Jason B

For those that have removed the 6 disc command radio, what have you used to do it?

see here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqVs...=youtu.be&t=43

Anything else other than a panel removal tool and pick tool that will work? See video above at specified time.

WHPH28

I have removed mine several times. You can use anything. A credit card, a flathead screwdriver with a cloth wrapped around the tip, a plastic spatula...anything will work as long as you're careful not to scratch anything. I just use a credit card to pry one side and then use my fingers to pop it off.

snovvman

Although this video shows a similar tool being used, it may help. As WHPH wrote, you just need to get your fingers underneath it. With the top flap open, you can do that. There are three clips, so you need to pull from each edge, and the middle.

What are you brewing Jason?

Jason B

Thanks guys! The custom midcity module (VIM with front cam and custom harness) has to connect to the radio pins for so the signal will display on the dash for the front cam. Midcity's custom harness will allow it to plug right in, with no cutting or taps needed.

The only thing in this whole process that you have to tap is the cig lighter to provide switched power for the cam (to power the cam), supposedly.

I'm assuming the cig wire will be an easy wire to find once I have the radio out?

snovvman

Do you know the front cig-lighter to be switched? I would put a meter on it to confirm before going through the trouble.

The W221 is unique, in that most everything I find is constant. It seems like the design is to provide each module/device with constant power, and switch them using a bus signal. This makes it hard to install aftermarket accessories that depend on switched power. That said, I would first probe the the changer harness (or other accessible wiring in the area) to see if there is a switched 12 since you will already have it out. Make sure you use a high impedance meter (e.g., 10M Ohm) and not use a test light.

Jason B

Yes, my main guy at Midcity said that would be best place to tap for switched power in a w221, since it's right there. He's good.

Good idea to check other wires on the harness. I'll ask him that too ahead of time if he knows of another before I get to rest of install.

WHPH28

The power wire to the COMAND is switched also. I tapped in to that for my VIM.

Jason B

Oh, cool. Was that wire red I assume? And what did you use to tap it? Did you shave wire and twist on, or a t-tap, etc.?

WHPH28

Yes with a thin light blue stripe. I just shaved the wire, twisted it and taped.

motomerc

my 12V cig lighter in front glovebox gets power when ignition is on. I use it to power my dash cam (I don't want dash cam to run when parked).

platt-deutsch

Is there a front camera in a 2012 S550? Or does it have to be added?

Jason B

No W221's have a front camera for any year. I'm working on a solution this will allow any year W221 or CL, E, etc. to work with factory setup.

WHPH28

It would be nice to be able to switch it on where the night vision shows up.

Trey

I wish the night vision cam could double as a dash cam during the day.