willy_manilly

I just purchased a S350 06 model however it doesn't have the Front Nightvision camera option ( i thought they all had it, nevermind!)

Is it possible to retrofit it. I doubt it's that hard to retrofit, I believe all i would need is the camera, wiring loom and have the computer recoded at a dealer.

Could somebody point me in the right direction.

malahhaor

Anything can be done, if you want to spend the money. It'll probably run you about 3k usd

Diesel Benz

I have not looked at the parts costs, I doubt it can be done properly at $3000 (parts) but one should really check the real cost. This car would most likely need a new windshield too.

willy_manilly

Would it be possible to just purchase a night vision camera and mount it behind the front grill and then purchase a new light panel and get the computer recoded?

Diesel Benz

Now I don't follow you. The Night View Assist camera is located at the top/middle of the windshield behind the rear view mirror (seen from the driver, that is to the front from the rear view mirror).

To be OEM equivalent, you would need new headligths with IR emitters (replacing your high halogen high beams by the way).

I guess I got your "light panel" point, yes you need the switch to turn the camera on. Of course you would need version coding but I don't consider that a bid deal.

Quadcammer

I'm not sure why anyone would spend that kinda money for this feature. I've used it a couple of times, and its damn near useless to me.

IDriveAnM5

I highly doubt it would be that simple. I think the grille work you're referring to might actually be for the Distronic, and not for the night vision system, which has been described as involving a camera behind the windshield.

Go with the folks who say it's nearly useless. I tend to agree with them, though I've never had it myself. It's useless to me because I don't drive much at night, and I live in a densely populated area, so animal incursions are less likely. I'll take my chances with regular old headlamps, HID of course. Your situation might be different. If it's crucial, just get a car that has it instead of going to the trouble of monkeying with yours.

Cartronics

We do have nightvision retrofits. They serve many many purposes, including animal (or human) avoidance. The one we have is far superior to the factory Ratheon unit. Ours is by FLiR, and it is the same the military and police use. Very uncanny to be able to turn your lights off (we don't recommend this, we just did it during a video and testing) and you can see even further down the road than with headlights ever made possible. Incredible unit, but not too cheap. They are military grade and nearly indestructible. They do mount behind the grill regular grill (no new grill needed)

Quadcammer

I've also found that when you have it on, you spend so much time looking at the dash that you don't actually think about driving. Its like driving on a video game, and its awkward to get your actual vision from a tiny screen as opposed to out the glass.

Cartronics

Can be true....as a pilot, you are actually trained to trust your instruments... so it was a little strange, but I got used to it quickly.
I use it for wildlife and coplife at night. I can see them hiding beside the road WAY before my headlights can see them...lol

bshad74

I believe, s550 is equipt with night vision camera on the windshield but there is no switch next to headlight *** (what gives?) If this is an option, can purchase that switch and install it as i assume all the wiring is there too. Thoughts/suggestions?

stkaluz

can u help me with nivi retrofit?
i have some question ofc not for free
+48883935995 can u text me on my whatsapp

07CL550Benz

If anyone needs Night View Assist parts message me. I have the whole setup from a 2010 S600 I'm parting out.

lkchris

Never mentioned in all the responses is the fact that there are different headlight units that correspond with night vision. A conversion would include new headlight units in addition to the camera. The switch, whatever needs to be done to the instrument cluster, on, and on.

Your basic headlight performance is then degraded when these headlights are installed. My GL with just halogen lighting and +100 H7 bulbs gives better high beam performance than my CL with night vision.

Besides, and as previously noted, night vision is much more distraction than useful tool. It should only be viewed in short glances.

ml3504matic____

Possible, but very expensive

Just off the top of my head, you'll need at least:

New Switch to the left of the steering wheel
Headlights (IR is via headlights)
WIndshield
Coding
Camera itself

Not worth the retrofit IMO

Kwarior

I'm considering moving the night view camera to the rear windscreen (or installing another camera ) By doing this, I can have a permanent rear view camera in the dash with data overlaid. No need to hack the electronics, just reroute and extend the cable. I think this will be more useful than night view . Night view is a feature that I found to be desirable, but not one I that use.

ml3504matic____

not possible. you need the IR from the headlights. It’s not just as simple as the night vision camera.

Kwarior

In the W221, the system uses an Active IR lighting system. I believe that system is not gated (pulsed). It appears that the camera can be used as a basic daylight B/W camera. Drive the car onto a well lit garage forecourt at night and cover the headlights and see for yourself. I will need to enable the camera for use in daylight, and at present, I haven't figured out how the system is sensing day or night. I plan to use the camera as an in-dash rear view mirror. The results won't be wonderful, but I'd rather see what's behind the car that in front of it. I think that early Night View systems are a cool gimmick, buy like many gimmicks, it's almost useless.

07CL550Benz

I think you're overestimating how easy it would be to extend the wire for the camera, it's a unique cord.

megacrazy

Indeed. It's a 10 pin LVDS cable that's a specific length. You'll pick up a ton of noise if you dramatically change the length of the cable and/or extend it incorrectly. Camera also only works in dark conditions and is zoomed in. It's useless as a backup camera.

Kwarior

The standard Night Vision camera as fitted to the W221 works adequately as a rear view camera, but not as a backup camera. The POV is perfect! I created a new cable from two others bought on eBay I extended it by approximately 1.5 metres. There is no additional noise. I also bought a second camera to test it. Subsequently, I'll fit the new camera to centre top of the rear windscreen. The new camera connects in the same location as the existing one. The cable will be routed to through the headlining to the rear. This is the hardest job for me as I'm familiar with electronics, but I'm not dextrous. The original camera may stay in place, but will not be used. My own tests show that camera works perfectly well in lighted conditions. It is not a thermal camera, but uses an Active IR. I don't think that the IR source is pulsed and synchronised to the camera, and it's too much trouble to find out. I do know that the camera is able to produce an adequate image in daylight area without the IR light source being active. In essence, the camera appears to function adequately in daylight, but is intentionally disabled to discourage daytime use. I'll post a video when after my local audio dealer has fitted the cable and it's all working as it should.

Night View image with car on a lit forecourt with IR and headlights blacked out.

Brian Mcneil

I have a 2010 S550 4matic. I need the parts. Are you selling the windshield too?

07CL550Benz

I have them, but I do not have the windshield. Send me a PM to discuss, thanks.

BOTUS

the last thing any one sensible wants is to reduce night vison by more than 50% to add a gimmick you'll never use

its impossible without a passenger to get any safe use from this toy... but its fitment means you do lose the inner high beam lights the car desperately needs

tonylinc

My 2008 S550 has the night vision thing, and where I live there are often people walking at the side of the road at night wearing all black. Dunno why, maybe they all have a death wish. I don't drive much at night, but when i do, I notice this thing does help to see those fools better. I keep my eyes on the road, but if a person shows up on the screen I notice them. I do think it is crazy to try to make a non-equipped car have this, rather than to simply just buy a car that came with it from the factory.