Reversing Camera Install Probs on W164
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Canberra Australia
2008 ML 320 CDI
Reversing Camera Install Probs on W164
Howdy,
We are new to MB World.
We have a 2008 ML 320 CDI W164 - a new arrival here in Canberra, Australia.
I have just had installed a Smart Park LCD and Camera, see here: http://www.thecarkitcompany.com.au/i...facturer_id=15
But there is a problem. When connected to the reversing light electrics and the ML is put into reverse the image on the LCD comes on and off and then disappears.
We changed over to the other reversing light and the image stayed on longer, but still dropped out.
It is now wired to a permanent feed until we reslove the issue.
The installer thinks there is a voltage drop out and figures a low voltage relay at the reversing light end may overcome the problem, but he is reluctant to fit one as he is worried he might do something nasty to the computer.
Can anyone help? Cheers ... Nick
We are new to MB World.
We have a 2008 ML 320 CDI W164 - a new arrival here in Canberra, Australia.
I have just had installed a Smart Park LCD and Camera, see here: http://www.thecarkitcompany.com.au/i...facturer_id=15
But there is a problem. When connected to the reversing light electrics and the ML is put into reverse the image on the LCD comes on and off and then disappears.
We changed over to the other reversing light and the image stayed on longer, but still dropped out.
It is now wired to a permanent feed until we reslove the issue.
The installer thinks there is a voltage drop out and figures a low voltage relay at the reversing light end may overcome the problem, but he is reluctant to fit one as he is worried he might do something nasty to the computer.
Can anyone help? Cheers ... Nick
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 65
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2009 ML350
your installer doesn't have a multimeter...? 
MB bulbs are like every other in the world, and run off 12v lines. if the reverse line isn't getting 12v, then your reverse lights aren't lit. patch it on the right line
MB bulbs are like every other in the world, and run off 12v lines. if the reverse line isn't getting 12v, then your reverse lights aren't lit. patch it on the right line
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Canberra Australia
2008 ML 320 CDI
This is an email response from Domonic at TVandNav2go.com who confirms a relay is required if you want to patch into the reversing light feed of the 2008 ML W164.
Hi
Any 12v relay
Thanks Dominic
On 9/30/2010 11:25 AM, Nick wrote:
Hi Dominic,
What kind/rating of relay would you suggest the installer use? Thanks ... Nick
-----Original Message-----
From: Dominic [mailto:sales@tvandnav2go.com]
Sent: Friday, 1 October 2010 12:27 AM
To: Nick > Subject: Re: Contact Form
Hi
Yes you can NOT tap the 12V on the reverse lamp. You have to do it thru a relay.
Thanks Dominic
On 9/30/2010 7:13 AM, Nick wrote:
Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by Nickon September 30th, 2010
comments: Hi, I have a 2008 Ml CDi320 W164 here in AU. Now, I had a stand-a-lone backup camera installed - an after market smartpark-lcd4wm-reversing-camera. It works on direct 12 volt connection, but when connected to the
reversing light the monitor comes on and turns off immediately. The installer says there may be a power drop issue and has considered a voltage drop relay but is reluctant to do so as he is worried about hurting the
computer. He is searching for a solution and so I am I. Can you provide any solution?
please. Thanks ... Nick
TVandNav2go.com specializes in converting your OEM navigation system to a full blown multimedia station capable of playing DVD's while retaining all OEM navigation system features. Save money by retaining your factory equipment and maximizing usage. We guarantee the best quality RGB units at the best prices! We will not be undersold!!!!
Get your best price then give us a call. You will be glad you did.
Thanks Dominic of www.TVandNav2Go.com
7718 Flatlands Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11236
TEL- 718-763-7367
Fax- 718-763-5156
Hi
Any 12v relay
Thanks Dominic
On 9/30/2010 11:25 AM, Nick wrote:
Hi Dominic,
What kind/rating of relay would you suggest the installer use? Thanks ... Nick
-----Original Message-----
From: Dominic [mailto:sales@tvandnav2go.com]
Sent: Friday, 1 October 2010 12:27 AM
To: Nick > Subject: Re: Contact Form
Hi
Yes you can NOT tap the 12V on the reverse lamp. You have to do it thru a relay.
Thanks Dominic
On 9/30/2010 7:13 AM, Nick wrote:
Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by Nickon September 30th, 2010
comments: Hi, I have a 2008 Ml CDi320 W164 here in AU. Now, I had a stand-a-lone backup camera installed - an after market smartpark-lcd4wm-reversing-camera. It works on direct 12 volt connection, but when connected to the
reversing light the monitor comes on and turns off immediately. The installer says there may be a power drop issue and has considered a voltage drop relay but is reluctant to do so as he is worried about hurting the
computer. He is searching for a solution and so I am I. Can you provide any solution?
please. Thanks ... Nick
TVandNav2go.com specializes in converting your OEM navigation system to a full blown multimedia station capable of playing DVD's while retaining all OEM navigation system features. Save money by retaining your factory equipment and maximizing usage. We guarantee the best quality RGB units at the best prices! We will not be undersold!!!!
Get your best price then give us a call. You will be glad you did.
Thanks Dominic of www.TVandNav2Go.com
7718 Flatlands Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11236
TEL- 718-763-7367
Fax- 718-763-5156
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
2009 ML350
i guess i can't speak with absolute certainty, having never used that particular item, but it sounds like BS. you seem to have demonstrated that yourself by hooking up to a constant 12V line. what would a relay possibly do? it's just a switch and 12v is 12v, period.
the only way a relay would make a difference is if either the tail light does not have 12v, or the reverse switch on your unit requires some other voltage. again, a multimeter is the answer to the first, and documentation otherwise. i have never installed a reverse cam on the ML, never having needed to, but i have on several other cars, using a very similar product and have never done anything but hook up to the reverse light bulb line.
the only way a relay would make a difference is if either the tail light does not have 12v, or the reverse switch on your unit requires some other voltage. again, a multimeter is the answer to the first, and documentation otherwise. i have never installed a reverse cam on the ML, never having needed to, but i have on several other cars, using a very similar product and have never done anything but hook up to the reverse light bulb line.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Canberra Australia
2008 ML 320 CDI
My installer indeed used a multimeter. There seems to be a power feed issue to the rear end as eluded to in some other forums that I have visited.
E.g.: "You could easily connect the power cable to the 12VDC of the trunk cigar lighter. But this will leave you camera running all the time when the car is up, which might prematurely wear the camera. It is better to swicth it on only when you backup. In the old days, you could have used the backup light power, but in your mercedes, the additional current draw might cause the rear SAM to tell you that there is somthing wrong with a backup light (you'll get a burned bulb message). What I did is to connect a 720Ohm 12VDC relay. The cigar lighter 12VDC power is fed by the relay to the camera, and the relay coil is activated by the backup light. This works perfectly".
Another installer here in AU advises that he has had similar issues with other European makes and had to install relays as well.
My installer arrives this morning to resolve the issue. I will respond as soon as it's been fixed.
Thanks for your interest in this issue. Cheers
E.g.: "You could easily connect the power cable to the 12VDC of the trunk cigar lighter. But this will leave you camera running all the time when the car is up, which might prematurely wear the camera. It is better to swicth it on only when you backup. In the old days, you could have used the backup light power, but in your mercedes, the additional current draw might cause the rear SAM to tell you that there is somthing wrong with a backup light (you'll get a burned bulb message). What I did is to connect a 720Ohm 12VDC relay. The cigar lighter 12VDC power is fed by the relay to the camera, and the relay coil is activated by the backup light. This works perfectly".
Another installer here in AU advises that he has had similar issues with other European makes and had to install relays as well.
My installer arrives this morning to resolve the issue. I will respond as soon as it's been fixed.
Thanks for your interest in this issue. Cheers
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Canberra Australia
2008 ML 320 CDI
Here is a lesson. The issue was fixed with the inclusion of a relay.
If you do not have a command system, but want a reversing/backup camera you can fit a Nesa see here:
http://secureretailing.com.au/shopEA...01fce2e9c062or
or a Smart Park 4" see here: http://www.smartpark.net/LCD_monitors.html
My Smart Park is mounted to the front sreen adjacent to the review mirrow.
On reflection the Nesa NSM 4300T would have been a better choice. I may yet convert over. It is larger and is in 16.9 widescreen format, only prob, to get full view you will need to lift the sunvisor most times. An easy peasy thing to do.
As I don't have the Command Unit I can choose my Garmin GPS and update both unit and maps whenever for reasonable bucks, and move it from car to
car, when needed.
The NESA is touch control and comes with a remote.
Both units offer two camera inputs, so you can mount an extra camera like on the end of your caravan or horse float so that you can be more intimidated as to what's behind. Seriously, it would be great when reversing your RV thingy.
Happy motoring
If you do not have a command system, but want a reversing/backup camera you can fit a Nesa see here:
http://secureretailing.com.au/shopEA...01fce2e9c062or
or a Smart Park 4" see here: http://www.smartpark.net/LCD_monitors.html
My Smart Park is mounted to the front sreen adjacent to the review mirrow.
On reflection the Nesa NSM 4300T would have been a better choice. I may yet convert over. It is larger and is in 16.9 widescreen format, only prob, to get full view you will need to lift the sunvisor most times. An easy peasy thing to do.
As I don't have the Command Unit I can choose my Garmin GPS and update both unit and maps whenever for reasonable bucks, and move it from car to
car, when needed.
The NESA is touch control and comes with a remote.
Both units offer two camera inputs, so you can mount an extra camera like on the end of your caravan or horse float so that you can be more intimidated as to what's behind. Seriously, it would be great when reversing your RV thingy.
Happy motoring
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 39
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2009 ML320 Bluetec
Took me a while and many tries to finally figure out the wiring issue. The backup light is the white/black wire in the rear right compartment. All I need to do now is to route the video cable to the COMMAND, then have it programed by dealer.
I will post a DIY after it's all done.
I will post a DIY after it's all done.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Canberra Australia
2008 ML 320 CDI
Hello,
Have a look at this site:
http://www.mercupgrades.com/display_article_list.php
and here: http://www.mbguru.com/
and here too: http://www.comandonline.co.uk/Merced...rsing-Cameras/
Have a look at this site:
http://www.mercupgrades.com/display_article_list.php
and here: http://www.mbguru.com/
and here too: http://www.comandonline.co.uk/Merced...rsing-Cameras/
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
2009 ML320 Bluetec
Hello,
Have a look at this site:
http://www.mercupgrades.com/display_article_list.php
and here: http://www.mbguru.com/
and here too: http://www.comandonline.co.uk/Merced...rsing-Cameras/
Have a look at this site:
http://www.mercupgrades.com/display_article_list.php
and here: http://www.mbguru.com/
and here too: http://www.comandonline.co.uk/Merced...rsing-Cameras/
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Canberra Australia
2008 ML 320 CDI
Hi, I have been away - sorry for a belated response.
My installer noticed a blank rectangular section adjacent to the left side number plate light. This is where he mounted the camera. I'm not happy with this arrangement. In rainy conditions the lens becomes covered in water dropplets which affects vision.
Our Ford Falcon G6e has a similar reversing camera and it is located under the chrome lip used to lift the boot lid, it protects the Camera from water on the lens. On our ML the camera protudes out more, as it is mounted on a universal mounting frame, whereas or G6e's camera is more recessed into its location as part of its factory fitment design.
For the ML, I have seen on Ebay an integrated Camera - that is, one which replaces one of the number plate lights - albeit only partially - meaning that half of the unit is a light and the other the camera itself. Maybe this is the way to go.
Cheers .. Nick
My installer noticed a blank rectangular section adjacent to the left side number plate light. This is where he mounted the camera. I'm not happy with this arrangement. In rainy conditions the lens becomes covered in water dropplets which affects vision.
Our Ford Falcon G6e has a similar reversing camera and it is located under the chrome lip used to lift the boot lid, it protects the Camera from water on the lens. On our ML the camera protudes out more, as it is mounted on a universal mounting frame, whereas or G6e's camera is more recessed into its location as part of its factory fitment design.
For the ML, I have seen on Ebay an integrated Camera - that is, one which replaces one of the number plate lights - albeit only partially - meaning that half of the unit is a light and the other the camera itself. Maybe this is the way to go.
Cheers .. Nick
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Canberra Australia
2008 ML 320 CDI
Hi, just found this camera on ebay: see here:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....m=230553788732
Nick
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....m=230553788732
Nick
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
ML350 W164
Hi, I have been away - sorry for a belated response.
My installer noticed a blank rectangular section adjacent to the left side number plate light. This is where he mounted the camera. I'm not happy with this arrangement. In rainy conditions the lens becomes covered in water dropplets which affects vision.
While waiting for your answer, I managed to do it. The camera doesn't protude much. I'll send picture later. But overall, I am not happy. The reverse light on my ML doesn't light below the rear bumper it is more straight. So in the evening I can not see anything behind and below the bumper. I am still finding ways to improve it.
