*DIY* I've Unleashed a Cyclops!
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Jet City, USA
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
'08 W204.081; M 272.948 KE30; Colour Code#792
*DIY* I've Unleashed a Cyclops!
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-
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-
The following users liked this post:
tripper80 (08-29-2019)
Trending Topics
#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2014 Ghibli S Q4 & 2008 C350
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!
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Jet City, USA
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
'08 W204.081; M 272.948 KE30; Colour Code#792
Thanks for the props, guys.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Last edited by Rick Hunter; 07-27-2008 at 02:15 PM.
#11
Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C300 4dr Sdn 3.0L Sport RWD
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)...
Sorry if this has been answered in other threads (did a search but was inconclusive, mostly about dvd's which i dont care about)...
#15
Almost a Member!
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Calgary, Canada
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mercedes Benz C300 4matic MM
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.
#18
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
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.
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.
#19
Super Member
Thanks for the props, guys.
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.
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.
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.
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.
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Jet City, USA
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
'08 W204.081; M 272.948 KE30; Colour Code#792
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfF0HdezCCk
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
The following users liked this post:
019hotrod (02-10-2020)
#24
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,914
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
4 Posts
LOADED 08' C350 & 14' GLK-350 Diamond White (P1, MM, AMG Pkg, Ln Trkng, Htd Sts, Keylss Go)
My pleasure. If you didn't ask for a writeup on that other thread, I probably wouldn't have posted my DIY. 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? Or at the least ask them for some commission off of my unintended advertisement
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
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