kasendorf

My wife just got a new 2021 E350 with the dashcam factory option. It seems to record files but al playbacks are totally black. Any thoughts?

jtjbt20x

I had that problem on my MacBook Pro when I tried to use the QuickTime player. I switched to a different player (VLC) and playback now works.

kasendorf

Did the trick on my Mac. Thank you.

Cerave

Can somebody post a video as an example? I would like to see the quality of the dash cam video.
Thanks

6speeddave

Which USB storage device did you guys buy to store the dash cam footage?

e55phil

I am to take delivery in March of my All Terrain. I included a Dash Cam. I wonder how many hours it records, Does it focus on license plates. How do you download the video and where is the video stored. I am optimistic but MB has not been on the cutting edge when they introduce new tech, I figure I will take what I can get.

Egonvdv

Hold on, hold on, back up, back up!!! - You say FACTORY dashcam ???

I have not seen this option here in France (going to order my new car soon)

For the past 10 years or so, i've been driving with dashcams and very interested in an integrated solution.

IS this option only available in the US maybe ?

Also, can you tell me if all the (parking) cameras are being used, or just one in the front ?

EDIT

found it now.
it's a pity it only uses 1 camera, when the car has 4.. a missed chance...
seems in Europe it depends on the country; .
In the Netherlands the option is there, but sadly in France it is not..

e55phil

I did a search

https://configurator.mercedes-benz-a...ransporter=car

jtjbt20x

I bought this one, because it seemed to be the safest in terms of getting damaged while plugged in:

ua549

IMO the option is limited to US models for legal reasons.
Here is the verbiage from the US$200 option:
A camera in the windshield can record activity occurring in front of the vehicle, and let you save it for playback using your own compatible USB flash drive. Potentially useful for documenting an accident or other event, the 1,280x720-pixel video with a 30-Hz frame rate can also include vehicle speed and the time of day. Playback can be viewed on the car's multimedia display or on your own computer via your USB flash drive.

jtjbt20x

How many hours it can record is only limited by the size of your thumb drive. I don't know the max size thumb drive though, it's here somewhere on the board. It doesn't focus on license plates, it's a rather large view from the camera near the rear view mirror. You download the video by taking out the thumb drive and plugging it back in to watch on the MBUX or by connecting to a computer. See attached screenshot.

e55phil

My Mistake I think this is the dash cam:

jimbg

BMW have had this for a while called Drive Recorder and can use all the cameras.

jtjbt20x

See screenshot above. The video file is mp4 format, not sure that can be uploaded here.

Egonvdv

it's strange MB doesn't use all cameras. now it's just half baked ...

Egonvdv

as stated in my previous; in the netherlands you can order the option, but not in France

i found some info on a french website where they state it will be available "soon", but that post was over 6 months old..
still strange as it's not forbidden to have a dashcam in France...
You are not allowed to film public places, but that applies to fixed cameras.
as a daschcam is not filming something specific, there is no problem using the footage

as i understand you need the 19U option (enhanched reality) plus the dashcam option which is 21U,
but the latter is only software they unlock, so it can always be added later on...

kasendorf

Does the dash cam need to be restarted each time you start the car? Mine was recording when I turned off the car and when I got back in and looked at the dash cam function it looked like I needed to restart it. I have it set to “Loop”. `

jtjbt20x

Yes. I created a shortcut for the star key, and moved the cam app on the screen to far left, so all I have to do to start recording is to tap the star key then tap the touch pad. But you can only start the recording after the car boots up all the way so there is about a 30 second delay after you start the car before you can start the recording.

muchacho882

I've just orderd car in Poland with Dash-Cam. I think it will be soon in FR too.

e55phil

Between not using the back camera (like BMW) and the need to restart each time you start the car this is what I mean when I say MB is never on the cutting edge of tech. jtjbt20 your solution is elegant.. Nice handle by the way.

Egonvdv

very weird indeed

jtjbt20x

Thanks, but truth in advertising, I found that solution somewhere around MBWorld, I just can't remember where.

kasendorf

Disappointing implementation. Ordered the dash cam on my E 350 assuming that once it would be set it would always be on. Having to turn it on each time makes this a pretty worthless option.

e55phil

I do not think it is worthless just an extra step. The bigger pain is that you have to plug in a thumb drive. that takes up room in console. it is a MB thing. In balance the car will be a net plus.

kasendorf

Guess it's a personal preference. I was looking for the convenience and this implementation is not convenient though it can work. I bought an"up & down" angled usb c cable so the thumb drive doesn't stick out. I attached the link below.