Thinking about installing a backup camera
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 251
Likes: 67
From: North
W213 220d from 2016
Thinking about installing a backup camera
Hi all, as my car lacks any type of camera or backup sensors - I am looking to do a DYI of a third party backup camera/dashcam
In order to get something like that to work on the actual widescreen of the car seems almost impossible.
So I am thinking of getting one of those rearview clip-ons that will show an image of the backup camera in the rearview mirror.
The one I am looking at has gotten good reviews, but I doubt its reviewed by mercedes owners.
What I am worried about is wirering, so asking you w213 experts seems a good idea.
So if I want a constant power for this, where can I draw the power from?
How would I connect it to the backup lights(to make it switch on when I put it in reverse)?
Where would be the best place to run the cables?
Would it be best to mount inside on the top of the rear window(as it also double as a rear-dashcam) or should I place it outside near the licenseplace(this would be worse on the wirering part plus I would probable need to drill holes in the boot-door)
thanks in advance
In order to get something like that to work on the actual widescreen of the car seems almost impossible.
So I am thinking of getting one of those rearview clip-ons that will show an image of the backup camera in the rearview mirror.
The one I am looking at has gotten good reviews, but I doubt its reviewed by mercedes owners.
What I am worried about is wirering, so asking you w213 experts seems a good idea.
So if I want a constant power for this, where can I draw the power from?
How would I connect it to the backup lights(to make it switch on when I put it in reverse)?
Where would be the best place to run the cables?
Would it be best to mount inside on the top of the rear window(as it also double as a rear-dashcam) or should I place it outside near the licenseplace(this would be worse on the wirering part plus I would probable need to drill holes in the boot-door)
thanks in advance
Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 119
Likes: 28
From: Maldon
E220d
You definitely don't want to use a constant power!
I have installed dash cam and had it on constant power (front left foot well fuse box) and just that little drainage have TOTALLY messed the car up.
Constant battery alert, constant window memory module reset.
Now it is on ignition only and everything is back to normal, hot wired to the charger in the middle console. Otherwise you would need to go to the fuse box in the boot.
In regards of the placement, I have the rear view dash cam in the top of the rear window and I'm not sure you can see properly for reversing purposes.
Mind you, I have the reverse camera in the boot lid and not really watching the dash cam.
I have installed dash cam and had it on constant power (front left foot well fuse box) and just that little drainage have TOTALLY messed the car up.
Constant battery alert, constant window memory module reset.
Now it is on ignition only and everything is back to normal, hot wired to the charger in the middle console. Otherwise you would need to go to the fuse box in the boot.
In regards of the placement, I have the rear view dash cam in the top of the rear window and I'm not sure you can see properly for reversing purposes.
Mind you, I have the reverse camera in the boot lid and not really watching the dash cam.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,695
Likes: 1,830
From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
There are any number of wireless cameras available on ebay or Amazon, like this one...
I have not researched how good the wireless signal is. You definitely want it to function only on switched power.
Your Lakers Fan avatar has me fooled, as no Mercedes-Benz sold in America arrives without an OEM backup camera. The Fed. law took effect in 2018, but MB has had them in the US for several years before that.
I have not researched how good the wireless signal is. You definitely want it to function only on switched power.
Your Lakers Fan avatar has me fooled, as no Mercedes-Benz sold in America arrives without an OEM backup camera. The Fed. law took effect in 2018, but MB has had them in the US for several years before that.
Last edited by DFWdude; May 20, 2021 at 05:09 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 251
Likes: 67
From: North
W213 220d from 2016
There are any number of wireless cameras available on ebay or Amazon, like this one...
https://www.amazon.com/AMTIFO-Digita...544382&sr=8-1-
I have not researched how good the wireless signal is. You definitely want it to function only on switched power.
Your Lakers Fan avatar has me fooled, as no Mercedes-Benz sold in America arrives without an OEM backup camera. The Fed. law took effect in 2018, but MB has had them in the US for several years before that.
https://www.amazon.com/AMTIFO-Digita...544382&sr=8-1-
I have not researched how good the wireless signal is. You definitely want it to function only on switched power.
Your Lakers Fan avatar has me fooled, as no Mercedes-Benz sold in America arrives without an OEM backup camera. The Fed. law took effect in 2018, but MB has had them in the US for several years before that.
Lakers fan, but living in Denmark
So if I want a dashcam to capture footage when the car is parked, Im out of luck?
and if I want power(not constant) from another place than the cigarette lighter/12V outlet in the cubby... where should I look?
rgds, Jake
edit: this is the rearview dashcam with additional backup camera I am looking for.
https://www.dcams.ca/products/x6_v6-...38058411032758
Last edited by JakeW213; May 20, 2021 at 07:33 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,695
Likes: 1,830
From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
IMO, dash cams and backup cams are separate items, and one product that does both is a rare find. Usually, what works well as a back-up rearview will not work well as a dashcam for security. Each demands different mounting locations as you've already learned.
I'd search for threads in this forum on the topic "dashcams" and do some reading. A security dashcam will need constant power, HOWEVER, MBs are very electric power-intensive. There are threads on this W213 forum and the W212 concerning various electrical/battery problems in some vehicles. Were it me, I would not install anything that needs constant power, as it could lead (eventually) to parasitic battery drains that can leave you stranded.
Along the same lines, I suggested the wireless setups, because it involves the least amount of direct wiring interfaces in the car.
I've not researched constant power connections, so I wouldn't have good suggestions on where to find it, except directly connected within one of the fuseboxes.
I'd search for threads in this forum on the topic "dashcams" and do some reading. A security dashcam will need constant power, HOWEVER, MBs are very electric power-intensive. There are threads on this W213 forum and the W212 concerning various electrical/battery problems in some vehicles. Were it me, I would not install anything that needs constant power, as it could lead (eventually) to parasitic battery drains that can leave you stranded.
Along the same lines, I suggested the wireless setups, because it involves the least amount of direct wiring interfaces in the car.
I've not researched constant power connections, so I wouldn't have good suggestions on where to find it, except directly connected within one of the fuseboxes.
Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 119
Likes: 28
From: Maldon
E220d
