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E-Active suspension with Road Surface Scan finally working!
Hi all,
I purchased a 2020 GLE450 a few months ago as a certified used vehicle from the local MB dealer. The primary reason I chose this particular vehicle was it is the highest spec’d I’ve ever seen here in Australia, possibly a 1 of 1 in this country. The two standout specs are the E-Active Air Suspension and the Burmeister High End 3D system. I’ve never seen either of these options fitted to a GLE here in Australia, let alone both options on a single vehicle.
I’m really loving the vehicle and enjoying the comfort (previously had multiple S classes, SL, BMW 7 series etc).
The issue here is I was really disappointed with the E-Active suspension. I had read about the amazing Road Surface Scan feature that it comes with, using the two front facing cameras to scan the road surface and keep the vehicle flat when going over potholes and speed bumps. Well… this vehicle wasnt doing any of that and I thought I had fallen for all the marketing hype and that it was all BS. It just felt like normal air suspension, going up and down over bumps feeling them.
Long story short, I noticed I was getting the dreaded “Camera view restricted” errors. I read on this forum (many thanks guys!) that it could be the cameras are dirty or clouded. I booked it into the dealer to check the issue under warranty. They confirmed there was an issue with the “camera lens hood” and that they replaced it with an updated part number (1678275100). They also cleaned the windscreen area in front of the cameras because they were cloudy.
This did make a difference. I actually experienced the E-Active suspension working for the first time since I bought the vehicle, and it was amazing. The suspension picks itself up to keep the vehicle flat when going over bumps. It never gets old. Very comfortable. I’ve even noticed on uneven road surfaces that it seems to be doing something to minimise bumps/rolls.
Now, although the dealer had fixed this issue, and I was happy to finally be experiencing the E-Active suspension, I did notice that it was only working maybe 40% of the time over speed bumps. I remember some posts on this forum saying that people had also cleaned the camera lens because they can also get cloudy (in addition to the windscreen). I didn’t recall the dealer saying anything about them cleaning the camera lens, only the replacing the “lens hood” and cleaning the windscreen. So I went about dismantling the cover above the rear view mirror to access the camera module. It was a little tricky, but managed to do it without breaking anything and also removed the camera module by releasing 3 metal clips. Guess what I found… the camera lens on both cameras were cloudy. I cleaned them carefully with glass cleaner and a cotton bud. Now the E-Active suspension works 100%. Im a little disappointed the dealer didn’t do this originally, but Im happy its all working perfectly now.
In my gated community where I live, I drive over at least 5 speed bumps everyday morning. It’s still amazing to me that I can drive over them and dont notice them at all. Everyone else has to slow down and take them easy.
Last edited by MB_downunder; May 3, 2023 at 11:18 PM.
So I went about dismantling the cover above the rear view mirror to access the camera module. It was a little tricky, but managed to do it without breaking anything and also removed the camera module by releasing 3 metal clips. Guess what I found… the camera lens on both cameras were cloudy. I cleaned them carefully with glass cleaner and a cotton bud. Now the E-Active suspension works 100%. Im a little disappointed the dealer didn’t do this originally, but Im happy its all working perfectly now.
In my gated community where I live, I drive over at least 5 speed bumps everyday morning. It’s still amazing to me that I can drive over them and dont notice them at all. Everyone else has to slow down and take them easy.
That's good to know. Can you provide some steps and guidance on accessing the camera? It would be nice to be able to service it myself in the future.
Also, is there anything different about the new part # for the hood?
That's good to know. Can you provide some steps and guidance on accessing the camera? It would be nice to be able to service it myself in the future.
Also, is there anything different about the new part # for the hood?
Sure. I followed the instructions in a YouTube video one of the members posted on this forum (see below). I believe the newer lens hood part number improves the heater element that is attached under the hood lens covers (to prevent windscreen/camera fogging up). The old ones could burn out or smoke or something, making the glass and cameras cloudy.
I purchased a 2020 GLE450 a few months ago as a certified used vehicle from the local MB dealer. The primary reason I chose this particular vehicle was it is the highest spec’d I’ve ever seen here in Australia, possibly a 1 of 1 in this country. The two standout specs are the E-Active Air Suspension and the Burmeister High End 3D system. I’ve never seen either of these options fitted to a GLE here in Australia, let alone both options on a single vehicle.
I’m really loving the vehicle and enjoying the comfort (previously had multiple S classes, SL, BMW 7 series etc).
The issue here is I was really disappointed with the E-Active suspension. I had read about the amazing Road Surface Scan feature that it comes with, using the two front facing cameras to scan the road surface and keep the vehicle flat when going over potholes and speed bumps. Well… this vehicle wasnt doing any of that and I thought I had fallen for all the marketing hype and that it was all BS. It just felt like normal air suspension, going up and down over bumps feeling them.
Long story short, I noticed I was getting the dreaded “Camera view restricted” errors. I read on this forum (many thanks guys!) that it could be the cameras are dirty or clouded. I booked it into the dealer to check the issue under warranty. They confirmed there was an issue with the “camera lens hood” and that they replaced it with an updated part number (1678275100). They also cleaned the windscreen area in front of the cameras because they were cloudy.
This did make a difference. I actually experienced the E-Active suspension working for the first time since I bought the vehicle, and it was amazing. The suspension picks itself up to keep the vehicle flat when going over bumps. It never gets old. Very comfortable. I’ve even noticed on uneven road surfaces that it seems to be doing something to minimise bumps/rolls.
Now, although the dealer had fixed this issue, and I was happy to finally be experiencing the E-Active suspension, I did notice that it was only working maybe 40% of the time over speed bumps. I remember some posts on this forum saying that people had also cleaned the camera lens because they can also get cloudy (in addition to the windscreen). I didn’t recall the dealer saying anything about them cleaning the camera lens, only the replacing the “lens hood” and cleaning the windscreen. So I went about dismantling the cover above the rear view mirror to access the camera module. It was a little tricky, but managed to do it without breaking anything and also removed the camera module by releasing 3 metal clips. Guess what I found… the camera lens on both cameras were cloudy. I cleaned them carefully with glass cleaner and a cotton bud. Now the E-Active suspension works 100%. I'm a little disappointed the dealer didn’t do this originally, but I'm happy its all working perfectly now.
In my gated community where I live, I drive over at least 5 speed bumps everyday morning. It’s still amazing to me that I can drive over them and don't notice them at all. Everyone else has to slow down and take them easy.
Hmmm...I have never felt like mine is working like it should. I've never got the restricted camera view message, though. I meant to have it checked out at 4-year service last week but had more important things. So the two hoods come as a set under that part number? The parts diagram only shows one. It's unclear to me how these affect the function of the cameras. Are there any TSBs on this issue that you're aware of?
Will have to give this a try. Thanks!
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; May 4, 2023 at 10:56 AM.
Hmmm...I have never felt like mine is working like it should. I've never got the restricted camera view message, though. I meant to have it checked out at 4-year service last week but had more important things. So the two hoods come as a set under that part number? The parts diagram only shows one. It's unclear to me how these affect the function of the cameras. Are there any TSBs on this issue that you're aware of?
Will have to give this a try. Thanks!
Hi Greg, I believe the Surface Road Scan feature is only available with the E-Active suspension if you also have the driving assistance package with the dual cameras, not single camera. Here is the info in the owners manual -
Hi Greg, I believe the Surface Road Scan feature is only available with the E-Active suspension if you also have the driving assistance package with the dual cameras, not single camera. Here is the info in the owners manual -
I DO have E-Active Body Control, option DC7, US$8,200 in 2019. I am well aware of its features, just never felt Road Surface Scan working as it should.
I DO have E-Active Body Control, option DC7, US$8,200 in 2019. I am well aware of its features, just never felt Road Surface Scan working as it should.
Hi Greg, you’ve ignored the second half of my reply. Do you have the drivers assistance package and have dual cameras? You need this to have road surface scan function. The parts picture you posted only shows a single camera lens hood.
Hi Greg, you’ve ignored the second half of my reply. Do you have the drivers assistance package and have dual cameras? You need this to have road surface scan function. The parts picture you posted only shows a single camera lens hood.
You're right - I skimmed right by that. What? Mine looks like it has two cameras, but apparently does not. Four years later I'm just finding this out. I generally do not like the "nannies" that drive for you. That is a total ****-off.
This is the description of E-ABC from the 2019 ordering guide. No mention that it would not be a fully-functioning system without another package in NetStar or anywhere else. The press release refers to a "stereo multi-purpose camera" with no inkling as to that it is related to a separate package. I certainly would have paid the extra $2,250 for the Driver Assistance Package. That is one feature I would appreciate the most.
I thank you setting me right on this, but all this time I was just thinking the system is not all that impressive. To know it could really work as I thought it should is a downer. I kick myself for not investigating sooner, but it would not make a difference after I had the car. Typically the DOGs are pretty good about letting you know of inter-related options. I'm sure you could retrofit DA2, but not for a reasonable amount.
Grrr!!!!
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; May 5, 2023 at 10:24 AM.
You're right - I skimmed right by that? What? When I ordered there was no clue I needed that package to have a fully functioning system. It looks like it has two cameras, but apparently does not. Four years later I'm just finding this out. I generally do not like the "nannies" that drive for you. That is a total ****-off.
This is the description of E-ABC from the 2019 ordering guide. No mention that it would not be a fully-functioning system without another package. The press release refers to a "stereo multi-purpose camera" with no inkling as to that is related to a separate package. I certainly would have paid the extra $2,250 for the Driver Assistance Package. That is one feature I would appreciate the most.
I thank you setting me right on this, but all this time I was just thinking the system is not all that impressive. To know it could really work as I thought it should is a downer. I kick myself for not investigating sooner, but it would not make a difference after I had the car. Typically the DOGs are pretty good about letting you know of inter-related options. I'm sure you could retrofit DA2, but not for a reasonable amount.
Grrr!!!!
Yes that would really annoy me too (a bit of an understatement, I’d be pi#*ed off with the dealer not explaining it). I feel they should have sold the E-Active suspension with the driver assist option as compulsory, because the road surface scan is a major feature as part of the expensive E-Active option.
I agree, I think retrofitting the driver assist package would be very costly. But at the same time, its an incredible feature to have.
Yes that would really annoy me too (a bit of an understatement, I’d be pi#*ed off with the dealer not explaining it). I feel they should have sold the E-Active suspension with the driver assist option as compulsory, because the road surface scan is a major feature as part of the expensive E-Active option.
I followed this vehicle a year or so in advance of launch, because I've had the first of each model since 1998. Typically at launch those of us on the forums know more than the sales guys, so I can't fault the dealer necessarily. I fault the ordering system including the DOG and NetStar. I'm going to see if my service manager will look into whether just the stereo cameras could be retrofitted to make this functional.
Be thankful you have a (mostly) functioning rare vehicle.
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; May 4, 2023 at 10:54 PM.
I feel like I'm in a similar boat as Greg... 2019 build (though later than Greg's obviously), e-ABC AND Driver Assist. I can do the funny bounce mode, go into Curve mode, adjust each wheel's suspension individually, but I never felt like the road surface scan was functioning that well as I certainly feel bumps. Maybe I should investigate the cameras like you say, although I never got the Camera View Restricted error, and Driver Assist seems to work fine.
I followed this vehicle a year or so in advance of launch, because I've had the first of each model since 1998. Typically at launch those of us on the forums know more than the sales guys, so I can't fault the dealer necessarily. I fault the ordering system including the DOG and NetStar. I'm going to see if my service manager will look into whether just the stereo cameras could be retrofitted to make this functional.
Be thankful you have a (mostly) functioning rare vehicle.
The highlight in the screenshot above is covering a key sentence "comprised of the following functions and components. Greg, you must have those stereo cameras since it's part of the E-ABC. They can't sell you E-ABC without it.
The highlight in the screenshot above is covering a key sentence "comprised of the following functions and components. Greg, you must have those stereo cameras since it's part of the E-ABC. They can't sell you E-ABC without it.
Hi Wildta, sadly you could/can get the E-Active suspension without stereo cameras (driver assistant package). If you have the single camera, you don’t have the road surface scan feature. This is mentioned a few times on other documents.
The below is from one of the early press releases in late 2018. See below, emphasis on “If” the GLE is equipped with stereo multipurpose camera…
The highlight in the screenshot above is covering a key sentence "comprised of the following functions and components. Greg, you must have those stereo cameras since it's part of the E-ABC. They can't sell you E-ABC without it.
Single camera vs Stereo (dual) camera should be very easy to decipher -
That’s interesting that they just blanked it off like that. Wonder why they did just use the single camera windscreen. So theres 3 different types of camera/windscreen setups then - single camera, double camera, single camera with double camera housing.
Got the expected response from my service manager:
"Vehicle assistance systems are designed to work with camera currently installed in vehicle – all control units are programmed and coded for options that originally come on the vehicle. We can’t change the coding. The only coding changes that Mercedes allows is for retrofits and unfortunately there are no work instruction to retrofit Road Surface Scan feature. Installing a stereo camera will cause faults in all of the driver assistance systems."
OK, I just checked my car and I really am in the same boat as Greg, despite having the DAP package in addition to e-ABC... October 2019 build. Single camera in the dual camera housing, which would explain why I never felt like the Road Surface Scan feature was doing anything. That was the primary reason for getting e-ABC, as the bounce (recovery) mode and individual wheel control are mostly gimmicks unless I want to climb boulders.
Does anyone have evidence/details for why the stereo camera is important and should have been included? Is my DAP not as 'good' as a real DAP with stereo cameras? I'll take any information to my GM and see what he says, though I'm afraid I'll get the same response as Greg. Definitely annoying and also affects resale value since a $8,200 option isn't doing much on top of the regular air suspension.
OK, I just checked my car and I really am in the same boat as Greg, despite having the DAP package in addition to e-ABC... October 2019 build. Single camera in the dual camera housing, which would explain why I never felt like the Road Surface Scan feature was doing anything. That was the primary reason for getting e-ABC, as the bounce (recovery) mode and individual wheel control are mostly gimmicks unless I want to climb boulders.
Does anyone have evidence/details for why the stereo camera is important and should have been included? Is my DAP not as 'good' as a real DAP with stereo cameras? I'll take any information to my GM and see what he says, though I'm afraid I'll get the same response as Greg. Definitely annoying and also affects resale value since a $8,200 option isn't doing much on top of the regular air suspension.
Since you're still under warranty you may have some recourse. The DAP+ is supposed to include the stereo cameras which the E-ABC system needs for Road Surface Scan. There is no other package that could provide the stereo cameras. Does your system do the following (from the 2018 press release) which is listed in the order guide as part of the DA2 package?
I'm not sure what the recourse would be, but Mercedes owes you the full function of what you paid for. Perhaps you have all the software needed but the single camera got installed by mistake (not unlikely). In my case, I'm SOL because the need for the second package was just not clearly spelled out. Best of luck and keep us apprised!
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; May 6, 2023 at 03:42 PM.
No, just curious if it's an early build/pre pro car which a lot of the e-abc cars are or not but no pressure.
My build date is 2020-01-19.
Here are various pics of my cameras if anyone is curious. I took close-up pics to see if my lenses were clouded but they appear clean to me. Just to note, the camera shrouds are black but my flash really distorts the color. Also, any idea what the little circle is below the stereo cameras?
Also, sorry Greg and maalox regarding your E-ABC situations. I would be in a fit with my dealer.
What is the circle sensor? What is the circle sensor?
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E-Active suspension with Road Surface Scan finally working!
but no pressure.
