fleeno

My 2016 E350 doesn't have the 360 camera system, and I've been spoiled by that on my other cars unfortunately. It also has the sport package and a really low front bumper, so I was looking into adding at least a front camera.

I've found mentions on here of doing that, and have found plenty of products out there that claim to add video interfaces. However, I feel like the 2016 (and maybe 2015+?) E350 is a bit odd because it has a newer COMAND system than most of the other E350s. It's hard to tell if a product is for the old one or new one sometimes.

I did find this module: https://car-solutions.com/en/video-i...5.1-system.php

It looks like that may work, but any chance anyone here has tried it or something similar?

I want to keep my existing backup camera intact, but would love to be able to press a button and quickly switch the screen over to a front camera input. The manual on this one seems like you may be able to tie it into a factory button, but if it's a hassle or takes a lot of time to switch, that wouldn't be ideal.

Thanks!

DFWdude

I would also like to add a tiny camera under the front bumper, or in/behind one of the false scoops to either side. How about one of those FPV cameras used on drones? It would have some sort of wireless transmitter... if that signal could be sent to my cell phone mounted on the dash, then this would give the view needed. No car interface needed.

A small power adapter behind the grill or in the engine compartment wired to a switchable fuse... Some of the tiny surveillance cams at Banggood.com are so cheap it would be a good experiment.

Guts from a Ring doorbell camera? Other ideas?

Gotta find something to assist in pulling into those perpendicular parking spots with those insatiably hungry concrete bump stops.

http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-1000TVL-13-CCD-110-Degree-2_8mm-Lens-Mini-FPV-Camera-NTSC-PAL-Switchable-p-1053340.html?akmClientCountry=America&utm_design=1 31&utm_source=emarsys&utm_medium=Mail_US16_email&u tm_campaign=newsletteremarsys&utm_content=elaine&s c_src=email_3602749&sc_eh=6737d6952d6d2ad41&sc_lli d=411044&sc_lid=144836000&sc_uid=71QIKvPlCz&cur_wa rehouse=USA

DFWdude

BTW, my car has the full complement of 12 bumper "parking" sensors. While these are useful in detecting objects at sensor height and above, they do not work predictably (or at all) in sensing the typical concrete wheel stop.

If anyone has tried to re-aim one of more of the front bumper sensors so that it senses (down at) parking concrete stops, that might be another option.

I am open to any ideas.

DFWdude

Today I sent an email to an acquaintance whose hobby is racing drones. Haven't spoken to him in a couple years.... maybe he will reply or call.

I want to find out how plausible it is to take a (used) drone-mounted miniature camera and video transmission gear, mount that under the front bumper, then rob a used FPV headset for its reception gear and display screen to mount on the sun visor. Figuring out power to replace the battery system would be the next challenge

Yes, I've been to several sites (Cartoys, etc) looking for backup camera systems that can be deployed looking forward. So far, all of them are hard-wired, too expensive, or (more important) use a 7-10" display screen on the dash. Don't need that clutter and temptation for break-in artists.

Does anyone have drone experience, or am I just writing to myself here?