ND_eclass

So after doing some research and comparing cams verses my needs I stumbled arross a company that I believe is the best for the price point: REXING

The particular model I'm looking at includes an hard wiring kit but they REQUIRE A 12Voltage vehicle only. Does the 2012 or W212 E-Class a 12 volt car?

Here is the link.

kajtek1

I did not check it on W212, but W211 have option for cigarette lighter, where putting fuse in next slot will give you constant power to it.
Other than that you might run the wire from fuse box. Almost everything on MB is ignition activated.

raja777m

I'm planning to use the cigarette lighter 12v slot to power up my Sony action cam/Dash cam(I know I have to turn it on or off everytime I turn on the car, but that will do it for now; also this action cam doesn't have automatic recording on shock sensitivity, like real dash cam's do.). So, even if you don't have the cigarette package, I assume there would be an option for 12v, isn't it?

I tried with 12v car socket to USB 3.0 and it worked fine for the camera. I'm waiting for the suction mount for the camera to be delivered. I cheaped out on the shipping, so, it is taking 3 weeks, than 7-10 business days one.

Well, the mount is 3$ compared to 8+$.

jahquan3

There were some threads floating around here with a similiar question. I think you will be able to do that without much issue but let another member confirm for sure.

I went the old school route and just got a plug in dash cam and ran just one cord into the glove box. It's not intrusive at all and never gets in the way. It holds enough of a charge that it can come on even when the car has been off for days. Good luck.

ND_eclass

Wow thanks for the fast, and conversational discussion over this. Well... I would like to "hard wire" mine since it has the "parking monitor" feature.

Can anyone show me a link or diagram of the closest fuse box and an open fuse slot??

I'd like to keep mine on at all times for mechanics, parking and whatever door dings or weird occurrences happens where the cars at =)

belarus27

I ran my power wire all the way to 12v plug in the glove box (had to remove some trim , nothing complicated)

Airmousam

Started a thread a while back that may be of some help. There are better dash cams out there near that price point and there is really no need for an actual screen on the unit. Higher end units can push the video to your phone. Good luck!

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...50-1-chan.html

Egonvdv

I agree with armousam,
though i'm not a fan of BLackvu (anymore) which you mention in the other thread.
damn things overheat all the time

But whichever cam you buy, just get this to hardwire:

Abrown3mtg

I am planning to install the Thinkware F770 dual channel in my car. Discreet, best video quality of small dual channels I've seen (I want parking mode bad), pushes to your cell phone, and doesn't have a screen/display (don't want). It also has a voltage cutoff sensor built in so it will not drain your battery. I have been toying around with the idea of adding a second full size (battery) to my car anyway in the trunk, but could also easily supplement the camera for longer recording times with a battery pack intended for the purpose....

Egonvdv

Thinkware's good - i have TWO dual ones in my car to get 360 view (F750+F770)
the rear cams film the sides of the car.

The only problem with parking mode is that it's max 48hrs.

Thinkware brought out a battery recently but it's rather expensive. but at 36hrs it last
longer than the cellink.

Abrown3mtg

That is my dream setup.... I'd do the firmware upgrade to the f750's to make them f770's

Egonvdv

done already :-)

Airmousam

Where are you guys mounting the rear cam? Any issues with using the rear shade? Any pics? Have not had any overheat issues yet, I have 2 and my son put one in as well. Will keep and eye out...thx

belarus27

I have my rear camera on top in the center of rear windshield.
Tint makes a picture a lil darker.. but cant really do anything about it

Airmousam

Thx, works well with the shade?

belarus27

Yea , i did try it twice (and one was last week) and the shade slides up and down with no issues.
I would imagine it depends on the rear cam size but u can prolly even fit in a larger size one...
Also i hide the wires inside of roof liner/trim for a cleaner look.

tresean1

Sounds good. This would be a possible option for me too!

Mud

I've had this camera in all of our vehicles for a couple of years now, it has worked great, very inexpensive. There's several that are the same, just different name tags.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Upgrade-B40-...YAAOSwxH1T9GNj
You don't need that longer plastic piece shown, the camera just tucks up below the top of the windshield.

It comes with a plug for a 12v outlet, but I re-did the plug to turn it into a hard wire kit, or you can use something like this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2A-Mini-USB-...alf8L-HrqYbMzg
combined with a piggyback fuse tap like this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5A-Add-Circu...4AAOSww9xZA~gr

you also need to buy an SD card, so another few bucks.

All in all, I've got about $65 invested in each dash cam. I was really surprised at how well they have worked. I tapped into the fuseblock located in the trunk for ignition-on power and ran the power feed up the passenger side to the front.

I'm sure lots of great cameras out there, just sharing my experience.

rswaltz1614

Go with Thinkware F770...