*DIY* I've Unleashed a Cyclops!
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
2008 C350
Newbie to the forum but want to thank everyone for this DIY and everyone's contribution. Was thinking about adding on the rearview camera, but also wanted to ask if having the factory ipod kit complicates it? Don't want any surprises going in. Has anyone done this setup who had the factory ipod kit, and if so, was it any different? Thanks.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thanks I_AM_JEFF and Tunafish.
From just reading all the threads on this topic it seemed that having the factory ipod unit made the install slightly more difficult. I called up MidCity today and they said that having the factory ipod meant you had to plug in everything a foot farther, but I didnt really understand what he meant. How exactly was the install different Tunafish?
One a side topic, the MidCity people were asking $37 for the Fakra to RCA connector (22 + 15 shipping). Is that what others were quoted and is there a reliable cheaper alternative (not making it urself)?! Thanks again.
From just reading all the threads on this topic it seemed that having the factory ipod unit made the install slightly more difficult. I called up MidCity today and they said that having the factory ipod meant you had to plug in everything a foot farther, but I didnt really understand what he meant. How exactly was the install different Tunafish?
One a side topic, the MidCity people were asking $37 for the Fakra to RCA connector (22 + 15 shipping). Is that what others were quoted and is there a reliable cheaper alternative (not making it urself)?! Thanks again.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,286
Likes: 62
From: eNyCe
Steel Grey Metallic C63!!
Thanks I_AM_JEFF and Tunafish.
From just reading all the threads on this topic it seemed that having the factory ipod unit made the install slightly more difficult. I called up MidCity today and they said that having the factory ipod meant you had to plug in everything a foot farther, but I didnt really understand what he meant. How exactly was the install different Tunafish?
One a side topic, the MidCity people were asking $37 for the Fakra to RCA connector (22 + 15 shipping). Is that what others were quoted and is there a reliable cheaper alternative (not making it urself)?! Thanks again.
From just reading all the threads on this topic it seemed that having the factory ipod unit made the install slightly more difficult. I called up MidCity today and they said that having the factory ipod meant you had to plug in everything a foot farther, but I didnt really understand what he meant. How exactly was the install different Tunafish?
One a side topic, the MidCity people were asking $37 for the Fakra to RCA connector (22 + 15 shipping). Is that what others were quoted and is there a reliable cheaper alternative (not making it urself)?! Thanks again.
You're welcome! The Fakra to RCA connector that Mid-City is of high quality and fits perfectly. That's my experience with their product. I had originally purchased a EBAY Fakra to RCA connector and it didn't fit as well. I paid a little less but that was a while back, so 37 dollars sounds reasonable.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
W204 C Class
How did you get the cable from the back of the camera from outside the trunk to inside? I cant see a hole that would take it other than maybe taking the registration light cover out which I dont really want to do... Can anyone help please?
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
W204 C Class
Its dark here now anyway so I will have another shot tomorrow.
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
C300 4MATIC
I recently did mine last weekend. I basically ordered a FARKA cable from Mid-City ($22 + $10 shipping) and a Sony rear view camera from amazon. Followed the instructions from this DIY and mounted the OEM way. Didn't want to mount it in the middle b/c it would require taking out one of those plastic clips AND also it would be a pain to put the cable back into the trunk. The result came out fine and I got what I wanted. So special thanks goes to Rick Hunter and everyone on this forum for the help! 
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
2008 C350
Final comment on backup camera
I had an car stereo guy install a backup camera in my 2008 C350 (sorry, I forgot the camera brand) a month or so ago. It was a fair amount of work, and he charged me for 3 hrs labor (which seemed reasonable). I had changed the engineering menu to recognize the camera (thanks to this forum
). The camera was powered from the backup lights. The only problem was that, when the car was cold, sometimes the video would not synch vertically. I could fix this by shifting out of Reverse and then back to Reverse, but this was a pain. I guessed the problem was a timing problem caused by using the backup lights to power the camera. I had the stereo guy change the wiring (no charge) to use a power source for the camera which was active when the ignition was on. This fixed the problem. The backup camera has been great. My thanks to this forum. 
). The camera was powered from the backup lights. The only problem was that, when the car was cold, sometimes the video would not synch vertically. I could fix this by shifting out of Reverse and then back to Reverse, but this was a pain. I guessed the problem was a timing problem caused by using the backup lights to power the camera. I had the stereo guy change the wiring (no charge) to use a power source for the camera which was active when the ignition was on. This fixed the problem. The backup camera has been great. My thanks to this forum.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
2008 C350
This is simply awful... BEWARE!
About a month after I installed a backup camera, my tire pressure monitor started failing intermittently. I took the car to the dealer and after working on it for a week, they decided the reason the tire pressure monitor did not work was the after market backup camera.
I think these guys are nuts!
I think these guys are nuts!
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta
05 CL65 AMG, 07 Ferrari F430, 03 Range Rover HSE
As a technician, that is the dumbest thing I have ever heard (unless it was powered from something in the rear of the car and not run to fuse aux power)
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
2018 C63s AMG and 2018 C43 AMG coupe
Hey guys i bought a CCD camera from EBay, those really cheap ones (40 bucks), i'll let you guys know after i install it to see if it works, if it works just as well there is no reason to pay more lol
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
c400 4matic
How do you guys order directly from Midcity? I don't see anything on their site, don't they only provide lists of authorized dealers or something?
Does anyone know a a car stereo guy in south Florida that can do the install for me?
Does anyone know a a car stereo guy in south Florida that can do the install for me?
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta
05 CL65 AMG, 07 Ferrari F430, 03 Range Rover HSE
I don't think it is even possible to MAKE a CCD camera for $40 (we contract them in large quantities) and just the sensor alone is over $40 for a good quality one (let alone the support electronics).
I would think you are getting something used or actually CMOS that is intentionally mislabeled (we were just sent one for eval today that was a cmos labeled as ccd)
I would think you are getting something used or actually CMOS that is intentionally mislabeled (we were just sent one for eval today that was a cmos labeled as ccd)
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2011 C250 VP1+AMG packs
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta
05 CL65 AMG, 07 Ferrari F430, 03 Range Rover HSE
We mean no disrespect, but look at some research online about CMOS cameras. They are TERRIBLE for automotive use. We have tested just about ever camera offered to us, and they simply do not last and are just plain bad. CCD cameras cost more for a reason, and are the only camera that should be used in an automotive application. There is a reason NOT ONE SINGLE CAR MANUFACTURER uses CMOS cameras in their cars when put in at the factory.
Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Tallmadge
C300 4Matic with 18in AMG's
Need Help With Back Camera - SRVC, DRVM, DRVM-PSC
I have a late 2009 C300 with Command and Multi-Media and can not get the Engineering Menu to enable the backup camera. When i go into the menu and pick 7, 1.7, #18 is for the backup camera - I have 3 choices - non of them enable, The 3 choices are SRVC, DRVM, and DRVM-PSC. Which one do I choose. I tried all 3 and the last one (DRVM-PSC) worked one time and now it no longer does.
Also, can someone tell me if you need to separately turn on the AUX Video Input (Option 7.7.4) It was off, i have turned it on, but either way I still donut get the backup camera screen.
Anyone know what I should do and if it is possible....like I said, I got the screen one time but can't get it again.
Also, can someone tell me if you need to separately turn on the AUX Video Input (Option 7.7.4) It was off, i have turned it on, but either way I still donut get the backup camera screen.
Anyone know what I should do and if it is possible....like I said, I got the screen one time but can't get it again.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2011 C250 VP1+AMG packs
Restart required
I have a late 2009 C300 with Command and Multi-Media and can not get the Engineering Menu to enable the backup camera. When i go into the menu and pick 7, 1.7, #18 is for the backup camera - I have 3 choices - non of them enable, The 3 choices are SRVC, DRVM, and DRVM-PSC. Which one do I choose. I tried all 3 and the last one (DRVM-PSC) worked one time and now it no longer does.
Also, can someone tell me if you need to separately turn on the AUX Video Input (Option 7.7.4) It was off, i have turned it on, but either way I still donut get the backup camera screen.
Anyone know what I should do and if it is possible....like I said, I got the screen one time but can't get it again.
Also, can someone tell me if you need to separately turn on the AUX Video Input (Option 7.7.4) It was off, i have turned it on, but either way I still donut get the backup camera screen.
Anyone know what I should do and if it is possible....like I said, I got the screen one time but can't get it again.
Hope this works for you.
Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Tallmadge
C300 4Matic with 18in AMG's
Select one of the options, I thought it was the first one "SRVC", and then exit back to the main menu and then turn the car off, remove the keys and lock. After about 15-20 mins - go back to the car, unlock, start and move reverse gear - this should now work. The Command APS needs to restart after clearing the settings in its memory for the new option to take effect.
Hope this works for you.
Hope this works for you.
....didn't know about removing the keys and waiting. It works perfectly now!
Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Tallmadge
C300 4Matic with 18in AMG's
My New Back-up Camera - Pioneer CCD ND-BC4
Alright so I finished the install of my Pioneer CCD camera ND-BC4. I went with CCD vs CMOS because the temp specs and reliability are much better with CCD. I got the camera on e-bay for $144.
I used the more centered location and mounted at least half the camera inside the trim. You can see from the last two pictures the camera is hardly visible at all. In the final position you it see a little of the trim at the top and bumper on the bottom (see shot of the screen). It works well for seeing the things you would way when backing up.
Also, I don't like tapping or splicing wires so I power my unit from the fuse bad in the trunk by using ad add a fuse (see pics)- also, I stuck the small power supply to the top of truck area behind the rear passenger seat using the velcro that came with the camera. Fun little project, nice addition to the C!
I used the more centered location and mounted at least half the camera inside the trim. You can see from the last two pictures the camera is hardly visible at all. In the final position you it see a little of the trim at the top and bumper on the bottom (see shot of the screen). It works well for seeing the things you would way when backing up.
Also, I don't like tapping or splicing wires so I power my unit from the fuse bad in the trunk by using ad add a fuse (see pics)- also, I stuck the small power supply to the top of truck area behind the rear passenger seat using the velcro that came with the camera. Fun little project, nice addition to the C!
