Installing RearView Camera on 2012 C Class
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 4
From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
1. Yup.. i used the CMOS200. You get to see everything and it has a pretty nice wide angle coverage. As the camera is placed on the side and not in the center, you tend to get to see a bit of your boot anyways.
2. I only cut out the square. I used the existing mount to mount my camera. If you are worried about returning the car in the future, just drop by the dealer ship and ask ho much they sell the plastic part. Or if you got really good and steady hands, fill it up with black silicon. No one really checks a small little hole that you have to bend over to see....
Hope that helps.
2. I only cut out the square. I used the existing mount to mount my camera. If you are worried about returning the car in the future, just drop by the dealer ship and ask ho much they sell the plastic part. Or if you got really good and steady hands, fill it up with black silicon. No one really checks a small little hole that you have to bend over to see....
Hope that helps.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,108
Likes: 7
From: Dix Hills, New York
2012 C250 Coupe
1. Yup.. i used the CMOS200. You get to see everything and it has a pretty nice wide angle coverage. As the camera is placed on the side and not in the center, you tend to get to see a bit of your boot anyways.
2. I only cut out the square. I used the existing mount to mount my camera. If you are worried about returning the car in the future, just drop by the dealer ship and ask ho much they sell the plastic part. Or if you got really good and steady hands, fill it up with black silicon. No one really checks a small little hole that you have to bend over to see....
Hope that helps.
2. I only cut out the square. I used the existing mount to mount my camera. If you are worried about returning the car in the future, just drop by the dealer ship and ask ho much they sell the plastic part. Or if you got really good and steady hands, fill it up with black silicon. No one really checks a small little hole that you have to bend over to see....
Hope that helps.
As far as the caps go, I saw them today. I am still shocked that these little suckers don't just pop-out from the back. If they don't I will just be carefully cutting it out and gluing the piece back on at the end of lease. Lease inspectors BARELY look at brakes, and other items, they will NEVER look for this little cap. And even if they did, you would have a $750 credit if you get a new mercedes to cover such "damages".
EDIT: It appears that the rumor about the 2010 c-classes being "pre-wired" were false. So I was wrong, this is not pre-wired for the backup camera. However, there is a DIY on it (separate from this one) which shows most of the process here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...d-cyclops.html
Keep in mind this is specific for the pre-facelift w204, but it should be the same for the most part, and give you confidence in the install.
Last edited by jctevere; Dec 27, 2011 at 03:43 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 4
From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
As far as the caps go, I saw them today. I am still shocked that these little suckers don't just pop-out from the back. If they don't I will just be carefully cutting it out and gluing the piece back on at the end of lease. Lease inspectors BARELY look at brakes, and other items, they will NEVER look for this little cap. And even if they did, you would have a $750 credit if you get a new mercedes to cover such "damages".
EDIT: It appears that the rumor about the 2010 c-classes being "pre-wired" were false. So I was wrong, this is not pre-wired for the backup camera. However, there is a DIY on it (separate from this one) which shows most of the process here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...d-cyclops.html
Keep in mind this is specific for the pre-facelift w204, but it should be the same for the most part, and give you confidence in the install.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
W204 200CDI Avantguarde
Hi guys from Spain! I was having problems with the activation of the camera. First of all, I purchase an NTSC camera and sent me a PAL one, so it displays a b/w image. In the eng menu, I can choose PAL for SRVC in a menu call, more or less,"external video settings" "input video settings" and then I see my camera in color but I dont know how to keep the changes. The second problem is the camera only work with the engine off, if you turn it on, it only appears the camera screen "check entire surroundings" but no image is displayed. Hope you may help me because I think if it was the wiring installation I wouldn´t see anything, don´t you think?
Thanks in advance!
P.D. CONGRATULATIONS Kaewen for your DIY!
EDIT: This is the camera I have bought.They said "NTSC default PAL request"¿?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/250805006526...FFX:IT&vxp=mtr
Thanks in advance!
P.D. CONGRATULATIONS Kaewen for your DIY!
EDIT: This is the camera I have bought.They said "NTSC default PAL request"¿?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/250805006526...FFX:IT&vxp=mtr
Last edited by LoboGris; Feb 5, 2012 at 06:41 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 64
Likes: 3
Hi guys from Spain! I was having problems with the activation of the camera. First of all, I purchase an NTSC camera and sent me a PAL one, so it displays a b/w image. In the eng menu, I can choose PAL for SRVC in a menu call, more or less,"external video settings" "input video settings" and then I see my camera in color but I dont know how to keep the changes. The second problem is the camera only work with the engine off, if you turn it on, it only appears the camera screen "check entire surroundings" but no image is displayed. Hope you may help me because I think if it was the wiring installation I wouldn´t see anything, don´t you think?
Thanks in advance!
P.D. CONGRATULATIONS Kaewen for your DIY!
EDIT: This is the camera I have bought.They said "NTSC default PAL request"¿?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/250805006526...FFX:IT&vxp=mtr
Thanks in advance!
P.D. CONGRATULATIONS Kaewen for your DIY!
EDIT: This is the camera I have bought.They said "NTSC default PAL request"¿?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/250805006526...FFX:IT&vxp=mtr
Second problem , you got a wrong wiring, it need to wiring from tailight. The green&yelow wire. So, when you press R, it will send an electric to the camera.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 803
Likes: 37
From: Bay Area, CA
2011 C300 Sport, P1, MM, Wood, Heated FS, DIY rearview camera.
From tail light, which? Tail light does not turn on when environment is bright so not power to the camera.
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
W204 200CDI Avantguarde
Thank you for your replies! I'm lost... I think I wired the camera to the R gear power wire because when I put the R gear on It turns on the camera, so, maybe this is not the problem but I'm going to see it again (thanks to panjap I won't buy another NTSC camera) . Otherwise, Can you tell me where can I take the power to the camera? Now I have all the wiring in the boot. Maybe from the rear fuse box? But how and there wouldn't be any problem having the camera permanently on? thanks in advance for your replies, I'm a real dummy
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 4
From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
Thank you for your replies! I'm lost... I think I wired the camera to the R gear power wire because when I put the R gear on It turns on the camera, so, maybe this is not the problem but I'm going to see it again (thanks to panjap I won't buy another NTSC camera) . Otherwise, Can you tell me where can I take the power to the camera? Now I have all the wiring in the boot. Maybe from the rear fuse box? But how and there wouldn't be any problem having the camera permanently on? thanks in advance for your replies, I'm a real dummy
The preferred way to wire it is as follows:
Buy an "add-a-fuse" (photo attached). Make sure it is the right size (you can bring a fuse from your car into the store to compare) just remember to replace it in the right slot!
Plug the add-a-fuse into an empty slot in the rear SAM (fuse box). Use a voltmeter (or test light if you don't have a voltmeter) to find a fuse that has SWITCHED power. This means it powers off when the key is out of the ignition. It turns on when you turn the ignition on.
Next, attach the ground wire to a ground-point in the back. It will be a bolt with brown wires under it. Make sure your ground is clean and making solid contact.
Wire the camera to the add-a-fuse. Now you have solid, safe, fused power to the camera and you haven't had to modify your vehicle wiring.
The camera should have an additional wire that controls when it is on and off. THIS WIRE can be spliced into a reverse light because it is only detecting reverse, not powering the camera.
HOWEVER, there is really NO reason to do this with a decent camera - I just connect the on/off wire to the add-a-fuse. This way the camera is on whenever the car is on. You will get the best operation of the camera this way. I had a Pioneer camera wired that way in my old car for ~4 years, never a problem. The power draw of the camera is VERY low and will make no difference as far as your cars electrical system / battery is concerned - even if its always on with the ignition.
Last edited by acr2001; Apr 8, 2012 at 03:53 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
W204 200CDI Avantguarde
Here I am again with good news! I have change the wiring installation, thanks to your comments,to the SAM and everything is better.Now I see the image with the engine on but still the same thing, b/w and didn't fit the screen.When I enter the engineering mode and choose video input PAL, image is in color and fits the screen 
So, my camera (ACR2001,I put the link of it above) is certainly PAL and I don't know if the command has to choose between PAL/NTSC automatically or not, because I can't keep the change in that menu.PANJAB, do you remember how do you configured the navi?Maybe your cam is NTSC model? 
So, my camera (ACR2001,I put the link of it above) is certainly PAL and I don't know if the command has to choose between PAL/NTSC automatically or not, because I can't keep the change in that menu.PANJAB, do you remember how do you configured the navi?Maybe your cam is NTSC model?
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
C 250 Coupe 2012
What kind of camera did you buy?
The preferred way to wire it is as follows:
Buy an "add-a-fuse" (photo attached). Make sure it is the right size (you can bring a fuse from your car into the store to compare) just remember to replace it in the right slot!
Plug the add-a-fuse into an empty slot in the rear SAM (fuse box). Use a voltmeter (or test light if you don't have a voltmeter) to find a fuse that has SWITCHED power. This means it powers off when the key is out of the ignition. It turns on when you turn the ignition on.
Next, attach the ground wire to a ground-point in the back. It will be a bolt with brown wires under it. Make sure your ground is clean and making solid contact.
Wire the camera to the add-a-fuse. Now you have solid, safe, fused power to the camera and you haven't had to modify your vehicle wiring.
The camera should have an additional wire that controls when it is on and off. THIS WIRE can be spliced into a reverse light because it is only detecting reverse, not powering the camera.
HOWEVER, there is really NO reason to do this with a decent camera - I just connect the on/off wire to the add-a-fuse. This way the camera is on whenever the car is on. You will get the best operation of the camera this way. I had a Pioneer camera wired that way in my old car for ~4 years, never a problem. The power draw of the camera is VERY low and will make no difference as far as your cars electrical system / battery is concerned - even if its always on with the ignition.
The preferred way to wire it is as follows:
Buy an "add-a-fuse" (photo attached). Make sure it is the right size (you can bring a fuse from your car into the store to compare) just remember to replace it in the right slot!
Plug the add-a-fuse into an empty slot in the rear SAM (fuse box). Use a voltmeter (or test light if you don't have a voltmeter) to find a fuse that has SWITCHED power. This means it powers off when the key is out of the ignition. It turns on when you turn the ignition on.
Next, attach the ground wire to a ground-point in the back. It will be a bolt with brown wires under it. Make sure your ground is clean and making solid contact.
Wire the camera to the add-a-fuse. Now you have solid, safe, fused power to the camera and you haven't had to modify your vehicle wiring.
The camera should have an additional wire that controls when it is on and off. THIS WIRE can be spliced into a reverse light because it is only detecting reverse, not powering the camera.
HOWEVER, there is really NO reason to do this with a decent camera - I just connect the on/off wire to the add-a-fuse. This way the camera is on whenever the car is on. You will get the best operation of the camera this way. I had a Pioneer camera wired that way in my old car for ~4 years, never a problem. The power draw of the camera is VERY low and will make no difference as far as your cars electrical system / battery is concerned - even if its always on with the ignition.
I already bought the rear view camera from e-bay and the fakra-rca conector.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330546801834...84.m1439.l2648
http://www.ebay.com/itm/110852177638...84.m1439.l2649
I can't find how I need to conect the power of the camera??
Can you explain where should I conect the cables???
About the add-fuse I undestand that there I Should conect the reverse cable of the camera the one that is alone. In wich fuse should I plug this?
Thanks a lot!!!!
We don't need to buy from mercedes the car with all the acsesories we can learn how install them
!!!Daniel.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 64
Likes: 3
The right way to use Add-a-fuse at fuse #71 or #83 (not sure, but it for cigaratee lighter front / rear).
However, mine don't want to touch SAM unit, so I use an rear cigarette lighter with 12V plug & wire back to the trunk.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 4
From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
You run it through trim. You'll have to choose the best (easiest) path and remove trim pieces to run the wire behind. I haven;t installed one on the W204, but in my W203 it started by removing the 'carpeting' on the rear of the trunk lid. Then running the wire up the trunk hinge (where you will find other wires already, just follow them). Then remove the side panel in the trunk, run through there. Run up the side of the rear seats into the trim under the door plate and so on. Done properly the wire is totally invisible and won't get pinched or pulled.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 188
From: Toronto
2022 E53 AMG
This was an interesting read. My C350 already came with a reverse camera but i my other car which is a Mazda 6 I installed and touch screen Media Center and a review camera. I bought the camera off of eBay. The media center already had a lead for the camera and it's instructions were to connect the "trigger" to the reverse switch. Being that my Mazda had a manual transmission I decided instead to run the trigger wire and the power wire back to the front, I just ran the power wire to the front and tapped into the reverse lights.
It work perfectly. The camera is powered by by the head unit and not the review lights.
Not sure if this help.
http://youtu.be/wBuQrcPTKyU
It work perfectly. The camera is powered by by the head unit and not the review lights.
Not sure if this help.
http://youtu.be/wBuQrcPTKyU
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
C250
Thank you so much for this DIY. I was able to remove the head unit and plug in the fakra cable without any issues. My problem is putting the head unit. Per the instructions, removed the screws and pushed down on the threads to remove the HU. Now when I'm putting the unit back into place, I can only get one of the two screws to catch the threads...is there a way to manually push the threads back into place? HELP!
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
C250
Okay, I figured it out. The threads are part of a bigger metal piece that dropped to the bottom of the opening when I pushed it down. As other people have mentioned, it's a better idea to simply unscrew the screws 1/2 way and push down on the screw heads instead of completely removing them.
Thank you so much for this DIY. I was able to remove the head unit and plug in the fakra cable without any issues. My problem is putting the head unit. Per the instructions, removed the screws and pushed down on the threads to remove the HU. Now when I'm putting the unit back into place, I can only get one of the two screws to catch the threads...is there a way to manually push the threads back into place? HELP!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 101
From: Belgium
W205
