VIM/Backup Cam Mid City
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c350 (soon)
VIM/Backup Cam Mid City
Hey everyone. I am going to order this but I need some suggestions on who should install it for me.
Should I just see if a Benz dealership will do it for me in my area? Anyone know of one that will in Northern NJ?
I really dont want to bring it to one of these shops where they will scratch it up and swear it was there already. Had that happen to my bro-in-law's new Denali.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Should I just see if a Benz dealership will do it for me in my area? Anyone know of one that will in Northern NJ?
I really dont want to bring it to one of these shops where they will scratch it up and swear it was there already. Had that happen to my bro-in-law's new Denali.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
#2
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C350 black/black
hey,
How is the car? I am still enjoying mine
anyway, how much did u get vim/cam for?
How is the car? I am still enjoying mine
anyway, how much did u get vim/cam for?
Hey everyone. I am going to order this but I need some suggestions on who should install it for me.
Should I just see if a Benz dealership will do it for me in my area? Anyone know of one that will in Northern NJ?
I really dont want to bring it to one of these shops where they will scratch it up and swear it was there already. Had that happen to my bro-in-law's new Denali.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Should I just see if a Benz dealership will do it for me in my area? Anyone know of one that will in Northern NJ?
I really dont want to bring it to one of these shops where they will scratch it up and swear it was there already. Had that happen to my bro-in-law's new Denali.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
#3
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Hey whats up Cu. I am awaiting a price from Mid City. How much can i expect to pay? I would have done the group buy thing but that seemed to die out. I just want a reputable person to install this for me, preferably Mercedes.
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C350 black/black
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2009 C300 Sport 4Matic, 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
Cost of the kit and installation will be over $1,200. Is that really worth it to see behind you for the 2 seconds you back up every day and to watch a movie on the random roadtrip? I mean I don't drive my car for more than an hour at a time, and that's when I actually have time to listen to music. It just seems like there are so many things you could do with that money that would be more useful. Sorry, going off topic....
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sorry about the emails guys, our ISP just switched our email system on us from our nice old ultra-reliable system to a new one and it has taken a few days for them to get everything straightend out. I apologize for that.
Anyway the pricing on the entire camera kit is $750... That gets you the vim, camera programmer, camera, wiring, and all connectors. If you just want the VIM module we have been running a special for a while now where you can get the vim module only for $350.
We are still working on a special price for the whole camera kit as a group buy but it hinges on us being able to source a bulk order on the cameras to get a better price and so far we have been waiting on that price from our vendors. I will work diligently on this today and see if I can put everything together to get the group buy going.
Anyway the pricing on the entire camera kit is $750... That gets you the vim, camera programmer, camera, wiring, and all connectors. If you just want the VIM module we have been running a special for a while now where you can get the vim module only for $350.
We are still working on a special price for the whole camera kit as a group buy but it hinges on us being able to source a bulk order on the cameras to get a better price and so far we have been waiting on that price from our vendors. I will work diligently on this today and see if I can put everything together to get the group buy going.
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ML350, Lotus Elise
We keep a running list on hand, we can always find you a qualified installer in your area to do the work...
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2008 C300 Sport
sorry about the emails guys, our ISP just switched our email system on us from our nice old ultra-reliable system to a new one and it has taken a few days for them to get everything straightend out. I apologize for that.
Anyway the pricing on the entire camera kit is $750... That gets you the vim, camera programmer, camera, wiring, and all connectors. If you just want the VIM module we have been running a special for a while now where you can get the vim module only for $350.
We are still working on a special price for the whole camera kit as a group buy but it hinges on us being able to source a bulk order on the cameras to get a better price and so far we have been waiting on that price from our vendors. I will work diligently on this today and see if I can put everything together to get the group buy going.
Anyway the pricing on the entire camera kit is $750... That gets you the vim, camera programmer, camera, wiring, and all connectors. If you just want the VIM module we have been running a special for a while now where you can get the vim module only for $350.
We are still working on a special price for the whole camera kit as a group buy but it hinges on us being able to source a bulk order on the cameras to get a better price and so far we have been waiting on that price from our vendors. I will work diligently on this today and see if I can put everything together to get the group buy going.
What is the price for the backup camera stuff only? I already have the VIM and interested in getting the backup camera option.
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C350 black/black
We have some MB dealers that will do this sort of work directly. Others actually subcontract an expediter who will come and do the work on-site at the dealer. Yet other dealers are still very wary about installing any non-factory items. It really depends on your location. There are also a small number of very very good aftermarket shops that specialize in only luxury vehicles like MB that are more than qualified to do the work.
We keep a running list on hand, we can always find you a qualified installer in your area to do the work...
We keep a running list on hand, we can always find you a qualified installer in your area to do the work...
DO you know any dealer/anyone in tampa bay/florida that can install this kit?
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'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Installed but DOA
We have some MB dealers that will do this sort of work directly. Others actually subcontract an expediter who will come and do the work on-site at the dealer. Yet other dealers are still very wary about installing any non-factory items. It really depends on your location. There are also a small number of very very good aftermarket shops that specialize in only luxury vehicles like MB that are more than qualified to do the work.
We keep a running list on hand, we can always find you a qualified installer in your area to do the work...
We keep a running list on hand, we can always find you a qualified installer in your area to do the work...
Since I ran the RCA cable (from Radio Shack) under the door sills, I also unearthed the back end of it (half way up the rear seat under the door welting) where it connects to the too-short RCA cable from the camera to be sure it was still plugged together (it was) so have run out of ideas.
I have also spent considerable time and skin attempting to reinsert the radio box in it's hole while trying to move aside (or down) the module and the external plug on the T-harness. Just when I think I have it out of the way and start to reinsert the radio unit, up they jump to block the way.
The instructions say that this may be "difficult" which is hardly the word. Perhaps "sanity test" would be closer to it.
I have to congratulate those who have successfully completed this project but I notice that the details of the button-up have been omitted.
I shall be calling Mid-City next week for some hand-holding.
#21
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'08 W204.081; M 272.948 KE30; Colour Code#792
Wow... had no idea you're having such a tough time with this kit.
I managed to place the [factory plug + female end of T-Harness] as far down and back of the hole on the driver's side. Module was tucked in at the bottom center of hole. A little wiggling and the COMAND unit fit. The limiting step for me was with the harness, and not the module. If it's of any consolation, it took me a long time to figure this out, and was at the point of defeat when I had the upper hand.
Since I'm not an electrician, I cannot offer any help on your camera. One possibility could be that the camera is defective. The only way to find out is to plug your composite (RCA) cable to another video source (like a laptop).
Total time for me to install this VIM + Camera was about 8 hours (off & on). Literally half of that time was spent admiring the friggin car - damn, it's beautiful, even after 9 months of ownership. I also spent a lot of time with the harness. The rest went quite problem-free.
Having done this once, I could probably do this again in under 3.5 hours.
I managed to place the [factory plug + female end of T-Harness] as far down and back of the hole on the driver's side. Module was tucked in at the bottom center of hole. A little wiggling and the COMAND unit fit. The limiting step for me was with the harness, and not the module. If it's of any consolation, it took me a long time to figure this out, and was at the point of defeat when I had the upper hand.
Since I'm not an electrician, I cannot offer any help on your camera. One possibility could be that the camera is defective. The only way to find out is to plug your composite (RCA) cable to another video source (like a laptop).
Total time for me to install this VIM + Camera was about 8 hours (off & on). Literally half of that time was spent admiring the friggin car - damn, it's beautiful, even after 9 months of ownership. I also spent a lot of time with the harness. The rest went quite problem-free.
Having done this once, I could probably do this again in under 3.5 hours.
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2000 CLK430 Cab - sold; 2009 C350 White with Mocha P2,MM,18" AMG,Pano roof
Do you get a blank screen or does nothing happen when you put the car in Reverse? A bad camera wouldn't stop the VIM from doing the video switchover I would think.
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2008 c350 SG - 2004 c240 Wagon BS
Just a thought...
Did you try 'dry-fitting' the camera before the full install to make sure it works?
Maybe it's just me but I always hook stuff up in a big mess all over the place to make sure everything is working functionally and play with it a while before the actual install. It helps identify potential problems or missing parts.
I know it takes longer but the tinkerer in me can never wait to see what the results will be.
I hope it all works out well for you.
Did you try 'dry-fitting' the camera before the full install to make sure it works?
Maybe it's just me but I always hook stuff up in a big mess all over the place to make sure everything is working functionally and play with it a while before the actual install. It helps identify potential problems or missing parts.
I know it takes longer but the tinkerer in me can never wait to see what the results will be.
I hope it all works out well for you.
#24
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ML350, Lotus Elise
I have spent more time than I care to admit installing the camera kit and the bleeding thing doesn't operate. I have verified all connections, front and rear plus checking that battery voltage and ground are present on the connectors to the backup lights (when on) and have verified that the camera is enabled on the engine menu. Further, just in case, I have made full use of my four letter word vocabulary, all to no avail.
Since I ran the RCA cable (from Radio Shack) under the door sills, I also unearthed the back end of it (half way up the rear seat under the door welting) where it connects to the too-short RCA cable from the camera to be sure it was still plugged together (it was) so have run out of ideas.
I have also spent considerable time and skin attempting to reinsert the radio box in it's hole while trying to move aside (or down) the module and the external plug on the T-harness. Just when I think I have it out of the way and start to reinsert the radio unit, up they jump to block the way.
The instructions say that this may be "difficult" which is hardly the word. Perhaps "sanity test" would be closer to it.
I have to congratulate those who have successfully completed this project but I notice that the details of the button-up have been omitted.
I shall be calling Mid-City next week for some hand-holding.
Since I ran the RCA cable (from Radio Shack) under the door sills, I also unearthed the back end of it (half way up the rear seat under the door welting) where it connects to the too-short RCA cable from the camera to be sure it was still plugged together (it was) so have run out of ideas.
I have also spent considerable time and skin attempting to reinsert the radio box in it's hole while trying to move aside (or down) the module and the external plug on the T-harness. Just when I think I have it out of the way and start to reinsert the radio unit, up they jump to block the way.
The instructions say that this may be "difficult" which is hardly the word. Perhaps "sanity test" would be closer to it.
I have to congratulate those who have successfully completed this project but I notice that the details of the button-up have been omitted.
I shall be calling Mid-City next week for some hand-holding.
anyway, the first thing to check is the RCA adapter at the back of the command. make sure that its pressed all the way into the green connector if it isnt the center contact wont reach and you will not get video. aside from that check that the camera 3 pine connector has not come loose. The cameras are very reliable and i have never had one go bad so i doubt its the camera, just recheck the connections and post back. give us a call anytime during the day if you have nay other questions. we'll get you fixed up.
oh and btw, i agree with you 100% on the part about getting the radio back into the dash. I dont know what MB was thinking when they designed the radio cavity but it was probably somthing along the lines of "lets screw with anyone who ever has to do work behind the radio"... just remember we do these cameras all the time so how ever many cuts you have on you hands ive got more
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'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Test before installing
Just a thought...
Did you try 'dry-fitting' the camera before the full install to make sure it works?
Maybe it's just me but I always hook stuff up in a big mess all over the place to make sure everything is working functionally and play with it a while before the actual install. It helps identify potential problems or missing parts.
I know it takes longer but the tinkerer in me can never wait to see what the results will be.
I hope it all works out well for you.
Did you try 'dry-fitting' the camera before the full install to make sure it works?
Maybe it's just me but I always hook stuff up in a big mess all over the place to make sure everything is working functionally and play with it a while before the actual install. It helps identify potential problems or missing parts.
I know it takes longer but the tinkerer in me can never wait to see what the results will be.
I hope it all works out well for you.
Before I reassemble the dash for the last time, I'll take a photo of the tools and where they are used and post it. I hoping that's this week unless something ends up being defective whereupon I will continue to drive the car with the radio hanging out an inch.
The tool is nothing more than a T-handle with a length of very stiff wire sticking out of it, bent to a very sharp 90 deg angle at the end, with the bent end being about 3/8 in long.