EuroDriverSD

I'm entertaining the idea of adding a single multifunction camera on my 2016 W212.
For now, I have confirmed that in addition to the camera module, I will need to replace the windshield and have the option coded. My specific question is how involved is the wiring needed to add the camera and if anyone has done it, if you don't mind sharing the procedure.

The story in a nutshell is that I've spent the past year retrofitting the ILS headlights on my car. I have successfully completed the project, but certain features such as adaptive high beam assist and the fog lamp features are not available without the windshield camera. The main feature I'm after is the fog light feature.

Any info is greatly appreciated.

ccww

I am curious as to how the MFC influences the behavior of the fog light feature? I thought that it was user controlled with the rear fog lamp being fully manual and the front beam pattern change being speed dependent when user activated.

If you are successful your greatest prize will be full ILS functionality. The masking and adaptation are incredible to watch and genuinely useful. Then again, you could be ridiculously ambitious and retrofit the stereo cameras and radars for Distronic Plus!

Your car has no camera at all? What were the original options packages?

EuroDriverSD

Yeah my car has no camera at all. It was originally equipped with the static LED headlights, no lane keep assist nor distronic.

I'm still not sure whether full ILS functionality is possible with a single multifunction camera. A description I read comparing the 2 camera systems states that the stereo multifunction camera "adds the ability for 3D scanning to identify objects such as road signs, pedestrians and obstacles on the road." A couple of people have told me I can add all functionality with only the single camera but the description above makes me suspect that the stereo MFC is needed for full intelligent functionality.

Apparently I cannot add the stereo camera because my car does not have the "flexray gateway" whatever that is but Vladimir confirmed to me that I can do it with the single MFC camera and adding codes 608 (automatic high beams) and 628 (adaptive high beam assist plus), to which apparently the fog light feature is tied into.

I'm willing to venture into adding the SMFC only if I can wire it in myself - I already hemorrhaged a pile of money having other people help me with the ILS headlights claiming experience but operating on a trial and error basis, opposed to Europe where these retrofits seem to be more widely done.

ccww

You could receive positive confirmation of the possibility of full ILS with a single camera if you can find a Euro market car's VIN with code 628 and without Distronic and confirm either visually or in EPC that it only has a single camera.

EuroDriverSD

Thanks. I'll look into that. After I get my VeDoc card updated, I think I'm going to try and get it coded as Euro version but it's probably only feasible if I can add a camera.

ccww

@LILBENZ230 has a beautiful 2016 E350 with a single MFC and he was Vlad's test subject for ILS on the facelift W212: https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...d-my-w212.html

EuroDriverSD

That's awesome - thanks! I had seen his post before but overlooked that his car only has the single MFC. Now if I can only find some help with the wiring that is needed...

ccww

These may be useful to you. The "retrofit lane recognition" document gives an overview of how to retrofit a MFC, although it seems to be intended for pre-facelift models.

If you need the other procedure documents referenced in these let me know, but I think these will give you a good idea of the scale of the challenge.

EuroDriverSD

Thanks so much. It definitely looks doable. Now I need to find out how much parts and new windshield will lighten the wallet...

ccww

No problem, let me know if you need any of the attendant documents.

I suppose I'm not one to talk since I've done ILS unlock, 839 acoustic windows and cabin insulation retrofit, and am currently working on a leather/nappa leather retrofit, but you must REALLY like your W212 to not just go buy a W213 with multibeam for what you've spent on the LED headlights and will spend on the stuff for the MFC...

EuroDriverSD

Lol, I really don't care for the body style of the W213, along with other changes. I much prefer the looks of the W212 - as silly as that may seem

On top of that, I'm in a similar boat as you as far as the investment in my current car.

Besides the ILS retrofit, I've installed the diamond grille, custom-painted AMG rear diffuser and exhaust tips, Brabus springs and wheels, Escort Max 360 ci installed with the cluster display module and remote display integrated into the rear view mirror, ceramic tint all around and custom-coded for eco-off and Android Auto.

I'm never going to recover my investment into it, so I plan to drive it 'til the wheels fall off. With that mentality, I keep telling myself "I'll just do this one more thing"

LILBENZ230

Not silly at all.. I hate the W213 and would never, ever buy one.

dawgfan

I'm really enjoying this thread. I'd like to do this retrofit in a couple of years. Thanks again @EuroDriverSD for doing all the legwork and write up!

I figure I'll allocate 2k for maintenance/repairs and upgrades once my extended warranty expires, so hopefully will have some budget for this down the road.

ccww

Totally makes sense. Your car is beautiful, I enjoyed looking at your winning FCOTM submission. The diamond grille looks great on the W212, especially now with the full LED headlights! Would love to see interior pics sometime too!

I don't mind the W213, although I do love the stately and identifiably E-Class look of the W212. My motivation for building my W212 to be exactly what I want is that the W213 diesels never came to the US and I can't seem to end my love affair with diesel sedans. Sadly this will almost surely be my last, but I'll get as much enjoyment and miles out of it as I can before I have to buy a gas or electric replacement, hopefully an S-Class.

EuroDriverSD

I've always wanted a Bluetec but never found one with specs to my liking - maybe there's still hope for me

I'll take some pics of the interior this weekend and post them up

ccww

Optioned up BlueTecs are horribly difficult to find. Ask me how I know lol...