Rear camera pops out at every stop
Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 229
Likes: 72
From: Poland
GLE
That would be nice because there would be a fix. I'm holding on to my 2022 for now, but I'm afraid I get hit by this bug/feature on my next car. The problem is that the service people at MB dealers insist this is the right behavior (it opening all the time). I've seen it on a GLA and GLB that I got as loaners when getting my regular service done.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 360
Likes: 171
From: MA
MY2024 GLE 450
That would be nice because there would be a fix. I'm holding on to my 2022 for now, but I'm afraid I get hit by this bug/feature on my next car. The problem is that the service people at MB dealers insist this is the right behavior (it opening all the time). I've seen it on a GLA and GLB that I got as loaners when getting my regular service done.
Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 229
Likes: 72
From: Poland
GLE
We've been going over it in two separate threads on this forum. I think if people want to get some real answers, they need to present two cars to a dealer, one that doesn't do it and one that does. In this scenario, the question becomes rather simple - explain why car X works differently from car Y.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 360
Likes: 171
From: MA
MY2024 GLE 450
I mentioned in the other thread that I tried mounting a GoPro in the rear plate area that recorded GPS data, including the calculated speed, went through multiple cycles - higher speed, lower speed etc and I couldn't reproduce the issue. By the time the car gets to the roadway from the garage ~ 30 feet in reverse, ~ 150-200ft forward, the camera retracts and never pops up again, unless engaged by the operator / proximity sensor / saved gps position.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2023
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GLE 580
I have certainly noticed newer models on the road with their rear cameras popping out at stop lights when they shouldn't be. Perhaps this falls under a slight safety issue as it is a distraction and can take the eyes off the road. It only takes 5min to report this to the NHTSA:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#index
https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#index
Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 229
Likes: 72
From: Poland
GLE
I have certainly noticed newer models on the road with their rear cameras popping out at stop lights when they shouldn't be. Perhaps this falls under a slight safety issue as it is a distraction and can take the eyes off the road. It only takes 5min to report this to the NHTSA:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#index
https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#index
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 3
Today I tried out this suggested fix -
"the vehicle must be driven forwards for a certain time (usually less
than one minute) at a speed < 30 km/h and a steering wheel angle < 10".
This should be done in daylight and with no vehicles driving closely behind. The camera must be able to see the asphalt.
When calibration is successful, the camera flap closes automatically"
Ir was dayy light, I found a straight quiet road and 4 times managed to do this. I drove for around 2 mins along a straight at less than 15mph. When I approached the next juction the camera was no longer deploying by itself.
However each time one turns of the engine and the car switches off. The camera is back to deploying automatically.
It's also almost impossible to get the camera to calibrate in normal driving.
It can only configure when you drive for around 2 mins, in daylight with no car behind at a speed of less than 30kph
What I ridiculous system fault
"the vehicle must be driven forwards for a certain time (usually less
than one minute) at a speed < 30 km/h and a steering wheel angle < 10".
This should be done in daylight and with no vehicles driving closely behind. The camera must be able to see the asphalt.
When calibration is successful, the camera flap closes automatically"
Ir was dayy light, I found a straight quiet road and 4 times managed to do this. I drove for around 2 mins along a straight at less than 15mph. When I approached the next juction the camera was no longer deploying by itself.
However each time one turns of the engine and the car switches off. The camera is back to deploying automatically.
It's also almost impossible to get the camera to calibrate in normal driving.
It can only configure when you drive for around 2 mins, in daylight with no car behind at a speed of less than 30kph
What I ridiculous system fault
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 3
Likes: 3
Purchased a 2025 GLE 350 4matic two weeks ago. Immediately started noticing the loud clicking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle but wasn't sure what it was or why it was happening. Reported it to our Sales Associate who looked it over and stated that he had no idea where the noise could be coming from. After figuring out that the noise was coming from the rear view camera whenever it actuates, I contacted their service department. I took the car in and they installed a "dampening kit", which basically consists of installing sound dampening foam inside the tailgate. This did not help. The Service Advisor stated that there was nothing else that they could do at this time. He also stated that there was a Technical Service Bulletin out documenting this defect. I am presently awaiting a call from their Service Manager and I'll also be talking with their GM later today. I have also emailed MB and am awaiting a reply from them. I imagine that it will be similar to the replies that other folks are getting (It's normal, don't worry about it). BS. I owned BMW's for the past 11 years and never once had them in the repair shop for anything other than regular maintenance. I beginning to think that I screwed up buying this vehicle.
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 3
Purchased a 2025 GLE 350 4matic two weeks ago. Immediately started noticing the loud clicking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle but wasn't sure what it was or why it was happening. Reported it to our Sales Associate who looked it over and stated that he had no idea where the noise could be coming from. After figuring out that the noise was coming from the rear view camera whenever it actuates, I contacted their service department. I took the car in and they installed a "dampening kit", which basically consists of installing sound dampening foam inside the tailgate. This did not help. The Service Advisor stated that there was nothing else that they could do at this time. He also stated that there was a Technical Service Bulletin out documenting this defect. I am presently awaiting a call from their Service Manager and I'll also be talking with their GM later today. I have also emailed MB and am awaiting a reply from them. I imagine that it will be similar to the replies that other folks are getting (It's normal, don't worry about it). BS. I owned BMW's for the past 11 years and never once had them in the repair shop for anything other than regular maintenance. I beginning to think that I screwed up buying this vehicle.
I’d like to see the Technical Bulletin. Have you seen it?
I got in touch with MB 13th December 2024. I’ve had 2 automated replies & one in person discussion when I chased on the phone yesterday. Only with a call handler.
The dealer I purchased from have been no help. They are 600miles away. I might still end up taking the car back to them.
All very frustrating.
Ive seen posts from 2023 regarding this fault so am not optimistic MB will find a solution.
My previous car was an Audi it had a recurring issue with the DRC valves. I had the car 4 year. It had 5 sets. My local dealer gave up & I had to travel a 200 mile round trip to get them replaced. Audi did give me free extended warranties & paid my expenses however lost days each time. I loved the car but the issue was a pain. Audi never made an updated part for my £90k car.
I suspect MB will be the same.
Prior to my Audi I had a no of BMW’s. Two 6 series, an M4. They had some minor issues but were generally good apart from a seat rattle. I was pretty much told there wasn’t a fix. I said I’d reject the car & requested a refund. Only then did they fix the seat.
I may well be heading in that direction with my car. I don’t want to. I like the car but can’t live with this noise.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 3
Likes: 3
More Runaround
So, during a meeting with the MB dealership, they acknowledge that the rear view camera click noise is a problem and is documented on a "Tech Topic" (Technical Service Bulletin). They again state that there is no known fix and nothing in the works to fix it. They also state that this is present on every MB SUV vehicle since late 2023. So, I receive correspondence from MB Corporate which states that "Our cameras are designed with audible alerts as a key safety feature, helping to ensure user awareness during operation". Total.BS. If anything, this is a distraction to normal driving activities. If it is truly a safety feature, why would the dealership acknowledge this as a known problem and attempt to correct it? Our call with Corporate on Tuesday should be very interesting.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 3
So, during a meeting with the MB dealership, they acknowledge that the rear view camera click noise is a problem and is documented on a "Tech Topic" (Technical Service Bulletin). They again state that there is no known fix and nothing in the works to fix it. They also state that this is present on every MB SUV vehicle since late 2023. So, I receive correspondence from MB Corporate which states that "Our cameras are designed with audible alerts as a key safety feature, helping to ensure user awareness during operation". Total.BS. If anything, this is a distraction to normal driving activities. If it is truly a safety feature, why would the dealership acknowledge this as a known problem and attempt to correct it? Our call with Corporate on Tuesday should be very interesting.
I am not aware of ant other car manufacturers who's camera have "audible alerts as a key safety feature" .
If it is a safety feature what exactly is it warning us of?
Why only the rear camera?
Why also did MB Customer Service in the UK state this to me
"The noise you hear, is as you have mentioned in your previously sent e-mail, due to the camera deploying and retracting attempting to calibrate. This is not a fault, this is the way the vehicle is currently designed. I do apologise if this does not live up to your expectations. "
In addition to configure the camera we are advised to do this -
Remedy:Complete the calibration successfully. For this, the vehicle must be driven forwards for a certain time (usually less
than one minute) at a speed < 30 km/h and a steering wheel angle < 10".
This should be done in daylight and with no vehicles driving closely behind. The camera must be able to see the asphalt.
When calibration is successful, the camera flap closes automatically.
This "remedy" does work. It will seriously annoy other road users if you try to drive at under 30km/h for a few mins and it needs to be daylight + as soon as you restart the car, one has to go through the whole process again.
If it's a quiet straight road, it's day light, no cars are behind me, 9 times out of 10 I can manage to successfully calibrate the camera but for all the conditions tto be lined up docent happen often.
Thanks again for your input. I look forward to hearing how your conversation with MB Corporate goes next Tuesday.
Last edited by SpidMacK; Jan 18, 2025 at 02:33 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
If this feature is present on every MB SUV, this is another reason that keeps me away from the brand until (if) it is corrected. MB can't get out of its own way.
A GLE450 or 53 with no 48V system would be a great car if MB produced it. But they don't.
A GLE450 or 53 with no 48V system would be a great car if MB produced it. But they don't.
Last edited by chassis; Jan 18, 2025 at 04:10 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 949
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X214
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 3
Likes: 3
After going through all the MB channels, I finally received a call from a member of their Executive Review Board. Her response was that the rear view camera noise was a normal function, that there are no plans to fix it, and that there is nothing else they can do for me. But she will pass my concerns "up the line". I explained that this was a known defect, as acknowledged but the dealership, but that MB Corporate keeps passing it on as a normal "safety feature". I also suggested that she check out the several MB forums to see the number of dissatisfied customers. I'll never buy another MB.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 583
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2026 GLC300 4Matic (X254)
I have a 2025 GLC300, and the camera cover opens at certain speeds (always below 30 mph), when the Blue P icon is lit up. For some reason the car is looking for parking spots. Even though I am not requesting that is do so. But it does it a lot where I live because speeds go from 5 to 35 to 20 to 5 to 30 and so on for the entire drive. The noise is bad...don't get me wrong. But what about the little motor and flap opening and closing so often? Were those moving parts designed to last only to the end of the warranty? If they were not designed to open and close constantly (you know they used the cheapest bid for that supplier), we will be seeing warranty claims, or worse, expensive repairs sooner vs. later.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,987
Likes: 2,187
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
My 2021 only looks for parking spaces when I push the P button on the console. And I don't think the camera pops out when I'm searching for a space - I thought radar did that.
Is the parking function active automatically below 30mph? Is there a menu item to disable?
Has MB saved a few nickels by eliminating radar sensors?
It's really unacceptable.
I wonder if the Park function could be coded out, while preserving the backup camera. Shouldn't have to do that, though.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Today I was following a 2019 or 2020 E450 cabriolet, with the rear camera deployed under ~30mph and stowed at higher speeds, while the car was moving in normal traffic.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2023GLC300Coupe ; 2025GLE450e
Another unlucky one here in Canada.
Just got my 2025 GLE450e a few days ago and I am experiencing the same annoying sound every time I slow down to 30kph and speed up beyond 40kph. I'll be visiting the dealer next week and see if calibration will fix this.
The big difference between this model and my previous 2021GLE450 is the U19 feature which my new one does not have. For those experiencing this, does your unit have the U19 feature?
Just got my 2025 GLE450e a few days ago and I am experiencing the same annoying sound every time I slow down to 30kph and speed up beyond 40kph. I'll be visiting the dealer next week and see if calibration will fix this.
The big difference between this model and my previous 2021GLE450 is the U19 feature which my new one does not have. For those experiencing this, does your unit have the U19 feature?
Junior Member
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 37
Likes: 7
2024 GLE 450
I’ve sadly gotten used to the sound and it doesn’t bother me anymore. I have to get over it at some point there’s no point complaining or wasting time with the dealer Mercedes has openly stated they won’t be fixing this.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
2024 GLE350 4Matic
Another recent ‘24 350 owner with this annoying issue.
I’ve leased my GLE and im already dreading having to live with this noise for another 3 years.
It’s a shame and exaggerated by the fact the car is already so quiet inside.
Just not an environment I’d expect from an MB.
I’ve leased my GLE and im already dreading having to live with this noise for another 3 years.
It’s a shame and exaggerated by the fact the car is already so quiet inside.
Just not an environment I’d expect from an MB.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
I guess it is intentional so you can see the surroundings when you have stopped. The only way other than probably coding is to disable PARKTRONIC (so pressing PARKTRONIC off) to prevent this from happening but not ideal. The main annoying part is the sound it makes when it pops out every stop.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,987
Likes: 2,187
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
None of this makes rational sense.
On my '21, the camera seems synced to the proximity sensors. The rear camera opens when I approach / sense an obstruction, such as a curb, car or my garage opening.
Or when I press the Park button.
It's not related to speed.
I call it a "lose a customer" feature. As in "I'll buy another brand."
Unfortunately, it's not something that most people will pay attention to on a test drive.
On my '21, the camera seems synced to the proximity sensors. The rear camera opens when I approach / sense an obstruction, such as a curb, car or my garage opening.
Or when I press the Park button.
It's not related to speed.
I call it a "lose a customer" feature. As in "I'll buy another brand."
Unfortunately, it's not something that most people will pay attention to on a test drive.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
None of this makes rational sense.
On my '21, the camera seems synced to the proximity sensors. The rear camera opens when I approach / sense an obstruction, such as a curb, car or my garage opening.
Or when I press the Park button.
It's not related to speed.
I call it a "lose a customer" feature. As in "I'll buy another brand."
Unfortunately, it's not something that most people will pay attention to on a test drive.
On my '21, the camera seems synced to the proximity sensors. The rear camera opens when I approach / sense an obstruction, such as a curb, car or my garage opening.
Or when I press the Park button.
It's not related to speed.
I call it a "lose a customer" feature. As in "I'll buy another brand."
Unfortunately, it's not something that most people will pay attention to on a test drive.
