Camera ineffective at night
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 107
From: SoCal
2018 AMG GTR, 2017 GLS63, 2019 C63s
Camera ineffective at night
I am beginning to feel that this is a problem with my car only since it has not come up. I have a terrible time with the camera system after dark. The amount of visibility significantly drops to the point that objects are simply not visible anymore and I rely on the parktronic beeps 100%.
This is noticeably worse than single camera systems in the previous gen or any other cars.
You might say that the system is practically useless at night.
Anyone else noticed this?
This is noticeably worse than single camera systems in the previous gen or any other cars.
You might say that the system is practically useless at night.
Anyone else noticed this?
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)
I am beginning to feel that this is a problem with my car only since it has not come up. I have a terrible time with the camera system after dark. The amount of visibility significantly drops to the point that objects are simply not visible anymore and I rely on the parktronic beeps 100%.
This is noticeably worse than single camera systems in the previous gen or any other cars.
You might say that the system is practically useless at night.
Anyone else noticed this?
This is noticeably worse than single camera systems in the previous gen or any other cars.
You might say that the system is practically useless at night.
Anyone else noticed this?
It also seems like backup lights are dim - so without the camera I still see little behind me.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Concord, MA
2013 GL450
I did have the software reloaded in my recent service appointment. It fixed the problem of the cameras not coming on at all after starting the SUV. So, now the cameras are available immediately, but there was no improvement in their ability to adjust for darkness.
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
If we are talking about "full dark" night, mine are the same......that being said, the daylight function is perfect and I am not sure how the system could function up to that level at night without the massive inclusion of infrared capability. I do believe the owners manual cautions about reduced capability at night. So while I agree......my expectations were not any greater and am very happy with the system.
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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)
I disagree that because it's great in light we can live with poor picture at night. In today's technology, I don't think it has to be either/or. I'm afraid to back out a drive at night. I see nothing - with cameras or mirror or window. I'm wondering if there's a brighter backup bulb that can be switched in?
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 255
Likes: 8
GL350
Yes, the 360 camera is completely worthless at night unless there is artificial illumination. I also find it pretty worthless when what you want to see is in a shadow, such as my passenger side tires' proximity to a curb when that side is in shadow and I'm trying to park as close as possible to the curb without scraping the tires/wheels.
It seems to me that giving the 360 camera infrared capability wouldn't be a technological feat or very expensive. You can get infrared home security cameras pretty cheap these days. I'm not suggesting that MB go buy some off the shelf Home Depot cameras and tape 'em on the mirrors, but if companies can make IR home security cameras for $20 or so, I don't see why MB can't make some suitable for their application.
It seems to me that giving the 360 camera infrared capability wouldn't be a technological feat or very expensive. You can get infrared home security cameras pretty cheap these days. I'm not suggesting that MB go buy some off the shelf Home Depot cameras and tape 'em on the mirrors, but if companies can make IR home security cameras for $20 or so, I don't see why MB can't make some suitable for their application.
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)
I'd trade in the 6 disc changer for a better camera.
The fuel range calculator seems to be pretty inaccurate as well. It varies pretty widely based on pedal use at the moment vs. historical driving pattern.
And for fuel efficiency - the range for the gauge isn't helping me. I'd rather see greater detail in the 10-25 range - don't care when I'm getting 80 miles to the gallon (ie. not moving). The car is so smooth & responsive, I'm eating up way too much gas and need to work on efficient driving.
The fuel range calculator seems to be pretty inaccurate as well. It varies pretty widely based on pedal use at the moment vs. historical driving pattern.
And for fuel efficiency - the range for the gauge isn't helping me. I'd rather see greater detail in the 10-25 range - don't care when I'm getting 80 miles to the gallon (ie. not moving). The car is so smooth & responsive, I'm eating up way too much gas and need to work on efficient driving.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 401
Likes: 11
From: Chicagoland
2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo, 2020 GLC 63, 2014 Audi S6, 2014 GL63; past 2019 M5 and 2011 E63
Add me to the chorus of folks who think the back-up camera is nearly useless at night. I would definitely pay for a fix of some kind - like a brighter bulb. Conversely, the back-up camera on our E63 works great - what happened MB?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 107
From: SoCal
2018 AMG GTR, 2017 GLS63, 2019 C63s
If we are talking about "full dark" night, mine are the same......that being said, the daylight function is perfect and I am not sure how the system could function up to that level at night without the massive inclusion of infrared capability. I do believe the owners manual cautions about reduced capability at night. So while I agree......my expectations were not any greater and am very happy with the system.
I'm surprised! You have had x164. Compare only the rear camera quality of your new GL to that of the older, so that is apples to apples comparison and then tell me how you expectations were not greater about the new model compare to x164.
You are a great contributor and long time poster who I came to appreciate since my order was placed for a GL early this year. I've learned a lot from your posts , but I am puzzled why you don't hold mb to a higher standard. There are cars under 20k with better quality rear camera than my 120k+ mb!
Last edited by cyberorth; Nov 13, 2013 at 12:23 PM.
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
Let's ficus on night performance.
I'm surprised! You have had x164. Compare only the rear camera quality of your new GL to that of the older, so that is apples to apples comparison and then tell me how you expectations were not greater about the new model compare to x164.
You are a great contributor and long time poster who I came to appreciate since my order was placed for a GL early this year. I've learned a lot from your posts , but I am puzzled why you don't hold mb to a higher standard. There are cars under 20k with better quality rear camera than my 120k+ mb!
I'm surprised! You have had x164. Compare only the rear camera quality of your new GL to that of the older, so that is apples to apples comparison and then tell me how you expectations were not greater about the new model compare to x164.
You are a great contributor and long time poster who I came to appreciate since my order was placed for a GL early this year. I've learned a lot from your posts , but I am puzzled why you don't hold mb to a higher standard. There are cars under 20k with better quality rear camera than my 120k+ mb!
Well…..I agree the previous "rear view camera" WAS better at night, and frankly, more vivid in contrast in the daytime…..the change seems to be related to moving to the 360 system unless some of the folks out there are talking about the stand alone rearview system as well. The MB 360 cam system has been rated by Car and Driver and other mags as the "best" in clarity and accuracy of vehicle placement in tight situations and I have to agree with those assessments and have found the system to be extremely helpful in that respect. I guess my point is…….I so much appreciate the overhead surround function, that if MB sacrificed night time effectiveness in order to gain the overhead composite function….I'll take it because night maneuvering ( need for system ) is not something i need to do very much. I am more upset that they took away the ability to lock the rear differential in the on/off road package……something i have had to use once or twice over the years and the Land Rover still has but the GL is, overall, a better vehicle….. it's all in what each of us thinks is important. Thank you for your comments!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 107
From: SoCal
2018 AMG GTR, 2017 GLS63, 2019 C63s
You know I agree with you that there is no better car in its class on the market. I also think that it is normal for early models to have these problems as they will be corrected in the upcoming years.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
Is this just a problem with the surround view camera? I don't have that feature on my 2013, and I find the rear backup lighting acceptable. I tried it tonight on a dark country road and I could see the edges of the road and I'm fairly certain I could see an obstruction before I hit it as long as I wasn't going too fast.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Concord, MA
2013 GL450
In Real Darkness
Try it with no moonlight, and no other ambient light. You, the GL, and just the rear backup lights. See how it looks when you use the rear backup camera, don't worry about the surround view. In my opinion, they could do much better than we see on the COMAND screen. Like I said earlier, I tried this on a Chrysler MiniVan and the rear camera view was brighter in darkness. I would think the camera has a sensor that allows it to adjust to brightness and my guess is that MB is not doing all it can with the image algorithm when there is complete darkness. In all other conditions it works wonderfully.
So, they can either pump up the camera or pump up the backup lights.
So, they can either pump up the camera or pump up the backup lights.
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
Try it with no moonlight, and no other ambient light. You, the GL, and just the rear backup lights. See how it looks when you use the rear backup camera, don't worry about the surround view. In my opinion, they could do much better than we see on the COMAND screen. Like I said earlier, I tried this on a Chrysler MiniVan and the rear camera view was brighter in darkness. I would think the camera has a sensor that allows it to adjust to brightness and my guess is that MB is not doing all it can with the image algorithm when there is complete darkness. In all other conditions it works wonderfully.
So, they can either pump up the camera or pump up the backup lights.
So, they can either pump up the camera or pump up the backup lights.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
Try it with no moonlight, and no other ambient light. You, the GL, and just the rear backup lights. See how it looks when you use the rear backup camera, don't worry about the surround view. In my opinion, they could do much better than we see on the COMAND screen. Like I said earlier, I tried this on a Chrysler MiniVan and the rear camera view was brighter in darkness. I would think the camera has a sensor that allows it to adjust to brightness and my guess is that MB is not doing all it can with the image algorithm when there is complete darkness. In all other conditions it works wonderfully.
So, they can either pump up the camera or pump up the backup lights.
So, they can either pump up the camera or pump up the backup lights.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 255
Likes: 8
GL350
Is this just a problem with the surround view camera? I don't have that feature on my 2013, and I find the rear backup lighting acceptable. I tried it tonight on a dark country road and I could see the edges of the road and I'm fairly certain I could see an obstruction before I hit it as long as I wasn't going too fast.
And I completely agree that the Night Vision is a total waste of money. It doesn't show much more than what you can already see with your headlights. Worse, it wouldn't be very useful even if it allowed for much farther vision than the headlights.
When you're driving, you can't look away from the road and glance down to the IR picture on the nav screen more than occasionally and for a very short time. Therefore, unless you happen to glance at the screen at precisely the right moment, you're not going to see an object via the IR, now matter how far down the road it lets you see. If you have a passenger, you could ask them to stare at the screen, I suppose. But then the fact that the Night Vision does little that your headlights don't already do, that seems like wasted effort. The Night Vision needs to be on a head up display and it needs to show things farther down the road.
I want my money back on that one, for sure. Too bad IR cameras for the 360 view aren't available. That would be very useful, indeed.
