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I tapped my power for my backup camera off the rear 12v outlet. I read stories on the above about tapping into the reverse wiring but then the car might think there is a short or bulb out since it's pulling more current... I wanted to avoid that.
I tapped my power for my backup camera off the rear 12v outlet. I read stories on the above about tapping into the reverse wiring but then the car might think there is a short or bulb out since it's pulling more current... I wanted to avoid that.
-Nigel
ding ding ding there is the answer thanks!
Did you also have to tap 12v up front by the Command? Or does the entire camera unit need only 12V once, with the rear 12v outlet being sufficient?
My camera only needed the 12v source. The comand headunit will automatically switch on to display the rear view camera when you put it into reverse. As long as you code comand, then enable the backup camera when "put into reverse" feature, you shouldn't have to mess with the 12v trigger wire at all.
On my STi, I tied the trigger wire to a switch so then I could enable the camera at will along with putting it into reverse. With the w211 I didn't feel the need for this.
install is going fun. I especially like the part where I have no guide how to install it. So far so good though. the ebay w211 camera fits perfectly in place of the rear license plate lamp. Once I figured out how to thread the wires through the trunk panel, the rest should be easy now.
install is going fun. I especially like the part where I have no guide how to install it. So far so good though. the ebay w211 camera fits perfectly in place of the rear license plate lamp. Once I figured out how to thread the wires through the trunk panel, the rest should be easy now.
I'm pretty sure with what he has the bulb goes in the same place because you can see the two little holes that the feston bulb clips into. I believe light still shines through since it's clear plastic but it will be blocked somewhat by the camera. I see a lot of these on ebay for MB and toyotas, seems to be the easiest plug and play solution for those that don't want to drill a hole for a dedicated camera. Thing I have read most about them is they only last a couple years and then get water inside.
I'm pretty sure with what he has the bulb goes in the same place because you can see the two little holes that the feston bulb clips into. I believe light still shines through since it's clear plastic but it will be blocked somewhat by the camera. I see a lot of these on ebay for MB and toyotas, seems to be the easiest plug and play solution for those that don't want to drill a hole for a dedicated camera. Thing I have read most about them is they only last a couple years and then get water inside.
-Nigel
They are all illegale in the entire US because it’s a manipulation of the outside lighting. Technically speaking you just lost the certificate of type approval on your vehicle. It’s no problem unless an accident happens and a good lawyer or detective on a fatal collision checks on these things and they do. Dealing with these kind of things every day makes you wonder why people take these risks. Oh well.
Buy touch up paint set and paint it. It looks like the camera came standard from the factory. I'm also working on a OEM RVC solution for the W211 including the fold-in/-out feature.
Did you ever finish the fold in fold out camera feature on the w211? I guess thats what RVC stands for.
They are all illegale in the entire US because it’s a manipulation of the outside lighting. Technically speaking you just lost the certificate of type approval on your vehicle. It’s no problem unless an accident happens and a good lawyer or detective on a fatal collision checks on these things and they do. Dealing with these kind of things every day makes you wonder why people take these risks. Oh well.
I did not consider this, maybe the hack/cut method will be better so I can retain my 2 bulbs for license plate
edit: yes, you use the housing for the bulb to mount the camera lens. you have to remove your bulb
Last edited by e350forme; Jul 25, 2019 at 05:40 PM.
I ended up purchasing Rydeen camera unit as written in beginning of thread by OP. I have since figured out that the rear panel is plastic I believe and I can cut a very small hole if needed for the Rydeen unit.
I tried to install the license plate light camera. I cut the small thin wire that has three even smaller wires for the camera in order to ease installation without having to break any existing parts. in the end, unit is not able to power on anymore after trying for long time.
I ended up purchasing Rydeen camera unit as written in beginning of thread by OP. I have since figured out that the rear panel is plastic I believe and I can cut a very small hole if needed for the Rydeen unit.
I tried to install the license plate light camera. I cut the small thin wire that has three even smaller wires for the camera in order to ease installation without having to break any existing parts. in the end, unit is not able to power on anymore after trying for long time.
Yep you will have to drill a small hole through both the plastic and the aluminum of the trunk. It's quite simple. A tight squeeze with the rydeen camera post. While you have the rear trim piece off you might as well change out the license plate lights to LED. I replaced mine with these. Love them. Pure white bright light. Updates the back end slightly.
I ran my wiring to the right of the passenger seat (I remove the rear seats/bench and the center console), then ran the wire under the center console and up to the front where the head unit was. That was much easier than routing it through the side door sill.
Thanks for all tips Nigel. Camera is installed and working. I did not know the camera wires come apart to ease installation. Ended up hacking a large hole in the trunk lid to thread all the wires through.
which cable is for the backup/reverse light? (for now I am using the 12v accessory plug as power for the camera)
Couldn't tell you on which wire the reverse is. Best bet is to probe it and then you'll find the correct wire in reverse. Why not just keep it tapped to the 12v accessory adapter? Mine has been wired like that since 2017 with zero issues. No possible false "bulb" out and the car doesn't freak out.
From the looks of your original picture all you had to do was drill a small hole and feed the wire through. The picture that you have which has the red/black wire. Hole should have been no larger than that or at least big enough to fit the post through from the camera. If you got the raydeen camera their directions are pretty straight forward plus their cs is very good. Water under the bridge. Just make sure you use the seal that goes with the camera so you don't get water in the trunk.
I can enable the backup camera if anyone needs this being done.
Be advised, as soon as you're using the (any) VIM module, you'll lose navigation while watching DVD/TV.
Simply PM me if you're in the SoCal area!
Hey, im trying to enable the backup camera for my 09 e350. i do live in socal, but ill try to see if i can but the VIM module.do you know what it is called or where i can get it?
Hey, im trying to enable the backup camera for my 09 e350. i do live in socal, but ill try to see if i can but the VIM module.do you know what it is called or where i can get it?
I can help with the coding but I’m not a fan of the modules and don’t care about them because they also manipulate the mileage counter which is fraud and illegal.
I can help with the coding but I’m not a fan of the modules and don’t care about them because they also manipulate the mileage counter which is fraud and illegal.
oh I see. so how would i be able to input the code? is it STAR? Ill be going down to SD next weekend. do you have a shop i can stop by? and if you charge for the service, how much would it be?
oh I see. so how would i be able to input the code? is it STAR? Ill be going down to SD next weekend. do you have a shop i can stop by? and if you charge for the service, how much would it be?
Send me a PM for details and to set up a meeting. Thanks.
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