Camera ineffective at night
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 255
Likes: 8
GL350
It's a $1700 option on the GL. Fortunately, I didn't pay that much for it.
When I ordered the car, the salesman didn't know how much the option cost because the price sheet for the '14s wasn't out yet and the option wasn't available on the '13s so he didn't have that information, either. We agreed that I'd pay MSRP or $600, whichever was less, and the deal was in writing so they were stuck with it when it turned out the option's MSRP was $1700. I therefore wasted only $600. That's bad, of course, and I'm not happy about it. But completely throwing away $1700 would have been much worse.
When I ordered the car, the salesman didn't know how much the option cost because the price sheet for the '14s wasn't out yet and the option wasn't available on the '13s so he didn't have that information, either. We agreed that I'd pay MSRP or $600, whichever was less, and the deal was in writing so they were stuck with it when it turned out the option's MSRP was $1700. I therefore wasted only $600. That's bad, of course, and I'm not happy about it. But completely throwing away $1700 would have been much worse.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 381
Likes: 20
From: Cincinnati, OH
2021 GLS580 all black. 2014 GLK black (kids car). formerly: 2014 GL550 Palladium Silver (US)
This is in comparison to my 7 year old BMW.
How do we provide feedback so that MB hears the complaints and possibly comes out with an improvement?
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2013 GL350
I bought 2013 GL350 for my wife. I complained few times and even I left the car for testing the camera at the dealer for two day to let service guy drive home to check camera at night. But they said new 360° camera is like this. I am sure this is worst night vision I've ever seen before. I really like bluetec engine. It has enough torque to tow my searay. But I guess I am going to trade it if problem not fixed soon. Because my wife is scared to backup at night.
Last edited by jaekoolee; Dec 16, 2013 at 05:05 AM.
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver Canada
BMW Z4, GL350
Has anyone using a compatible "Trailer Hitch light" for this problem ? There are many on ebay that works when car is on reverse, but can't find any for a GL
Last edited by AJZ4; Dec 17, 2013 at 02:00 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,313
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From: Toronto
2005 ML350, 2008 GL320, 2013 Gl350
if its a hardware issue than there will never be a fix unless they issue a recall, your looking at mid cycle refresh before a fix is implemented, if its software than all vehicles can get the fix. key word is " can" the word "when" is another thing.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 174
Likes: 14
From: Main Line, LBK, LBI, etc
19E450A, 16C450W4, 16RRS SC Dynamic, etc
Oddly, the backup camera looks excellent on my 450...really, really bright and clear at night. But I don't have the surround packages, so that may contribute to the reason.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Concord, MA
2013 GL450
Are there any replacement bulbs for the GL450 reverse lights that would boost brightness? Something that would be of an LED variety? Anyone do any research? I did find a trailer lighting system that would work, but it would look quite ugly hanging from that hitch. I just can't get myself to do that to the GL.
I am about to start looking into replacing the stock reverse light bulbs.
I am about to start looking into replacing the stock reverse light bulbs.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Concord, MA
2013 GL450
It is not LED, but would it be brighter than the stock bulb?
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...32748_0_19974_
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...32748_0_19974_
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Concord, MA
2013 GL450
Here is an LED bulb that should do it. Anybody change out a rear backup bulb? Is it a big deal? I have not even looked at it.
This is the link to the replacement LED bulb for the 921ST.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/morei...wer/1677/4010/
However, the posting above this with the Sylvania bulb has 264 lumens where this LED bulb is only about 177 lumens.
Since I don't know how many lumens the stock bulbs put out, I might give the Sylvania bulbs a shot.
This is the link to the replacement LED bulb for the 921ST.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/morei...wer/1677/4010/
However, the posting above this with the Sylvania bulb has 264 lumens where this LED bulb is only about 177 lumens.
Since I don't know how many lumens the stock bulbs put out, I might give the Sylvania bulbs a shot.
Last edited by Steve Maislin; Dec 26, 2013 at 09:18 PM. Reason: Added information.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Here is an LED bulb that should do it. Anybody change out a rear backup bulb? Is it a big deal? I have not even looked at it.
This is the link to the replacement LED bulb for the 921ST.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/morei...wer/1677/4010/
However, the posting above this with the Sylvania bulb has 264 lumens where this LED bulb is only about 177 lumens.
Since I don't know how many lumens the stock bulbs put out, I might give the Sylvania bulbs a shot.
This is the link to the replacement LED bulb for the 921ST.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/morei...wer/1677/4010/
However, the posting above this with the Sylvania bulb has 264 lumens where this LED bulb is only about 177 lumens.
Since I don't know how many lumens the stock bulbs put out, I might give the Sylvania bulbs a shot.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 63
Likes: 6
GL63 AMG
Compared to the backup camera on my Audi Q7 at night the one on my GL63 is completely useless. Find during the day but I live in a rural area and backup up with the GL is hopeless. One of the few features on the car I am disappointed in.
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
From: FL
2015 GL550 2013 ESV Platinum 2008 Hummer H2 LE UM
I gotta check my 2015 GL cameras at night if they are appearing blurry.
My fam is getting the new update 2015 Escalade which will have the 360 camera, people are saying the camera is useless a night.
Just reading from about, I think you guys are right about the lighting. I am going to check that out on my GL if thats the case
My fam is getting the new update 2015 Escalade which will have the 360 camera, people are saying the camera is useless a night.
Just reading from about, I think you guys are right about the lighting. I am going to check that out on my GL if thats the case
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 762
Likes: 166
From: Oregon USA
2023 Mercedes EQS 580 SUV, 2023 Bentley Bentayga, 2023 Genesis GV60
I spoke to my dealer yesterday about my continuing problems with my cameras, and he is going to escalate to his area service manager, which may get me some traction on solving this issue. He said the step after that is to go to Germany to have product management look at it.
I also sent a web form complaint through mbusa.com.
I also sent a web form complaint through mbusa.com.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 640
Likes: 6
2015 GL450
Today pulling into the garage and watching the cameras, I felt the inkling of a conjecture of why this is happening and why it might not be an easy or cheap fix for MB (although originally implementing it that way was not good). It also explains why it is not a problem for just the rear cam folks.
The problem is that I will not have access to the dark in the foreseeable future. If someone wouldn't mind, when the problem is occurring, would they please turn off their headlights (if safe), put the car in reverse, and see if the rear camera improves? this is most helpful in pure dark; I.e., no lights on any side of the car., and someplace open so that the parking lights are not reflected back on the car. The parking lights will still be on. Thanks in advance.
Note: the headlights will turn off if you set to parking lights, I believe two clicks left from Auto.
The problem is that I will not have access to the dark in the foreseeable future. If someone wouldn't mind, when the problem is occurring, would they please turn off their headlights (if safe), put the car in reverse, and see if the rear camera improves? this is most helpful in pure dark; I.e., no lights on any side of the car., and someplace open so that the parking lights are not reflected back on the car. The parking lights will still be on. Thanks in advance.
Note: the headlights will turn off if you set to parking lights, I believe two clicks left from Auto.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 640
Likes: 6
2015 GL450
I was so excited that I changed my schedule to test. Sadly, it did not change anything. It is a matter of too little light, I think, given the quality of the cameras. Or too low quality cameras for the amount of light. I don't understand why mb would do this!
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
honda
The low quality light issue may be prevalent all across Mercedes. I was able to ride a complimentary C300 - 2015 model which has the updated command center. During day time or in lighted neighbourhoods the back-up camera performed flawlessly. During low light the camera quality is so bad. The fix as pointed out by louiet3 may be as simple as replacing the rear plate bulbs with powerful bulbs.
