I own a 2021 Mercedes GLC300 with AR, drive pilot and navigation. Unfortunately I am unable to activate the Mercedes installed dashcam because I do not have premium package. Searching more web sites than I can mention I finally found the perfect dashcam for my needs.


About a month ago I purchased a FITCAMX (https://fitcamx.com/) integrated dashcam. This dashcam is mounted in a housing designed to replace the plastic housing mounted in the upper windshield behind the rear view mirror(see attached photo). Dashcam power is provided by a simple plug and play wiring harness which taps the necessary voltages and ground from the rain sensor. All wiring is concealed within the plastic housing. The dashcam has a wifi interface accessed by a phone app (Fitcamx) which is used to adjust various settings, view the camera live as well as review, edit and download saved video clips.

Ordering required taking a picture of the original housing which Fitcamx used to assure the correct model was shipped. Fitcam support was responsive and informative in answering my (many) questions, providing shipping and up to date tracking information. I opted to order direct from Fitcamx rather than Amazon since either dashcam would be drop shipped from China. The Fitcamx direct price was also $30.00 less than Amazon. Delivery from China to Florida took a total of 14 days, arriving via USPS.

Installation was easy, with removal of the existing housing taking less than 10 minutes using the provided trim removal tool. Videos of the installation process abound on the internet and are also available via the Fitcamx app. Power harness installation took some time since my rain sensor wiring was different than any available video. Fitcamx support was very responsive in helping me identify the correct plug to use. (See attached photo)

Powering up the car revealed constant intermittent wiper sweeps and the dashcam inoperative. Comparing the wiring of the original rain sensor wiring to the dash cam wiring harness revealed that the Fitcamx plug was wired incorrectly. Emails with Fitcamx support verified the error, the result of a GLC wiring change mid year. I was given four options: 1) return the defective dashcam for a refund. 2)rewire the plugs using their directions. 3) Fitcamx will send a replacement. After verifying correct operation I will return the original. 4) If the replacement fails I will send both units to Fitcamx for full refund. In all of the cases Fitcam would send prepaid return shipping labels. I chose the replacement route.

Two weeks later the replacement arrived. I visually verified that the wiring was correct. Installation and testing took 15 minutes. The dashcam functions as described with clear, vibrant detail. The rain sensor also works as original. The Fitcamx app functions flawlessly. Video quality is amazing at 3840x2160.

Fitcamx support is responsive, knowledgeable and communicates well.

I am a satisfied customer and wanted to share what I consider to be the best Mercedes GLC dashcam alternative.
Below are photos of the original and replacement housing as well as the rain sensor (pink) where you insert the wiring harness.

Original and dashcam housings

Rain sensor where dashcam harness is inserted (in pink)

 

Same cam on AliExpress.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNtNjou


There might be same, but cheaper variants on Ali

 

Thank u for posting this. Just a quick question, will this show in anyway on your onboard screen? Does it operate like the rear view cam? Like when on slow speed it will immediately function to show u all front obstacles? My concern is when I enter my compound, there are plenty of kids playing and leaving their things on the sides of the road. I'm in need of a dash cam that will show me on the dashboard all the surrounding. Thanks

 

Doubtfully any cam can do that unless it's built into the car and configured to show on your dash

 

The Fitcamx can only be viewed live on your cell phone or tablet(or any wifi device). I am researching if I can mirror my phone to the center display but so far no luck.

 

@jj31234 - does your camera stay on even after you stop the engine and remove car key?
I just installed a FitcamX on my E350, and the camera stays on.
Is that normal, and wouldn't it drain the car battery?

 

The Fitcam stays on for a brief period after turning the car off, but always is off when I return to the car. I have no battery life or charging problems. I am very happy with Fitcam performance.

 

Did anyone happen to take a picture of the harness cable that came with the Fitcamx?

The one they sent me was a 3 prong, but im seeing a 4 type on the rain sensor.

Thanks!

 

There are only 3 wires in the Fitcam 4 prong plug. If they sent 3 prong contact support...they respond quickly and efficiently.

 

Awesome thanks! I sent them a message waiting just wanted to make sure I wasn't crazy it wasn't fitting.

 

Thanks for the response.
To also answer my own question in case others are interested, the dashcam stays on for quite a while (never timed it, but it could've been a couple of hours) if I leave car unlocked in garage.
If I lock the door the power gets cut off within 15 minutes.

 

@jj31234 Do you still happen to have those instructions on rewiring the harness in "option 2" you mentioned? I bought the dashcam from a reseller that's not as helpful as Fitcamx and have the exact same issue with the rain sensor.

 

 

Is this the plug....went back but have lots (too many)?

 

Found pictures of the sensor plug and fit am. Plug. The previous picture is of a different connector in car module.

 

Hm, thank you so much but that makes no sense. I just tried to wire them like that and both the dash cam and the rain sensor don't even get power. If you look at it, this configuration leaves the red wire out and the colors don't match on the fitcamx connector vs your rain sensor.

 

update. I ended up changing it back to the original wiring. Red, black, yellow and then CUT the yellow cable going to the camera.
Now the rain sensor works, camera works but camera turns off exactly every 1 minute and will power on a few minutes later and repeat again. I'm giving up.

 

Have you tried contacting Fitcamx support. They have always responded quickly and with useful information. It is, after all, their product with the problem that preventsIt from working. The point of sale is irrelevant.

Good luck.