Reverse Camera
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 252
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco, CA
2001 CLK55
Reverse Camera
Even though it's completely unnecessary on a car this small, I've installed a rear view camera on my clk. I tapped into the reverse light wire in the trunk for 12V when the car is in reverse, but I'd prefer to power it from an accessory wire back there so it would be on whenever the car is on. Does anyone know if there's an accessory power wire somewhere in the trunk I can tap into? If so what color?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 252
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco, CA
2001 CLK55
For some reason, the cd changer wire wasn't getting power. I guess the system senses that it's not plugged in, and cuts power to it. I ran a wire over to the amp, and tapped into the aux power there, and now I can watch the camera whenever the key's in the ignition.
I'm using a wireless video transmitter now, but I'll probably run a wire at some point to eliminate interference with the blue-tooth. Does anybody know a good route to run a wire to the trunk from the dash? I was thinking of running it under the door sill if I can figure out how to get it off without breaking it.
I'm using a wireless video transmitter now, but I'll probably run a wire at some point to eliminate interference with the blue-tooth. Does anybody know a good route to run a wire to the trunk from the dash? I was thinking of running it under the door sill if I can figure out how to get it off without breaking it.
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From: Atlanta
05 CL65 AMG, 07 Ferrari F430, 03 Range Rover HSE
The door sills simply lift up... a good pull and they are up. That is the best way to run the wire.
There is no 'reverse wire' near the dash. The reverse signal runs on the CAN-BUS as a data signal.
There is no 'reverse wire' near the dash. The reverse signal runs on the CAN-BUS as a data signal.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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2019 GLA 2000 SLK230
Even though it's completely unnecessary on a car this small, I've installed a rear view camera on my clk. I tapped into the reverse light wire in the trunk for 12V when the car is in reverse, but I'd prefer to power it from an accessory wire back there so it would be on whenever the car is on. Does anyone know if there's an accessory power wire somewhere in the trunk I can tap into? If so what color?
What brand, cost and difficulty is it to DIY install?
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 252
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco, CA
2001 CLK55
The camera I bought was cheap (~$20), and doesn't have great clarity, so it's best for use in close proximity (backing up to a bumper, etc.). I do usually leave it angled up to see what's behind me, but the angle doesn't seem to be wide enough to handle much of the blind spots. I'd recommend mounting the camera above the rear windshield for that purpose. I've seen people with the diffuser over the rear winshield hide it under there. I would recomend a higher quality camera for that purpose.
The install was very easy, since I used a wireless transmitter (still haven't run the wire to the head unit). Well under an hour for me.
The install was very easy, since I used a wireless transmitter (still haven't run the wire to the head unit). Well under an hour for me.
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Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Atlanta
05 CL65 AMG, 07 Ferrari F430, 03 Range Rover HSE
We have reviewed cameras many times elsewhere, and we carry the three best ones we could find. Our OEM MiniCAM is the same camera sensor used by Mercedes, Audi, Lambo, Porsche and several other makers. It is 170 degree, EXTREME low light abilities.
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Joined: Jan 2024
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Smart 451
The camera I bought was cheap (~$20), and doesn't have great clarity, so it's best for use in close proximity (backing up to a bumper, etc.). I do usually leave it angled up to see what's behind me, but the angle doesn't seem to be wide enough to handle much of the blind spots. I'd recommend mounting the camera above the rear windshield for that purpose. I've seen people with the diffuser over the rear winshield hide it under there. I would recomend a higher quality camera for that purpose.
The install was very easy, since I used a wireless transmitter (still haven't run the wire to the head unit). Well under an hour for me.
The install was very easy, since I used a wireless transmitter (still haven't run the wire to the head unit). Well under an hour for me.
