*DIY* I've Unleashed a Cyclops!
 

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

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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.

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

Kewl... now onwards!

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

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In colour, it looks like this:

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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

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



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

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-fin-

sweeeeeeet. wish i had mm.

nicely done :y

Very nice diy man:y

Great DIY, even though I'm not nearly smart enough to do this. :y:y

That's awesome. Do you engage it manually or is it somehow tied to putting it in reverse?

Looks good :y Is it sealed well? Any chance of moisture getting in?


" You never walk alone "
Liverpool

That's awesome, I'm looking forward to adding this. Thanks for the detailed pictures, I'm sure I'll be referencing them when I do my install!

Thanks for the props, guys. :D

The COMAND unit is pre-programmed to display the aux video input when you throw your shifter into [R]everse (but it's dormant since the car doesn't come with backup camera). You just have to activate the programming once after you've installed the camera, and that's it. Pretty ingenious.

The instructions from Midcity Engineering include what needs to be done to activate the programming.:y

The individual camera components are sealed and rugged. The hole is relatively safe from moisture, although I'm sure you can blast it good with a pressure washer and get water in it. I don't perceive I'll be doing that though.:eek:

nice man :y

saweeet
 

Does the mid-city engineering mod allow you to enter addresses while driving?

Sorry if this has been answered in other threads (did a search but was inconclusive, mostly about dvd's which i dont care about)...

I love love love this mod ... my car is on lease, but if I keep it, I'll do this. Damn, wish I could do this now!

Just awesome, congrats

A great "How To" probably one of the best step by step instructions i've seen....THX

Great Instructions! Just emailed them for a quote, should organize a group buy or something if there is alot of us interested in getting this. :y

+1

Will this work on the "old" COMAND system? My 06 E class for example?

Install instructions
 

<<The instructions from Midcity Engineering include what needs to be done to activate the programming>>

Thanks for all the work you went to. I don't have much excuse not to do this, now. Aside from prying open my wallet.

I cringed while watching the video since the installer was so rough on the car. Bang crash bam etc.

Does this mean that if you connected say, a Playstation to AUX video, it will display ur PS when u put it into reverse? Not that i would do that, but just wondering.

nice.. wish i had stock navi to do this to..

+1 I am in for sure on a group buy! let me know Yalll

your reverse cam setup dowsbnt come with VIM module right?

How much more to add the VIM module to this setup?

:nix::nix::nix:

My pleasure. If you didn't ask for a writeup on that other thread, I probably wouldn't have posted my DIY. :D Now... go and get yers, mate.

The possibilities are... well you know how that statement ends.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfF0HdezCCk

Dang... I should apply to work for Midcity Engineering... whaddya think?:D Or at the least ask them for some commission off of my unintended advertisement :naughty:

Total cost to me was $750 (this kit IS a VIM kit + the Backup Camera) I was more interested in the backup camera function rather than the VIM function, though. VIM is the bonus :y

lets get a group biy price for $500 out the door... i will contact a rep and see what they say... probably wanty like 50 p[eople for that low of a price... worth a shot though and a good starting point i think... will let you know what i hear

thanks for all the pics and instruction you'v done for us!

im really intereasted in the stuff. so where did you buy it? or how can i get it too?

thank you !



:)