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Does anyone have experience with adding an after-market backup video system to the CL500 Command unit (2006)? I like my car (have had it since new) but would like the added safety of a backup video.
After a lot of research I determined that my best option is to have my Command unit modified by Nav-TV in Florida. My unit was sent today. I'll report the results when I get it reinstalled.
Mercedes S550 Coupe (now) CL55 (until last March 3), Ferrari 612, Porsche Macan GTS
Originally Posted by as.thompson
After a lot of research I determined that my best option is to have my Command unit modified by Nav-TV in Florida. My unit was sent today. I'll report the results when I get it reinstalled.
I'm only doing the backup video; no other mods. I already have a hook up in my glove box for an iPod.
Here is a link to the company that does the modification. My local installer says that they have done several with this company, all with excellent results and no issues.
After several weeks of research, I went with a Command system modification by Nav-TV in Florida. I had to have the Command control head removed and shipped to their facility for internal electronic modification. It took two weeks with shipping both ways across the continent.
Then I had the installer provide a small camera (with IR illumination for night operation) mounted just above the license plate.
Routing the camera wire from the camera through the car to the Command unit was a tedious 7 hour job for the installer who had done several of these before and was familiar with the car. But the final result is excellent: it looks like a factory display.
Cost was $900 (including shipping) + $70 tax for the Command unit mod; $200 +$16 tax for the camera; $650 labor for a total of $1836.
Mercedes S550 Coupe (now) CL55 (until last March 3), Ferrari 612, Porsche Macan GTS
That is incredible result. It looks a lot like the system that is in my wife’s Porsche. However, that sounds like an incredible amount of work to do it as well. You would think that you might be able to get some wireless camera option rather than having to go through the hassle of the running of the wire from the camera to their head unit.
Ron, I explored the wireless camera and found that people using them had mixed results. Interference, cut outs, etc. I suppose that I could have tried a wireless camera first and then gone to the wired one if it didn't work well. But I decided to go all in with the wired version.
BTW the video on the Command screen looks much better that it appears in the photos on line. I didn't send high definition photos because of the size of the files.
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