huir

NEW TO THE FORUM.
I am interested in insalling a back up camera for my new 2010 C300 with MM package.

After reading many threads about this topic, I am still wondering whether I need an interface to make the camera work?

Or do I just need a camera, some Cables? to mount the camera and wire the cables all the way to the front screen?

All in all, my question is : do we need to buy an interface just to make the camera work?

blue00r6

buy a camera, long rca cable and then a fakra cable? no module necessary??

I think that is what i've gathered from skimming the forums... i dont have it installed though, but it is on my list

huir

That is what i am thinking about.
But I went to two local car audio stores. They insist that I should buy an interface, which would cost around 600 US dollars only for the interface, according to their quote for me.

And they gave me a quote for 1200 otd to install the camera.. man, that is crazy...

Sentosa

Use the search facility at the top of this page. There are many articles and DIY's by the members on what you need and how to do it.

Good luck

blue00r6

yeah check this out

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...der-200-a.html

huir

blue00r6 , Thanks.
I have been checking those threads for a while. I think I might just go for a DIY instead of paying one grand for a backup camera. Do you have the camera as well?

Ron Jr

Do it yourself it is very easy. Just read through the thread posted and one titled I've unleashed a cyclops (search for cyclops). There is a video on youtube that shows how to get the head unit out and it is a breeze compared to some cars I've done in the past. I found running the RCA cable from the trunk to the passanger compartment to be the hardest only because I couldn't find my snake and had to search for a substitute. Tokk around an hour to do and honestly the best mod I did.

huir

Thanks, Ron Jr.
I have read that thread. Do I actually need an Interface to make the camera work? Or I just need to wire the RCA Cable to the Head unit?
What is your final substitution?

Diesel Benz

Why would you expect him to say a final word? That would mean he would have to change his mind, I don't see why.

The OEM camera interface module is just an intelligent power source that drives the camera when reverse gear is on but does not draw power from the reversing bulb wire more than necessary for a logical signal.

If you are able to arrange the camera power without the module, with or without bulb warning messages, then you should be fine.

Ron Jr

All you need is a camera, RCA cable, RCA to FAKRA and a couple wire taps. The MM has all needed electronics internal.

joshg1001

If im not mistaken the 2010 models already have the cable from the headunit to the trunk...it is prewired for the car

Hey ron, you seem to the man to ask. I know I have asked you this before, but its finally summer and I am going to install the camera to my 09. If I buy the actual camera from Mercedes, I should have no problem still using an RCA cable and RCA to FAKRA cable from Mid city, is this correct?

huir

Thanks ,joshg1001 !

Is that true that 2010 has the prewired cable in the trunk? That is a exciting news for me. Cause I am kinda frightened about wiring the cable from the trunk to the HU. Could you tell me where you got the information?

and How did you get the actual camera from Mercedes? I went to my dealer @ Calif Bay area. They said there was not way for them to order or install the camera for me....

joshg1001

I havent bought the camera just yet.

A 204 820 07 97

that is the part number for the camera, and getmercedesparts is selling it for $633.75 and it says MSRP is 845.00.

I am still debating whether or not to buy the darn kit from MidCity, but then I also like OEM parts. However, 633 is a lot to pay for just the camera.

Regarding the 2010 being prewired, I dont want to get your hopes up on a false alarm but on another thread about backup cameras, someone did mention this.

Ron Jr

I have not seen the OEM camera so I have no idea what connecter is on it. I would hazard to say it was a FAKRA but without seeing one I can't say.

joshg1001

DOnt mean to hijack the thread, but I ended up buying the midcity backup camera kit. Total came out to be 600 something out the door. Hope I didnt get screwed...kind of pricey still.

huir

Sounds good. I am contacting with Midcity as well. Will you install it yourself?

joshg1001

I am not really a hands on type of person and have no experience working on cars, nor do I want to start experimenting on mine. haha

I have done some research and asked a few people around SF seeing who can install it for me. People recommend I go to limitless motorsports on San Bruno, and a member on another forum mentioned that they saw someone with a C63 getting one installed last year. Let me know where you decide to go too.

huir

I actually went to 2 local car audio shop here in south bay area. They gave me a quote for intalltion and parts for somewhere around 1200. And the installtion fee only is around 250 bucks. Since SF is near my area , I think this price could be a reference for you. hope it helps.

In my case, I havent really decided which way I would go with. for me , a backup camera doesnt deserve 1200 bucks.

Ron Jr

If you don't want VIM (which I don't recomend) you paid way to much. Mine was less than 200.00 USD

joshg1001

LOL im on the phone with them. They are totally trying to screw me over. He was like the VIM is needed to activate the backup camera interface in the car. I had to tell him I already activated it through the engineering menu and it wasnt until that point that he admitted that all I needed was the backup camera ($200) and the FAKRA cable ($22). THANKS RON, you just saved me 400 dollars!

sigh, reading the above posts, do I also need an RCA cable...I really dont want to call MC again.

SoCal208

"Rocco autotech" in Costa Mesa doing the backup camera for $1000.00 (MB part, Sony camera & labor). I am planning to install on my 08E350 (MB dealer quote me $1600.00, will void my warranty if NOT install by them). The job is simple (if you are good in car electronic), but still need MB dealer to set " backup camera installed " used their STAR, otherwise, it will not work correctly, especially the HU is connect to many things : audio (CD, CDC), Navi, phone, SAT radio... you can easy messed them up big time. It may work on backup camera, but unable to work with others. I leave these thing for the PRO. Joe @ Rocco had been helpful in retrofit the NAVI (antic D2B) on my W208 before, so I trust him.

Ron Jr

My camera came with an RCA cable that was more than long enough. If not you can find one at BestBuy or Radio Shack.

jctevere

This is exactly why I never believe anything that comes out of anyones mouth and do all the research for myself. Everyone is out for their own personal gain. That is except you guys. Were all in it together, haha. That's why I joined here, so many things I learned and saved myself so much cost, like DIY on foglight replacement after rock chipped it and learned to order Lamin-X... haha!

Thanks so much anyone.

A bit off topic, but is it possible to add front and rear backup sensors to the command in our cars just like the backup camera (that is provided the bumpers have the openings for it). I was thinking about ordering the c63 replica front and rear bumpers, and I have the option to get them with the parking assist sensors. I would love to add it to my car. Does anyone know?

huir

Good job. That is what I am thinking. The cost of the interface thing would be really a waste if you dont want the video in motion.
I think I would just buy the camera and FAKRA cable, then install it by myself. How much is the shipping to North California?

huir

Ron, how did you seal the hole where you put the camera in order to prevent the moisture? any suggestion? thanks