Camera issue, voltage issue or both.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,818
Likes: 395
2012 E550 Cabrio
Camera issue, voltage issue or both.
Recently hacked the COMAND in my C63 and enabled the rear view camera and had one installed. I have had a variety of issues with the picture ranging from now picture to a halo effect to weird colors or just plain noise. Sometimes the parking guidelines dont show. I'll include a couple of pics here. Its not a comand issue as it always clicks over and always displays the proper MB messages.
I had the camera replaced, and the new one immediately did the same thing. The installer says that they have voltage stability issues with BMW's and MB's and that a better (read: more expensive) camera is required.
Sound plausible? Is it a car issue, is it a POS camera, or is it both?
Also on a related/unrelated type thing, before the camera went in I did get a bulb warning light for my right rear tail light. Replaced it. Then camera went in, drawing power from the reverse light on that same side. Blown a couple of bulbs since. Not in the reverse portion, but in the bottom row - the tail light itself.
Is this just coincidental? And if I take it in re the taillight, is the dealer going to try to pin that on the camera taking power from the reverse light?
Thoughts??
I had the camera replaced, and the new one immediately did the same thing. The installer says that they have voltage stability issues with BMW's and MB's and that a better (read: more expensive) camera is required.
Sound plausible? Is it a car issue, is it a POS camera, or is it both?
Also on a related/unrelated type thing, before the camera went in I did get a bulb warning light for my right rear tail light. Replaced it. Then camera went in, drawing power from the reverse light on that same side. Blown a couple of bulbs since. Not in the reverse portion, but in the bottom row - the tail light itself.
Is this just coincidental? And if I take it in re the taillight, is the dealer going to try to pin that on the camera taking power from the reverse light?
Thoughts??
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Atlanta
05 CL65 AMG, 07 Ferrari F430, 03 Range Rover HSE
FIRST - Find a NEW INSTALLER. The voltage BS, is just that, B*llSh*t. They are taking the lazy route and powering the camera off the reverse light…BAD IDEA. The camera needs to be powered as long as the car is on. This allows a proper sync signal to be sent. They may be doing it because they used a cheap CMOS camera, which would not be able to handle that duty load. They SHOULD be using a GOOD CCD camera, power it from accessory power and all your problems will be solved.
Make sure they are using a good, low light, super wide angle, weather sealed camera with a glass lens (not plastic as it fogs fairly quickly) CCD camera. Make sure they wire it correctly.
Make sure they are using a good, low light, super wide angle, weather sealed camera with a glass lens (not plastic as it fogs fairly quickly) CCD camera. Make sure they wire it correctly.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,818
Likes: 395
2012 E550 Cabrio
Thank you Cartronics. I have bought myself a Sony CCD camera that should do the trick.
Do you think that bulb issue is related or no? And I'd I have to take that in what do you think the dealer will say?
Do you think that bulb issue is related or no? And I'd I have to take that in what do you think the dealer will say?
