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*DIY* I've Unleashed a Cyclops!

Old 08-22-2009, 04:34 PM
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2008 Mercedes C350
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
Old 08-23-2009, 12:15 AM
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'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.
Old 08-23-2009, 01:17 PM
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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?
Old 01-14-2010, 12:16 PM
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2008 Mercedes c350 Sport
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
Old 01-14-2010, 12:52 PM
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You don't need the mid-city VIM module to install a backup cam.
Old 01-14-2010, 01:00 PM
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2008 Mercedes c350 Sport
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.
Old 04-21-2010, 04:32 AM
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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
Old 04-21-2010, 09:51 AM
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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.
Old 04-21-2010, 02:59 PM
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2009 C300S 6mt
exdes, was there a particular reason why you went with a Pioneer instead of the Kenwood?
Old 04-21-2010, 07:03 PM
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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?
Old 04-21-2010, 09:26 PM
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2015 C300 4matic
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.
Old 05-02-2010, 06:48 AM
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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
Old 05-02-2010, 10:25 AM
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Either backup lignt.
Old 05-11-2010, 04:54 PM
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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?
Old 05-11-2010, 05:58 PM
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aren't those for vans? I usually just look behind me lol
Old 05-11-2010, 08:46 PM
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C300 SPORT 4MATIC SEDAN
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
Old 05-12-2010, 01:13 AM
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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.
Old 05-26-2010, 02:15 PM
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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?
Old 05-26-2010, 03:32 PM
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Originally Posted by rst63
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?

There is the ACC wire that is not shown here that must also be connected.
Old 07-21-2010, 01:54 PM
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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
Old 07-21-2010, 02:25 PM
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I really want to do this too.
but watching this scared me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_5Fkawy-_g
Old 07-21-2010, 04:37 PM
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Originally Posted by _c350_
I really want to do this too.
but watching this scared me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_5Fkawy-_g
i think the only scary part is to take out the first front piece... that's the only thing that can be hard, the rest looks easy
Old 07-21-2010, 05:56 PM
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Originally Posted by _c350_
I really want to do this too.
but watching this scared me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_5Fkawy-_g
Not scary, one of the easiest OEM stereos I have ever taken out.dadangman should run around 200.00 USD if you DIY it.
Old 07-21-2010, 10:55 PM
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You don't need the mid-city module unless you want to watch DVDs while you drive or play with your navi.
Old 07-21-2010, 11:16 PM
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do you need to connect a wire from your MM to the camera at the back?

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