensors beep more than usual
I know MB may not have the best tech gadgets but overall very satisfying
However, I have learnt how these lines work and help drivers park easily
I find my back up camera very useful , no guide lines but I can park my car between two cars easily w/o any problem and thanks to rear view , I can go as far back as I can find it proper . Normally, sensors only beep and you may wonder what's behind you but rear view assist can really show what's behind you and you can set your mind at ease when the sensors beep more than usual
I know MB may not have the best tech gadgets but overall very satisfying
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
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From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
I drove a GLK for a week and liked the guidelines that it provided for the rear view camera. The E550 should have had them.
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 833
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From: St. Paul, MN
2011 E550 4Matic
I asked my wife about backing up our E550 and she said she just turns her head like she has always done. She doesn't use the camera (or the tilt-down mirror).
I drove a GLK for a week and liked the guidelines that it provided for the rear view camera. The E550 should have had them.
I drove a GLK for a week and liked the guidelines that it provided for the rear view camera. The E550 should have had them.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 764
Likes: 10
From: North Carolina
2010 E350, 2015 S550
Is there is one thing that irks me about the E350, it's the backup camera.
Don't get me wrong, it's better than no camera for sure, but why did they go with a fisheye lens and why aren't there any guide lines like other cars have? I find it very hard to judge both the distance behind the car and the width of the car itself.
I don't think it would have been terribly difficult to have some guide lines on the screen, even if they don't move with the steering wheel like they do in an Audi.
Don't get me wrong, it's better than no camera for sure, but why did they go with a fisheye lens and why aren't there any guide lines like other cars have? I find it very hard to judge both the distance behind the car and the width of the car itself.
I don't think it would have been terribly difficult to have some guide lines on the screen, even if they don't move with the steering wheel like they do in an Audi.
Or.
You could test drive one and decide if it is something that bothers you so much you can't live with then you can decide not to buy one.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota, Florida
2011 E350, 2004 911
I asked my wife about backing up our E550 and she said she just turns her head like she has always done. She doesn't use the camera (or the tilt-down mirror).
I drove a GLK for a week and liked the guidelines that it provided for the rear view camera. The E550 should have had them.
I drove a GLK for a week and liked the guidelines that it provided for the rear view camera. The E550 should have had them.
What's the big deal around guidelines? Bragging rights?
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
2011 E350
My wife has the X5 with all the cool gadgets and the camera even has a top view. However, I get distracted with all the parking lines and top view that I actually park faster and more efficiently in my E350 using the standard camera.
But the top view is cool from the passenger point of view.
But the top view is cool from the passenger point of view.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,391
Likes: 957
W212 FL
It should be when you are parking right over the edge and bikini girls sunbathing down at the beach 
lol
RR also ( I mean Range Rover lol ) has a bunch of camera once Jeremy Clarkson run over his crew to show they were no longer necessity to the BBC
lol RR also ( I mean Range Rover lol ) has a bunch of camera once Jeremy Clarkson run over his crew to show they were no longer necessity to the BBC
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,139
Likes: 41
Tesla Model S P100D
Seriously though I agree with the OP. The Mercedes backup camera is a joke. It's something you expected to be installed by a bunch of kids at the local Best Buy back in 2002.
With all the tight parking I have to do in the Washington DC area with very congested parking spots and garages I am constantly envious of friends with Audi and BMW parking cameras with integrated proximity warning systems. They are generations ahead of Mercedes.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I don't get the hoopla behind "guidlines". You guys really need lines to tell you where to go? Are we getting that dumbed down as drivers?
Speaking for myself, before I had the backup camera in the W212, I never though I needed one. Now, I feel like I can't live without it. In cars without it, I'm absolutely lost when I'm trying to reverse. What these things do is take away our abilities to use our brains and senses to their highest degrees, therefore they by definition, "dumb us down".
I'll take all the camera's, sure, and it sure has saved me some scuffs and time, but it's made me idiotically bad when it comes to reversing without it now.
On another note, with the super high belt lines of cars today, it's getting to the point where we need them, as rear windows are become non functional practically.
Speaking for myself, before I had the backup camera in the W212, I never though I needed one. Now, I feel like I can't live without it. In cars without it, I'm absolutely lost when I'm trying to reverse. What these things do is take away our abilities to use our brains and senses to their highest degrees, therefore they by definition, "dumb us down".
I'll take all the camera's, sure, and it sure has saved me some scuffs and time, but it's made me idiotically bad when it comes to reversing without it now.
On another note, with the super high belt lines of cars today, it's getting to the point where we need them, as rear windows are become non functional practically.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 764
Likes: 10
From: North Carolina
2010 E350, 2015 S550
I would have preferred the system that has the bumper mounted sensors with a graphic display in the car. I don't even know if that system is offered here in the US. I believe the parktronic operates differently. Regardless, in order to get the car with a different system, I would have had to order it rather than take advantage of end of model year discounts that the deler offered. But I knew what I was buying.
Now I leave the distronic turned on so it helps in the front and the camera helps in the back. It's the front and rear corners that I need the help of the sensors on. The camera, lines or no lines does not help much with that.
Now I leave the distronic turned on so it helps in the front and the camera helps in the back. It's the front and rear corners that I need the help of the sensors on. The camera, lines or no lines does not help much with that.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 491
Likes: 0
From: Irvine, CA, USA
Tesla
People complain about the picture quality of Porsche Cayenne/Panamera backup cameras over on the Porsche forums as well. The image quality IS pretty poor compared to the ones in Mercedes. But I mean come on, it's a backup camera! If you can see what's back there then it's doing its job. Can't expect it to park the car for you. For that you can get a Ford Focus which costs a lot less. 
Our old 2004 Toyota Sienna came with backup camera back in 2003. Although it doesn't have the turning guide lines like modern ones, it has saved us many, many times. And we are able to parallel pack into a very tight spots where it wouldn't be possible without it. So in my opinion, as long as it shows a good indication of the distance relative to your rear bumper and object, it's worth having.
Our old 2004 Toyota Sienna came with backup camera back in 2003. Although it doesn't have the turning guide lines like modern ones, it has saved us many, many times. And we are able to parallel pack into a very tight spots where it wouldn't be possible without it. So in my opinion, as long as it shows a good indication of the distance relative to your rear bumper and object, it's worth having.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 561
Likes: 2
From: New Mexico
2014 E350, 2012 SL550
These are all just features to, potentially, make a driver's life a little easier. You don't have to use them.
Regards,
Don
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota, Florida
2011 E350, 2004 911
I don't get the hoopla behind "guidlines". You guys really need lines to tell you where to go? Are we getting that dumbed down as drivers?
Speaking for myself, before I had the backup camera in the W212, I never though I needed one. Now, I feel like I can't live without it. In cars without it, I'm absolutely lost when I'm trying to reverse. What these things do is take away our abilities to use our brains and senses to their highest degrees, therefore they by definition, "dumb us down".
I'll take all the camera's, sure, and it sure has saved me some scuffs and time, but it's made me idiotically bad when it comes to reversing without it now.
On another note, with the super high belt lines of cars today, it's getting to the point where we need them, as rear windows are become non functional practically.
Speaking for myself, before I had the backup camera in the W212, I never though I needed one. Now, I feel like I can't live without it. In cars without it, I'm absolutely lost when I'm trying to reverse. What these things do is take away our abilities to use our brains and senses to their highest degrees, therefore they by definition, "dumb us down".
I'll take all the camera's, sure, and it sure has saved me some scuffs and time, but it's made me idiotically bad when it comes to reversing without it now.
On another note, with the super high belt lines of cars today, it's getting to the point where we need them, as rear windows are become non functional practically.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 20
From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
I would've posted the same comment as you 2 months ago; not now though.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
It's one of those things, "if you don't have it, you don't need it.... if you have it, you now need it".
I'm a big believer that all these creature comforts make us dumbed down, but hey, it makes life easier (don't have to apply ourselves so much in so many areas), so sign me up.... but I guess if I don't have it, and don't feel I need it, I don't really care for it.
If my W212 had guidlines, I'd probably be saying how not having them is unacceptable. Not sure which way is better. I love my rearview camera, but it's made me feel less confident without one when driving backwards.
I'm a big believer that all these creature comforts make us dumbed down, but hey, it makes life easier (don't have to apply ourselves so much in so many areas), so sign me up.... but I guess if I don't have it, and don't feel I need it, I don't really care for it.
If my W212 had guidlines, I'd probably be saying how not having them is unacceptable. Not sure which way is better. I love my rearview camera, but it's made me feel less confident without one when driving backwards.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 160
From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Test drove a Hyundai Genesis in 2010 and the backup camera with lines was much more functional first time I tried it. Still don't trust the camera in my E350.
Have a Toyota Tacoma that has a backup camera with the screen in rear view mirror. Conveneint for using both mirror and camera simultaneously, but real small screen.
View not really any better than the MB one.
Have learned: 1-absoulutly nothing to sides shows in either one; 2-when you see something in the screen,you're on top of it.
Have a Toyota Tacoma that has a backup camera with the screen in rear view mirror. Conveneint for using both mirror and camera simultaneously, but real small screen.
View not really any better than the MB one.
Have learned: 1-absoulutly nothing to sides shows in either one; 2-when you see something in the screen,you're on top of it.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Far west Plano
ML350
Please stay on message
Belittling drivers or discounting the need for guidelines doesn't address the issue.
I drive a 2012 E350 convertible while my wife has a 2012 M350 with guidelines on the backup screen. Rest assured her system is FAR superior to mine.
The only valid solution on this forum is a suggestion MB rectify the situation via a software or firmware upgrade. Best to all.
I drive a 2012 E350 convertible while my wife has a 2012 M350 with guidelines on the backup screen. Rest assured her system is FAR superior to mine.
The only valid solution on this forum is a suggestion MB rectify the situation via a software or firmware upgrade. Best to all.
Last edited by Ternosky; Jun 19, 2014 at 02:06 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,231
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
I find the birds eye camera surround package perfect.
I have a g35x and i do agree it has a great camera system with active guidelines
The mdx has a great fish eye view that really let's you scan down both sides of the road perpendicular to u before moving backwards into it
All have their merits, none are perfect
I have a g35x and i do agree it has a great camera system with active guidelines
The mdx has a great fish eye view that really let's you scan down both sides of the road perpendicular to u before moving backwards into it
All have their merits, none are perfect
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
2013 E350
Belittling drivers or discounting the need for guidelines doesn't address the issue.
I drive a 2012 E350 convertible while my wife has a 2012 M350 with guidelines on the backup screen. Rest assured her system is FAR superior to mine.
The only valid solution on this forum is a suggestion MB rectify the situation via a software or firmware upgrade. Best to all.
I drive a 2012 E350 convertible while my wife has a 2012 M350 with guidelines on the backup screen. Rest assured her system is FAR superior to mine.
The only valid solution on this forum is a suggestion MB rectify the situation via a software or firmware upgrade. Best to all.
X2
It would be nice if the lines were available through a software/firmware update. I don't need the lines honestly, I make an effort to actually look behind me when backing up. It only annoys me that I have a 2013, the lines are offered on the 2014's, and they can't do anything about it.
