mis3

I am wondering why MB does not offer front view camera as an option.

I don't have Parktronic in my w209 and I never try it. Isn't cameras better because you can physical see the distance between the cars?

Yidney

I assume you mean a rear view camera. Parktronic was not even an option - at least in the US - except on AMGs. It is a bit surprising that parking sensors were not offered on such a high end car, espcially when it was included on a virtually identical model. I don't think the idea of a rearview camera is to judge distance to a car. It's to see if the neighbor's kid is playing behind your car. I have an aftermarket version of parktronic and am glad I do, but for parking purposes I can't see what a camera would add. Parking sensors measure the distance and change the frequency of the tone. When the beeping becomes a solid tone I know I'm maybe 10 inches away.

Frank Rizzo

^ +1
I have a camera and sensors on my CC and I never use the camera for parking, the sensors are much more accurate.

I'm surprised there is no rear sunshade as well...

mis3

In Canada, both parktronic and rear-view camera are options you can purchase.

Parktronic gives your beeps which correspond for the distance but the camera gives you the physical view on the back of your car.

From rear view camera, can you see the front bumper of the car in the back? Am I missing something? I would think a physical view is better than the beeps.

Cartronics

Always better, Parktronic can easily miss items. Just ask my bodyshop

mnje350

I agree. I wish the parking sensors were offered. What after market brand did you install? Was it a hard install?

Frank Rizzo

Now I know why the warning "Always check your surroundings" comes on the screen...

Yidney

The original owner did it. When I bought it I assumed they were original. 4 back and 4 front. They don't sit flush like real ones, but are body color and look just fine. I'd keep them even if I could snap my fingers and make then disappear. Front is pretty unecessary though.

thaichi808

Aloha! I've got a 03 CLK 500 and it came fully optioned(to my knowledge) and has parktronic.


aloha,
thaichi808

boull

i do have parking sensors. they are very helpful but as cartronics said, the issue is that they horizontally measure the distance of the object behind u for instance, yet if you have a low ride and trying to park and there is some kind of obstacle that is relatively low, it would not beep on it and that obstacle might end up scratching ur exhaust for instance.

Cartronics

Or thin items, or toys / small boxes on the ground... many items are simply not picked up by sensors. The only think they help with is getting close to large items.

mis3

So, are we saying that rear view camera is better to detect the distance between cars than parktronic?

I never used Parktronic so I have no idea.

Cartronics

IMHO, I would say yes, because you can SEE the distance.

boull

Camera helps you see.
Parktronic sensors, you need to be attentive to the beep. No visual but your rear view mirrors & side ones

mis3

In the case of parktronic, if the beeps go solid when the distance is 10 inches, this is not so useful..

In downtown parking when I have to squeeze into a small space, I would go back-and-forth and sometimes, my car will be only 2-3 inches away from the car behind.