lockeed

I recently bought a 2013 ML350. Appart from the xenons and running boards, it's the base model without Nav and backup camera.

I was wondering if any of you tried to install an OEM or aftermarket backup camera? To be clear, I don't want something that'll look bad or any aftermarket screen for that matter. I'd like to integrate either an OEM or aftermarket camera to the OEM screen if at all possible. I suspect there might be some wiring already there to integrate one.

Let me know what you guys think.

350MH83

It's totally possible. I did it on mine (OEM system). There is no prewiring installed so you need to strip out the whole right side trim (if you want to do it as per OEM installation). The only thing I couldnt do is to get the guiding lines on the screen when I reverse. Apparently this needs to be reprogrammed using the STAR diagnostic tool.

lockeed

Tell me all about it then! Where did you get your 'kit' and instructions?

350MH83

I got the kit from MB. Far from being the cheapest, but I wanted the OEM look, and I didnt want it to flicker. I also wanted it to point exactly as the original one. I think I paid around 350 Euros for it.
Then for the install, I watched many related videos on Youtube and that helped a lot. It's not really complicated as you just need to plug things in, then activate the camera in COMAND. But it's important that you take very good care installing the wire between the front and the back. You can either go on the lower side (below the door seals). That's the OEM install and you have bracket on which you can secure your tie wraps. You can also pull the wire on the top side (above the doors). It's easier as you can just push the wire in between the plastic parts, and voila. However, this is not ideal, you have the airbags behind it so you might damage something and prevent them from deploying properly. I will dig into Youtube and try to find the videos I had used (it was 2 years ago).

350MH83

That's a good video on how to remove the COMAND.
Then for the side trim removal, I couldnt find the tutorial I had used, but I remember it was from a W164, not 166. Close enough though. Maybe it was a thread on MBWorld. If I find it back I will post it.

lockeed

That's great. Thanks a lot for the information. As far as running the wires, not an issue, I own an RV and Motorhome dealership so we do wiring on cars on a daily basis

I just need to figure out the components I need for the install. I assume there's the camera assembly, wiring and plugs. But is there a trim on the tailgate you need to replace for the camera to fit in?

Thanks again.

350MH83

The components are as follows:
- The wiring loom with all the zip ties
- The camera itself
- The trunk door handle

The camera fits in a plastic housing that is the same than the trunk door handle. So you will need to swap that for the one equipped to receive the camera. Alternatively, if you dont go with OEM, you have other mounting solutions.

lockeed

Funny. I just called my dealership and they said they didn't had the retrofit camera kit for the ML... and they couldn't really order what I needed.

I found another company which makes backup camera that integrate to the OEM screen, but it's 600$ + txs and shipping. It comes with a multimedia interface with video input etc... which I don't really need. And I need to do the install myself of course.

www.SmartRoadCanada.com

350MH83

I managed to dig out the quotation I had received from MB for the camera (I was in Italy at that time, so it's in italian...)


Prices are in Euros, before VAT.

lockeed

Jeez that's not too bad, about 500$ Canadian I'd say for oem stuff.... They wanted 600$ for the aftermarket kit, although there's a multimedia interface included in that but I don't need it.

Thanks I'll look up the part numbers.

Paul Franklin

sorry to resurrect this post, but I have all of these parts and am sure i can fit the physical items in-situation. I have also programmed my Comand unit..... so all looking good. However, I bought the wiring harness part number a1664404310 and wonder where the power lead plugs into to draw power.... if someone wouldn’t mind assisting me? Thanks in advance.