Surge

Sorry if this has been discussed. I did read a few threads about other models but they weren’t 100% clear, is it correct that all 2023 EQS have the dashcam installed? You either pay $300(CAD) when you buy it or add it online later?

LastOne

The prerequisite for the dashcam (21U option) is the U19 (Augmented Reality) option to be configured with the car. Without it the dashcam cannot be purchased as an addon. If that option is installed then the online purchase will enable the dashcam.

Surge

Thanks. It’s not clear however what the “Dashcam” option in the online build is referring to (21U or U19).

MB2timer

A lot of the dash am options require a subscription. It is infuriating to have to subscribe to something you already bought and paid for.

Surge

I’m looking at cars in inventory. Some have the “Dashcam” option, others do not. If they do not, is the camera physically there?

LastOne

You would need to see the build sheet specs to be sure, and most likely only on Pinnacle trim. There will be 3 configurations, but how the inventory lists them could be incomplete.

1. Not specified - most likely does not have U19 so dashcam cannot be added
2. Pinnacle trim but options included does not specify dashcam - can be added
3. Option included specify dashcam - its there

LastOne

The dashcam can either the paid for as part of a custom build or later as a one-time charge (if the prerequisites were included). Manufacturing have been doing this since the start of consumer electronics production as it is more cost efficient to build one device that can then be customized with software.

Crito

As alluded to by a previously reply, it's the AR camera that's used by the dashcam software, which is what you're actually paying $200 for (not the hardware). If you have AR nav you have the camera.

Surge

Got it, thanks. So “AR” Navigation is standard on the EQS SUV, at least in Canada.

LastOne

No it is not standard in Canada. It requires Augmented Reality option that is part of the Pinnacle trim.

Surge

There is no Pinnacle trim in Canada. Maybe on the sedan but on the SUV it’s standard.

LastOne

You are correct about Canada. The trims vary by country which leads to the confusion. Also, you seem to be inquiring about the Canadian model but your profile shows that you are in New York. So be very careful on the answers posted.

MB37

My build sheet does not specify "dashcam," but it has AR and Pinnacle trim. When I looked into my MB Me, it gave me the option to purchase the dashcam (one time cost not subscription) of $200. I purchased it and think the quality is OK. You really can't make out the license plate of the other vehicles travelling with you unless it is very close and directly in front of you. I guess the purpose is for close up and general "storytelling video" and not read license plate off of other cars. I originally thought I could read license plates of other cars.

LastOne

When stopped behind a vehicle or passing a vehicle on the left/right I can read their license plate. This is from a .mp4 capture clip copied from the SD card to my laptop. Have not tried to see if it was possible on the infotainment screen in the car.

Crito

I posted a YouBoob video a while back about an incident with a white pickup (one of about 5 million) here in Houston. YouBoob defaults to 480p so you have to manually change the setting to HD to properly view it but my experience was same as MB37's. I can read plates when stopped but not while moving.

Surge

Do you have to connect a HD in the car? From reading part of the manual that seems to be the case?

EQEBlue

Yes you need a USB storage connected on the center console next to wireless charger

car supports upto 4TB in exFAT id recommend a temperature rated NVMe

Crito

I've got mine connected to the USB-C port inside the center console armrest but I also have the 100 watt charging option so not sure that'll work for everyone. In any case, reason video starts after I pull out of the parking lot is because my 1 TB NVMe was about full and the entire system gets slow as molasses when that happens. Now that I've shrunk my partition down recording start almost immediately.

Surge

Thanks. Are you using a thumb drive or a larger external HDD?
What do you mean by the 100 watt charging option, I don’t see the connection to the dashcam?

icwhatudidthere

It's because NVME drives usually have higher power requirements. You should be fine with a thumb drive though it might be slower to start recording if it has to delete older files.

LastOne

I am using a somewhat convoluted solution as I wanted a device in the centre console that did not stick out too much (risk of damage to device or port) and was rated for high performance incl heat/cold conditions. This required either an angle adapter or cable. My solution was these three items (using the 256GM from the Reader with my PC and not for the dashcam):
The 128GB provides enough storage for my purposes and may replace it with a larger capacity if/when it fails in a few years.
My CD rips are on a USB stick on the second angle adapter.

Crito

The 100 watt charging option might be why I can use the USB-C ports inside the armrest compartment instead of the ones next to the wireless charger. My Intel-based NVMe hard drive uses about 8 of those watts.

Surge

Can someone provide an Amazon link for a good HD for the built-in Dashcam?

LastOne

You should be looking for a device that can handle sustained writes and an operating temperature range suitable to your region.
This one is rated for high performance but operating temperature range is only 0-70C so may not be suitable for sub zero winter conditions. You may not be able to find an SSD/DH rated for winter. Power requirement if ave 6W and a max of 9w. Amount of storage space is overkill. Add a suitable M.2 NVME enclosure with USC-C cable.

Surge

Thank you! So it will record all driving automatically?
Seems odd that MB would offer the Dashcam but not provide a storage solution. I doubt most owners will know what to do...

Why not just use an 'all in one' like this: