prad

I guess that's part of the reason why they exist (not just to sell cars, but be able to diagnose and solves issues with it).

prad

This has been so frustrating to me for over a year now. Every time I backup at night, I see only darkness on the camera display and I can't stop thinking "why can't Mercedes catch such a serious usability flaw before they ship the product?".

prad

Thanks for sharing. I’ve had this issue ever since I bought my GL a year ago. I’ve even had a minor accident due to the sloppy camera. I’ve had my 6 year old Honda pilot's backup camera perform way better than my GL's at night. I’m so used to it and for some reason had thought that Mercedes should be better. I relied up on this assumption and backed up at night couple of weeks after I bought GL and found that the camera shows nothing but darkness. By the time I realized this, I had slightly hit another car with it :-(

I then checked with the dealership a few times after that and they said that all my software is “up-to-date”. Now that I found the code/version from this thread, I’ll be going back.

Hunter's GL550

+1 on the update completely fixing this problem for us on our '14 GL550

The first time my wife took it to the dealer they didn't apply it. I had to spell it out for them and send them the info in this thread. Thanks to all who helped get this sorted out.

Hegone

Hey everyone.. I am a new (preowned) owner of a 2014 GL63 and today at 11K miles I'm having a few issues with my 360 camera. I have noticed in the last few months that my 360 camera quality sucks at night. I have printed the bulletin that was posted and had planned on taking it to the dealer in the next few weeks to get the update. TODAY, i get in my GL and put it in reverse and NOTHING come up??? Blank screen with it saying "360 camera unavailable"... I made an appt with the dealer and spoke to a service consoltant and he tells me over the phone that he has never heard of an update for the camera. I am hoping first they can get the camera working and second do the update. If i get an issue with them saying they cannot fix it, what should i do? I know that i didn't do anything to mess it up...I am covered under warranty if Im at 11K for this type of issue, correct?

Dog hauler

Yes, there is a software update. Once I got it, my camera was better at night. Before the update, I also had my camera fail to activate and all I got was a back screen. The update fixed it.

Hegone

Thanks for the reply...Did your camera ever start working before you got to the dealership? Mine isn't responding at all right now.. My appt to the dealer isn't until wednesday. I've read on a few forums that a lot of people that had this same issue had their camera working in a few hours or over night. Mine has been not functioning for the last 5 hours and I'm a bit worried... I have tried everything, turned the car off, opened and closed all the doors etc... recently i had to go out for a minute and it Doesn't even show the "360 camera is unavailable" screen..when i put it in reverse it just stays on the radio screen.

Dog hauler

I had my camera go black a couple of times. It's a while ago, but I think that the first time the dealer did something besides a software upgrade and the camera once again worked. Then it went black again and the dealer did the software upgrade and I haven't had problems since. I don't recall that the camera ever went black then came spontaneously to life again without dealer intervention.

jbattan

Hegone, just ask the dealer to program 360 camera as per LI54.65-P-059114, and then see if the camera is working mechanically. Yes, it should all be covered under warranty.

Hegone

Going in the dealer today.. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks!

aeggroup

I just did this update several days ago. Works well.

Anthony Huynh

I fixed the backup camera lighting problem with my gl63.

eBay has the replacement License plate led lamp which is 6x brighter.
I also replaced the reverse bulb to 800lm led each.

I can see where I am backing up to now. Dealer say you can't replace these but it's doable.

Silver0066

Would you please post the item numbers? Instructions.

Many thanks

Dalema

I see you did this on a 2015 model?

The '15 GL550 we have is terrible, however, when I took it in and gave my service guy the service number he said it wasn't applicable for my car (I think he ran my VIN).

But it was done on your 2015 and improved it?

Slaynx

These will work: without error on dash:

http://m.ebay.com/itm/271932201965?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&_mwBanner=1

There are two screws from the door handle and the rest are clips.
Careful not to break the clips or retainer. First time will take a lot of force. Try not to use your body weight, and only pull out 2-4 inch at a time until all clips are unclipped; otherwise, you may risk breaking something.

To remove the backup bulb, squeeze the white tab together and pull out .

I actually bought a broken tail lamp off eBay for $50; then realize how easy it was...

Here are the trim removal kit:
I got fed up with the dealer inability to fix 'stuff', so it was better for me to solve all these annoying issue myself.

Slaynx

I put those led posted above on my GL and smacked my service advisor in the face since he said those lights are not replaceable.

I have a 2014 GL 63. If your reverse light is halogen or yellowish, then you can replace it.
The license plate module is led and can be remove only by opening the trunk trim panel.

If you don't care for the current one, you can force it out but it will break the clip holding it in place.

Definite improvement in pitch black area where I previously can't even see the white parking lane marker to backup and reserve park the car properly.

I am in the Bay Area, if you want to see, it's cool to meet up or drop by

Slaynx

Here are some photos of what I did...daylight and in direct sunlight though, imagine at night!

Re: license plate, left is the new unit, right is OEM factory...

Slaynx

Pretty dark here but led did the job.

aeggroup

My car has a build date September 2014, one of the first 2015th models. What is your car's build date ?

chip6565

I have the same problem; my camera is useless at night! I asked the service manager at my dealership, specifically about if there is a campaign to update the software or fix the camera and he indicated a there is an LI for this issue but the LI came out in 2014 and it's for production up to 10/14 only. My GL was produced in 5/15.

So, I took matters into my own hands and figured I would get the high power LED reverse lights. Two problems: It generates an system error in the display, and while they are brighter than the standard bulb it did not fix the issue. The reverse light window in the tail lamp assemble is very small so it has little effect on projecting enough light to make any difference. Sadly, it was a waste of money, it doesn't work.

This issue is specific to the 360 camera, as my wife has a 15 ML350 with the standard camera and it works great!

MB needs to find a fix!

rsevinor

I have a 2014 GL with the 360 camera system and have had the same issue. The rear camera is unusable at night even with the backup lights on. Had the software flashed twice by the dealer. Had the camera checked by the dealer. They also checked the camera and rear lights as well. Saw on this forum that some people did have good results however I have not. Escalated to mbusa who were very helpful in arranging the service manager take the vehicle home and test. The final conclusion , it is what is it. Other than the rear camera being UN-usable at night , it is a great vehicle

jlim

How do you know if it is already updated? I bought a CPO. So, I can't be sure. I read in the thread it was up until Oct 2014 build this update is applicable? My CPO is a 2014 but built in 2013.

Thanks.

superflu

I too complained about the very dim reverse light of the GL450. I asked MB USA if there is anything that could be done and they said I should try aftermarket.

I installed two LED mini-projectors in the back of the SUV, wired to the trailer hitch wiring and bolted to the undercarriage. When I go into reverse, the lights go on, when I go out of reverse they turn off. The work was done by AfterFX of Stamford, CT. It took them only about 2 hours to install and costed me $799 - the outcome is marvelous.

4everalone

You can't just post something calling it "marvelous" and leave us hanging without pictures!

superflu

Unfortunately, some highway genius decided to total my car (he cut me off, not realizing that the cars ahead of me slowed down, then caused a 3 car pileup ahead of me, I tried to brake and swerve but it was too late). I asked the salvage yard to take off the rear lights so I can install them on the new GLS I ordered, I will post pics when I have it.