DIY I've Unleashed a Cyclops!

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Aug 22, 2009 | 04:34 PM

#101

Mercho82

Member

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 170

Likes: 0

2008 Mercedes C350

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Hunter

And as far as why we install cameras in the rear of compact cars... well, that's because we CAN. Don't knock it til you've tried it.

That's a really smart answer right there. I guess I'm going to install offroad fog lights on top of my Benz roof because I CAN too!!!! LMAO

Aug 23, 2009 | 12:15 AM

#102

Rick Hunter

Thread Starter

Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 402

Likes: 3

From: Jet City, USA

'08 W204.081; M 272.948 KE30; Colour Code#792

Hey... that's a good idea.

I'll leave it up to you to write up the DIY for us.

Aug 23, 2009 | 01:17 PM

#103

VaderSS

Member

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 193

Likes: 4

From: Honolulu, Hawaii USA

'06 E55, W204 C350, '04 Carrera C4S, '02 ML55 (Wife's)

Quote:

Originally Posted by giovapal

That's a really smart answer right there. I guess I'm going to install offroad fog lights on top of my Benz roof because I CAN too!!!! LMAO

Giovapal… your such a great contributor… what would we do with out you! You get those rally lights installed… cause you can?

Jan 14, 2010 | 12:16 PM

#104

jc_c350

Newbie

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

2008 Mercedes c350 Sport

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Hunter

Oooohhh... guess what I received in the mail...

Yes... it's the Midcity Engineering MM204VK package that includes a backup camera! Delivery of this item to the West Coast took about a week, and was packed very well.

So I finally had time to do the install this weekend, and I must say... HOW COULD I HAVE GONE WITHOUT THIS???

For the price (and quality), this definitely beats out the Quickpark OEM system.

So before I detail my DIY... here's the specs:
2008 C300 4MATIC with P1, P2, MM Packages. No TeleAid or Sirius subscriptions present @ time of install.

Disclaimer: I'm sharing this DIY in the hopes that there may be more interest in doing your own DIYs. It is definitely a great learning experience, but I am in no way responsible for any consequences (positive or negative) as a result of you reading this DIY thread. If you choose to do this DIY yourself, you are solely responsible for whatever that happens. You have been warned.

Kewl... now onwards!

I found this document online re: removing the Trunk Lid trim:

In colour, it looks like this:

Regarding the Handle Strip (#7 in diagram), there's a couple of other screws that I had to remove before I yanked the sucker off the trunk (and I mean YANKED). I was careful not to scratch the surrounding paint, though...

Thereafter, I followed the Midcity Engineering video very closely (Thanks, Midcity Engineering!!!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_5Fkawy-_g

As far as hiding the video cables, I was able to access the Head Unit from underneath the passenger side panel.

After feeding the wire under the passenger side sills through to the back, I proceeded to mount the camera. I had to cut a hole in the Handle Strip, right at the predetermined hole. The plastic's thick, so it was a PITA. I then fed the camera wires down the Trunk Lid and down towards the tail light.

The last thing that needed to be done was to splice the proper wires so that the camera would have power. After spending hours and hours scouring for info, I was able to figure out the right ones.

Brown = Ground
Grey/Yellow = Reverse Light

So... does it work? The moment of truth...

SWEET!!! After putting everything back together, I took some final pics.

-fin-

Nice DIY. I'm a noob to the site. I drive a 2008 C350 Sport With Minor Mods. Will post pics tonight. I had a question, where can i purchase the Midcity Engineering MM204VK package. Ive been viewing this thread for quite a while already. Very helping and interesting and I wanted to install the camera on my car since my wife has had many backing up accidents in the past and I would definetly like to prevent another total loss lol. Please fill me in with the details. Thanks

Jan 14, 2010 | 12:52 PM

#105

Ron Jr

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 2,824

Likes: 1

From: Long Island, New York

2013 C300 Sport Black Darth V3.0

You don't need the mid-city VIM module to install a backup cam.

Jan 14, 2010 | 01:00 PM

#106

jc_c350

Newbie

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

2008 Mercedes c350 Sport

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Jr

You don't need the mid-city VIM module to install a backup cam.

What would I really need to install it to my factory nav ? I know I need the Kenwood Ccd-2000, Female Rca, 2002 & up bmw/vw reverse antenna adapter. I don't know what else I would need to install the rear view cam.

Apr 21, 2010 | 04:32 AM

#107

deusexisagod

Junior Member

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 19

Likes: 0

w204 c220 cdi

Hi,

I want to install a back up camera and i dind't understand what do you need for this job....does it work with the Kenwood CCD-2000 and a FAKRA - RCA cable?! Or do i need the "thing" from the midcity an that large connector from your first photo?!

Thanks

Apr 21, 2010 | 09:51 AM

#108

exdes

Super Member

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 503

Likes: 1

2015 C300 4matic

Get the FAKRA-RCA cable from Mid engineering. Theirs is easier to work with than the ones on ebay..
I used Pioneer ND-BC4 instead of the Kenwood.
That's all you need.

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Apr 21, 2010 | 02:59 PM

#109

kaku

Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 328

Likes: 0

From: S.Cali, US

2009 C300S 6mt

exdes, was there a particular reason why you went with a Pioneer instead of the Kenwood?

Apr 21, 2010 | 07:03 PM

#110

nrgy

Super Member

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 869

Likes: 35

From: Pacific NW

AMG GT-R

Just curious, and not sure if it has been mentioned before, but aren't there OEM parts available now that U.S. cars are shipping with the back-up camera?

Apr 21, 2010 | 09:26 PM

#111

exdes

Super Member

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 503

Likes: 1

2015 C300 4matic

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaku

exdes, was there a particular reason why you went with a Pioneer instead of the Kenwood?

it's smaller in size.. better specs.

May 2, 2010 | 06:48 AM

#112

lingnoi

Junior Member

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 56

Likes: 1

From: Stuttgart

2018 C180 9G

I just installed a Comand in my car successfully and will do the back-up cam next. I looked at all 3 DIYs which are great but have one final question? What is the easiest place to connect the power wire at?

Thanks, L

May 2, 2010 | 10:25 AM

#113

Ron Jr

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 2,824

Likes: 1

From: Long Island, New York

2013 C300 Sport Black Darth V3.0

Either backup lignt.

May 11, 2010 | 04:54 PM

#114

HOTGQ161

Junior Member

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 36

Likes: 0

C300 SPORT 4MATIC SEDAN

my dealer asked me for $1500.....crazy dudes. today i just got the fakra cable from midcity..... so i guess all i need is to pick up a camera, run the cable from the trunk to the nav and plug it in.... is it this easy? i think i also gonna need some sore of programing, is that right?

May 11, 2010 | 05:58 PM

#115

mikekuriger

Super Member

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 855

Likes: 1

2010 C63

aren't those for vans? I usually just look behind me lol

May 11, 2010 | 08:46 PM

#116

HOTGQ161

Junior Member

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 36

Likes: 0

C300 SPORT 4MATIC SEDAN

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikekuriger

aren't those for vans? I usually just look behind me lol

my girl is learning how to drive,,,, i rather do install this then speinging $300 to paint the bumper every month. lol

May 12, 2010 | 01:13 AM

#117

JoeVal

Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2008

Posts: 312

Likes: 2

C350 Elegance

I was just cited for having the camera installed. I had a chance to pick up a leftover 1936 camera with sound and lighting system from the then RKO and installed. Works like a charm, but they tell me that it is a danger for those behind due to the 1000 W spots. I'm looking to see if I can replace them with LEDs.

May 26, 2010 | 02:15 PM

#118

rst63

Junior Member

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 37

Likes: 0

C63

I noticed that the only wire that had to be connected was that from the ground and the reverse tail light... Is there any other wires needed to power the camera unit itself, or all the power is just from the reverse tail light?

May 26, 2010 | 03:32 PM

#119

I am Jeff

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 2,286

Likes: 62

From: eNyCe

Steel Grey Metallic C63!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by rst63

There is the ACC wire that is not shown here that must also be connected.

Jul 21, 2010 | 01:54 PM

#120

dadangman

Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 291

Likes: 0

From: MD

'09 C350

Question guys.... so.... i can just get the Kenwood Ccd-2000?? and follow these instructions and i can get my backup camera and no need for Mid-city product?? if so.. wat is Mid-city selling their module for?? and how much this going to cost?

thanks