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I'm brand new to this site and forum. I got my 2014 GL 350 in April. Got on this to see if others were blindly backing up their GL's also and lo and behold, I'm not crazy. I agree, there should be a recall and factory fix to the lack of illumination problem. Does Mercedes read these? Do they care? How does one try to get this fixed. My dealer said they had only one other customer complain of this too, so they didn't think it was a global problem.
Agreed, the backup lights are worthless and no, there is no fix. The LEDs are soldered on and can't be modded. And you can't even hook up a light to the trailer harness, the computer won't allow it. Doubt MB even cares...
It's not the lighting, it's the camera or software. The X166s without the surround camera feature have ample lighting. I was checking out my camera image last night (I didn't order the surround cameras) and even with the reverse lights off, like when you put the transmission in drive and the camera stays on for a few seconds while moving forward, the image is still pretty good with only the lighting from the tail lamps.
Agreed, the backup lights are worthless and no, there is no fix. The LEDs are soldered on and can't be modded. And you can't even hook up a light to the trailer harness, the computer won't allow it. Doubt MB even cares...
I would stay on the dealership's cases about finding a software fix. Perhaps they will move this up the chain to MBUSA. I seriously doubt the rear camera is any different on GLs without the surround package. Like I mentioned, there are zero lighting issues if you don't have the surround cameras.
Here's a picture behind my home in my driveway with no exterior lights on, just the GL in reverse. Despite this being a low res photo taken with my phone, you can clearly see the edge of the driveway and the fence illuminated. How does this compare to the image you get with the surround setup?
These low profile LEDs slung under (or in) the bumper seemed to have worked. They may need a separate switch to drive them given the sensitivity of the computer.
Here's a picture behind my home in my driveway with no exterior lights on, just the GL in reverse. Despite this being a low res photo taken with my phone, you can clearly see the edge of the driveway and the fence illuminated. How does this compare to the image you get with the surround setup?
this is LEAPS and BOUNDS better than mine. All I get is a black screen. USELESS!!!
2025 Range Rover, 2022 BMW M850 , 2017 MB E400 Coupe
Just got my 2015 GL couple days ago and I also notice the big diference between my old 2013 rear view camera without parktronic package and the current one with Parktronic. Old camera picture was clear at any time. I think it's the sofware problem and hope MB will find solution for that issue.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Originally Posted by 43221B
It's not the lighting, it's the camera or software. The X166s without the surround camera feature have ample lighting. I was checking out my camera image last night (I didn't order the surround cameras) and even with the reverse lights off, like when you put the transmission in drive and the camera stays on for a few seconds while moving forward, the image is still pretty good with only the lighting from the tail lamps.
Not so sure about that.....When I put mine into reverse ( at night )and use the mirrors to see where I'm backing to.....its almost as if there are no backup lights at all! My Ford Fusion has better backup lighting! The surround cam system apparently adds to the issue, but I think the lighting itself is very poor!
Not so sure about that.....When I put mine into reverse ( at night )and use the mirrors to see where I'm backing to.....its almost as if there are no backup lights at all! My Ford Fusion has better backup lighting! The surround cam system apparently adds to the issue, but I think the lighting itself is very poor!
I guess what I was trying to say is that IF you don't have the surround camera system and you just have the rear camera, the lighting is more than adequate to produce a very good picture. The picture that I posted doesn't really do the camera quality justice. The image is very good even with no street/house/parking lot lights etc. I think what people should take away from this discussion is that if you do a lot of driving at night and have to rely on the rear camera, you should probably avoid the 360 camera until they find a camera or software fix. The standard rear camera is just as good as the X164 had and no one ever complained about it.
2025 Range Rover, 2022 BMW M850 , 2017 MB E400 Coupe
Originally Posted by 43221B
I guess what I was trying to say is that IF you don't have the surround camera system and you just have the rear camera, the lighting is more than adequate to produce a very good picture. The picture that I posted doesn't really do the camera quality justice. The image is very good even with no street/house/parking lot lights etc. I think what people should take away from this discussion is that if you do a lot of driving at night and have to rely on the rear camera, you should probably avoid the 360 camera until they find a camera or software fix. The standard rear camera is just as good as the X164 had and no one ever complained about it.
Not sure how much of an improvement the camera will be with more lighting in back. I noticed even when the display switches to the front camera, even the output from the hid's don't make a difference.
Just got my 2015 GL couple days ago and I also notice the big diference between my old 2013 rear view camera without parktronic package and the current one with Parktronic. Old camera picture was clear at any time. I think it's the sofware problem and hope MB will find solution for that issue.
This is the most relevant comment in this whole thread other than we all agree the camera view sucks.
I will say that the rear BU lights are quite small and dim... But it is still no excuse for the front facing camera with the headlights on.
Whoever said they wouldn't buy a GL because the rear camera sucks should go buy an Escalade.... I mean geez... Use the mirrors.. It has only been the way we have been doing it for the last 90 years...
Hopefully they will sort the white balance issue with the cameras... But I'm not expecting it... But... They did fix the front seats that now return to the previous position after you use the "easy entry" for the third row
I've had my software updated for the camera control module, but that didn't help. I talked to my dealer yesterday who is going to research it some more and talk to his district rep.
I also e-mailed MBUSA but haven't heard back yet.
I've had my software updated for the camera control module, but that didn't help. I talked to my dealer yesterday who is going to research it some more and talk to his district rep.
I also e-mailed MBUSA but haven't heard back yet.
Supposedly a newer update was released on 12/1. Service manager was not sure if that would solve it, but has elevated it to MB tech. He was aware of problem. Just need to bring car in. Best suggestion, keep emailing MBUSA to ensure it is elevated.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Originally Posted by Hoosbest
Supposedly a newer update was released on 12/1. Service manager was not sure if that would solve it, but has elevated it to MB tech. He was aware of problem. Just need to bring car in. Best suggestion, keep emailing MBUSA to ensure it is elevated.
Agree that maybe an upgrade to cam settings MIGHT help.... but i seriously believe that the only real fix to the amount of light issue would be to install new boards with higher lumen bulbs into the tail light assemblies. In case others are not aware......the backup bulbs are not removable, they are soldered directly to the control board in the assembly.
Agree that maybe an upgrade to cam settings MIGHT help.... but i seriously believe that the only real fix to the amount of light issue would be to install new boards with higher lumen bulbs into the tail light assemblies. In case others are not aware......the backup bulbs are not removable, they are soldered directly to the control board in the assembly.
Possible. Lighting though doesn't explain why the rear camera on non surround systems seem to work - unless they are using different rear cameras. This, like the east rear entry system (with the headrests) are just two very poorly thought out and designed features which MB has been ridiculously slow in fixing.
I got word back from my MBUSA query. They said to talk to my dealer service manager, who can escalate as needed. So, back to the dealer I go.
That is what I did and what I was told as well. I found MBUSA responsive but pretty useless. Hope you have a good service manager who will elevate through the MB food chain.
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