dnesdlrow

I've just got a Thinkware dash cam and it needs 12v constant, switched, and ground.
Installing in a 2013 C218.
So there's a fusebox in the trunk and one under the hood. Any idea which is easiest to tap and how you get the wires through the firewall/rear seats?

Antique-Ace

In my opinion, the easiest and best way to power your dashcam is to tap power from the wires for the light bulb in the roof for the vanity mirror. This is what I used to power my radar detectors in my C218 and C204. There is a detailed DIY in this post: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...isor-clip.html Unfortunalely, most of the pics are now missing, but if you PM me I can send you a PDF copy of the thread with the pics intact and answer any other questions you may have.

dnesdlrow

Antique-Ace

The power supply to the vanity light bulb in the roof is a switched 12v supply. With the ignition off (position 0), it will power off when the doors are locked with the remote control key. If you don't lock the door on exit it will power off in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Antique-Ace

The attached instructions will show you how to remove the sun visor clip without breaking it. Then use post #8 in https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...isor-clip.html to show where to connect the (+) and (-) power wires for your dash cam or radar detector. It's also a good idea to disconnect the (+) battery terminal to avoid any short circuit while you are doing electrical this work. Before you connect (solder) the wires, you should first use a piece of wire from a coat hanger (or something similar) to snake the power cord under the headliner starting from where it meets the top of the windshield glass. There is a metal ledge at the edge of the headliner near the windshield glass, so it takes a little skill and effort to pull down on the edge of the headliner and snake the power cord over the ledge and then through to the opening (hole) in the headliner for the sun visor clip. Also, makes sure the power wires are tucked clear of the places the base of the sun visor clip will attach to once it's reassembled. Unfortunately, I've done this install on two different MBs and I've forgotten to take photos both times of how the power tap wires should look after they are connected and tucked in place.

dnesdlrow

Thanks.
I actually need a constant 12v feed too which it used for it's parking mode. Is there anything there that is always live?

Antique-Ace

No constant 12v feed in that area. I think the best bet would be a wire in the overhead console. There may be a constant 12v source there. Otherwise, check the front Instrument Panel Fuse Panel in the left side of the dash (See page 6 in the attached PDF).