GLC rear camera opening and closing while driving
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Joined: Apr 2026
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GLC rear camera opening and closing while driving
I am really pissed off of my rear camera constantly opening and closing while driving at low speed upto ~35 km/h. There is public unofficial information that this is for calibration purposes but noting in the Manual. No image is shown in the MBUX while opened. Not a problem but only if the opening and closing was not that noisy. This happens every time the car starts and reaches constant speed ~18-35km/h and if car is driven straight. If you turn or speed up, camera retracts and tries again when you slow-down.
Anyone has similar bad experience? Defect, bug, or little from both? Any cure?
Anyone has similar bad experience? Defect, bug, or little from both? Any cure?
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I am really pissed off of my rear camera constantly opening and closing while driving at low speed upto ~35 km/h. There is public unofficial information that this is for calibration purposes but noting in the Manual. No image is shown in the MBUX while opened. Not a problem but only if the opening and closing was not that noisy. This happens every time the car starts and reaches constant speed ~18-35km/h and if car is driven straight. If you turn or speed up, camera retracts and tries again when you slow-down.
Anyone has similar bad experience? Defect, bug, or little from both? Any cure?
Anyone has similar bad experience? Defect, bug, or little from both? Any cure?
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 35
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From: San Jose, CA
2026 Mercedes GLC300, 2015 Porsche GT3
Some report that this technique fixes the spurious camera deployment.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 35
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From: San Jose, CA
2026 Mercedes GLC300, 2015 Porsche GT3
I played around with this a bit (and got some strange looks from the neighbors). Here's how it seems to work on my vehicle:
1) The camera opens when the car is put in gear.
2) The camera closes when you go above 22 MPH
3) The camera opens again every time you slow down below about 15 MPH
*** HOWEVER ***
If you drive below 22 MPH for 15 seconds or so, the camera seems satisfied, and retracts, and will stay retracted until the next time you start the car (or get close to something).
So, if you can manage to stay below 22 MPH for the first 15 seconds or so of your drive, you shouldn't experience the constant noise of deploying of the camera.
I'd be interested if others see the same behavior, or if it's just my car.
1) The camera opens when the car is put in gear.
2) The camera closes when you go above 22 MPH
3) The camera opens again every time you slow down below about 15 MPH
*** HOWEVER ***
If you drive below 22 MPH for 15 seconds or so, the camera seems satisfied, and retracts, and will stay retracted until the next time you start the car (or get close to something).
So, if you can manage to stay below 22 MPH for the first 15 seconds or so of your drive, you shouldn't experience the constant noise of deploying of the camera.
I'd be interested if others see the same behavior, or if it's just my car.
Last edited by Paul in SJ; Apr 5, 2026 at 02:24 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2024
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From: Georgia, USA
2025 GLC 350e
I dug out the paperwork I received when I got the car back after they installed the kit, and no part number is listed. It was done under warranty, so no charge. You’ll have to talk to the parts department if you just want to buy the sound deadening kit.
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Thanks for checking.
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 35
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From: San Jose, CA
2026 Mercedes GLC300, 2015 Porsche GT3
Take this for what it is, but ChatGPT says:
"Mercedes-Benz dealerships often address excessive rear camera deployment noise by installing specialized sound-dampening materials, such as
adhesive-backed insulation (often referred to as "Dynamat" style butyl rubber), behind the trunk paneling where the camera mechanism resides.
Common Techniques and Fixes:
"Mercedes-Benz dealerships often address excessive rear camera deployment noise by installing specialized sound-dampening materials, such as
adhesive-backed insulation (often referred to as "Dynamat" style butyl rubber), behind the trunk paneling where the camera mechanism resides.
Common Techniques and Fixes:
- Adhesive Damping Materials: Technicians apply dense, butyl-rubber-based sheets to the metal panels in the trunk/boot area. This adds mass, reducing the ability of the metal to vibrate and transmit the camera motor's whining or clicking noise into the cabin.
- Component Replacement: In some cases, dealers may replace the entire rear trunk handle/camera housing unit, although this may not always eliminate the noise if it is designed with high tolerance.
- Molded Foam: Specific "moulded foam" from Mercedes-Benz is also utilized to absorb the noise.
Member
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 197
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From: Vermont
2023 GLC 300, 2021 VW ID4
I think all Mercedes have this opening rear camera but some drop down from an overhang and some peak out when the rear emblem flips open. Even my 2016 GLA had it but just for the backup camera. My 2023 GLC does it whenever I slow down to 10 or 20 MPH - very annoying! It does it for several reasons - Parktronic, backup, accident avoidance, I hear it all the time. But for me the noise is secondary, I just wonder with all this opening and closing will it last after the warranty? It would be much better with just a fixed camera with a washer, like my VW that works perfectly. This MB design is much too complex. There are many long threads in multiple MB forums on this subject.
Member
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From: East Hampton NY
GLC300/GLC300C4
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 35
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From: San Jose, CA
2026 Mercedes GLC300, 2015 Porsche GT3
This is really true of any modern luxury car. I got hit with an $8k repair right after my warranty ran out on my Acura, even though it had been meticulously maintained.
For another perspective, I just bought a nearly 30 year old German car - I knew I'd have to fix some things, but one has to be prepared for this.
For another perspective, I just bought a nearly 30 year old German car - I knew I'd have to fix some things, but one has to be prepared for this.
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 30
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From: Pensacola, FL
W212, X254, VS30
I have this loud obnoxious camera door as well. Car went in on the 1 year / 10k service so I complained about it. Got the car back and they did nothing. "Operating as designed." Not happy.
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'23 GLS450
I had a 2026 GLC as a loaner for a day and I kept hearing this mechanical sound repeating in the rear. Is this still happening to the latest models?!!!
I observed how quiet the cabin was overall compared to my X3 but this sound ruins the isolation from the outside world and doesn't seem befitting a luxury car.
I observed how quiet the cabin was overall compared to my X3 but this sound ruins the isolation from the outside world and doesn't seem befitting a luxury car.
MBWorld God!
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I had a 2026 GLC as a loaner for a day and I kept hearing this mechanical sound repeating in the rear. Is this still happening to the latest models?!!!
I observed how quiet the cabin was overall compared to my X3 but this sound ruins the isolation from the outside world and doesn't seem befitting a luxury car.
I observed how quiet the cabin was overall compared to my X3 but this sound ruins the isolation from the outside world and doesn't seem befitting a luxury car.
MBWorld God!
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That said, some models (from other brands) like the Macan you constantly hear the exhaust valve opening and closing coming to a stop so that is another sound. (speaking from experience on family member's macan)
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Here is more on how the calibration works on MBs: https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-c43-a...ml#post9094664
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'23 GLS450
MBWorld God!
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As shown: (Notes: The reversing camera can extend and retract automatically for the purpose of calibration, even though there is no camera image in the display.) https://www.mercedes-benz.com.au/pas...rs-and-cameras
Looks like they also stated it in the operator's manual, that said the fix are
1. install sound insulation oneself
2. turn up the music : )
3. There is also this that at least decrease the sound to be less noiticable https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...ml#post9260387
Last edited by W205C43PFL; May 9, 2026 at 09:46 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2023
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'23 GLS450
Here is more on how the calibration works on MBs: https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-c43-a...ml#post9094664
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,559
Likes: 6,364
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 311
'23 GLS450
This is really true of any modern luxury car. I got hit with an $8k repair right after my warranty ran out on my Acura, even though it had been meticulously maintained.
For another perspective, I just bought a nearly 30 year old German car - I knew I'd have to fix some things, but one has to be prepared for this.
For another perspective, I just bought a nearly 30 year old German car - I knew I'd have to fix some things, but one has to be prepared for this.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,559
Likes: 6,364
Speaking of premium brands, Volvo is worth mentioning and other than top notch safety, they don't have the best reliability ratings but safety is number 1, no?
