GLEowner

Is there anyone who successfully enabled automatic video recoding with the dashcam option in your GLE?

I can record video by manually starting recording every time I start my 2021 GLE.
While I was researching on how to enable automatic recording, I found there is a menu option 'automatic video recording' on the owner's manual of 2020 GLC Coupe:
https://www.mbusa.com/content/dam/mb...upe_Manual.pdf
My GLE has the menu option 'national borders alert' as GLC, but doesn't have 'automatic video recording' there.

I am wondering if that menu was hidden due to some regulations in California where I live.

mikapen

Welcome to the Forum!

How do you "enable?" What media do you use, and where is it inserted?

You might experiment with the Search Function in this V167 Forum - there are a couple of threads that are currently active on the topic.
But I don't know of any that has successfully enabled recording and saving. At least in the U.S.

You might also update your profile to indicate your model and location, so we can know better how to reply.

GLEowner

Thanks for the reply. I went over other threads and most of discussions there are about how to enable dashcam by software without actually ordering it, or how to install aftermarket dashcams.
I would like to get inputs from the owners who actually ordered the built-in dashcam as I did.
I think the automatic video recording is a must-have for any dashcams.
If it's not supported in California or the entire US for regulations or technical reasons, it needs to be informed to buyers so they can make a right decision. When I ordered it, I had zero information on how this dashcam would work.

Here is what I found so far:
- The manual of 2020 GLC Coupe mentions the automatic video recording option.
- The manual of 2021 GLC Coupe does not mention anything about dashcam.
- The manual of 2021 GLE I have does not mention anything about dashcam.
- My dealership doesn't have any ideas on how to use dashcam. I talked to them to check cars with dashcam available in their lot and they said nothing available.
- I can record video by manually pressing 'start recording'. The menu hierarchy is exactly the same as described on the 2020 GLC Coupe manual, but 'automatic video recording' is missing.

I used a usb-c thumb drive and plugged it into the port with a usb symbol near cup holders. The other usb-c port next to that is for Android Auto (Android Auto works perfectly).
Looking forward to hearing from the owners who purchased the dashcam option, preferably in California!

GLEowner

For those who want to see how to operate the dashcam,


The port with a cable is for Android Auto. The right one is for dashcam.


On the Home screen, select 'Mercedes me & Apps'.


Select 'Dashcam'. Note that I moved the dashcam icon to the leftmost position. In the beginning, it was at the rightmost position.


Now you can press 'start recording'. You also see there's a setting button right to the USB thumb drive symbol. Once you press it, the next screen below shows up.


According to the 2020 GLC Coupe manual, this is where the 'automatic video recording' button is supposed to show up with the 'national borders alert' button.

Eaton

Congrats on being one of the lucky few to have this feature enabled! For automatic video recording, this line is in the CLA manual: This function is not available in all countries.

If you can't find it, it seems MBUSA has decided not to allow it.

mikapen

With all the concern about Distracted Driving (unfortunately it's real), I'd be surprised if the U.S. Bureaucratic Nannies allow it.

DavidBN

[QUOTE=GLEowner;8231681]Is there anyone who successfully enabled automatic video recoding with the dashcam option in your GLE?

I have a GLE 450 on order and it includes Dashcam, so I have no answer to your question but am looking forward to learning more about it from this thread.

I'm wondering if you could engage via voice command? Would be quicker than having to scroll through the menu.

......David

mikapen

What is the order code on the Dashcam? Part of a package? If so, what #?
Thanks.

jtjbt20x

The Dashcam order code is 21U for $200. You need to have U19 Augmented Video for Navigation for $350 to get the 21U. I don't think you need other packages to get the U19/21U.

Vegas Benz

Is there an inside camera built into these cars where the hardware is already in place and the Dashcam feature just has to be activated? I seen Tesla stories where after crashes they show video of drivers that appeared to have dozed off. I would be very curious if there are inside cameras that could be used behind the scenes.

Ron.s

When I ordered in June the Augmented Video required two other options....”Multimedia Package” – (DA5) and the Premium Package” – (DP1)

jtjbt20x

When I ordered ny GLE450 SUV in September, there wasn't a DA5 Multimedia Package. I'm guessing that's because you ordered a GLE53? I have the Premium Package though.

DavidBN

21U @ $200
It was a stand alone option, not part of any other package that I recall. I only noticed when I looked over dealer's shoulder on order screen. Didn't show up on MB website build tool.

I should note that my vehicle order is technically 'waiting' to be accepted as it was thwarted when entered a couple of days ago because Airmatic Package was "unavailable". Hopefully whatever is causing the problem with this package will clear soon.

.......David

Ron.s

That was back when I ordered my 2020 GLE 450 over 2 years ago. I didn’t note the requirements for the 53 but there were requirements for several. It’s possible that they are unbundling some of these options now.

GLEowner

[QUOTE=DavidBN;8232472]You can register the dashcam to 'Favorite' on the center console (the button with a star symbol). Once done, it needs only two clicking without even touching screen (you need to move the dashcam icon to the leftmost position so you don't need to scroll to the right).
Anyway, considering this car is mostly driven by my wife, I don't expect she would do that every time she starts the car. Even I would forget. We need to know why automatic recording is disabled and ask MB USA to enable it.

GLEowner

One more thing to let you guys know.. It seems that audio is not recorded. Also, only the view from the front camera is recorded.

jtjbt20x

As far as I can tell, the dash cam option doesn't use any camera looking inside. The dash cam uses the camera for the augmented reality option.

chief_p

Are you able to view the video as it is being recorded with oem 21u dashcam?

jtjbt20x

As far as I know, no. You need to unplug the flash drive, then plug it in again to view any videos according to the owner's manual.

kvelez

Complain to mercedes_benz@mailac.custhelp.com in writing. They will give you a canned reply. Don't accept the answer and ask to talk to someone in the Executive Referral Management Team. They called me. The more of us complaining the better chances of it getting resolved. Any deviation from the manual should have been disclosed before the sale.
===================================
This was the reply I got:
Thank you for your email to Mercedes-Benz USA.

However, we regret to inform you, the GLE is designed to require manual activation of the dashcam within the US market, as such, we are unable recommend alteration of this feature.


We appreciate the opportunity to respond.
Kind Regards,

Lakoya R.
Mercedes-Benz USA
(800) 367-6372

julie90

Hi David! Curious if you have yet taken delivery of your vehicle?

MercOne1

I just ordered a 2021 GLE53 and dealer didn’t say anything about dashcam. Is it actually available on 2021 models??

Eaton

Yes

MercOne1

My dealer just emailed me, "No, GLE53W4 does not offer 21U option."

What can I share with him to see if he can add the option even though he isn't seeing it?

Eaton

I'd be surprised if it's not available at this point. You can get it on the non-AMG SUV...
Ask them to check the NetStar configure tool. If the option isn't listed there, then I guess it's really not available.
However, if you option the AR Navigation feature, there's a chance you'll be able to buy the dashcam when the Mercedes me Store launches this summer.