Apple CarPlay / Backup Camera
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 29
Likes: 4
From: Chicago
2012 S550 Base
Apple CarPlay / Backup Camera
I have a 2012 s550 Base model and I am looking for an easy way to add a backup camera and sometime of Apple car play device, Is there a module that allows using the factory screen but it displays Apple CarPlay and I can install a reverse camera? I just want something where I can easily take the radio out and plug and play something in, I was looking at nav tools but then I was watching instructions on how to install it and it looks easy to do, except the guy mentioned about routing something into the glove department. I currently use a iPod plug in adapter to listen to music that goes in my glove department. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 543
Likes: 191
W221 S500
Using the socket in the glovebox is as much as you need for that side of things.
MB did a retrofit for the reverse camera. Basically, consists of camera, lid handle trim, camera module and wiring harness.
It's an easy weekend install. Obviously you can do it quicker, but it's worth taking time getting the interior trim removed/refitted.
It's basically plug and play with a box tick in Comand, CGW and cluster to activate.
If the earlier camera can be made to work with the later cars, it's a better option. And if you have access to WIS, it details the work steps according to your VIN.
Retrofit CarPlay gubbins just looks tacky and it will annoy you every time you drive the car.
MB did a retrofit for the reverse camera. Basically, consists of camera, lid handle trim, camera module and wiring harness.
It's an easy weekend install. Obviously you can do it quicker, but it's worth taking time getting the interior trim removed/refitted.
It's basically plug and play with a box tick in Comand, CGW and cluster to activate.
If the earlier camera can be made to work with the later cars, it's a better option. And if you have access to WIS, it details the work steps according to your VIN.
Retrofit CarPlay gubbins just looks tacky and it will annoy you every time you drive the car.
Last edited by AL5461; Apr 5, 2026 at 06:15 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 29
Likes: 4
From: Chicago
2012 S550 Base
Where can I find the kit? Do I have to do any programming? The car didn’t come with a backup camera sadly, I was reading that you need some type of modules for it to work, that’s why I just want something quick and easy, plug and play preferably.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 543
Likes: 191
W221 S500
You'll have to do your own digging, but this should give you an idea...
Camera: https://www.ebay.com/itm/277808434263
ECU: https://www.ebay.com/itm/163906216789
Trim: https://www.ebay.com/itm/147212308270
Harness: A2185404809 (this is an example, think it's for the early cars),
But local MB dealer should be able to confirm the correct one for your car. Circa $120 from MB. May require an additional harness for the trunk lid, but this is cheaper than an Olive Garden date. The official retrofit kit may also be available, but it will be cheaper to buy the bits individually.
Programming is a piece of cake with DAS/Xentry takes about 15 minutes.
This thread may be of limited interest... https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-retrofit.html
I retrofitted the earlier system to my 2006 S500 for about $450... New harnesses and used components. Fitting the later camera to my 2007 W164 cost about half that. Also, no Canbus connection on the W164 set up... If the later W221 is the same, then it makes the wiring a bit easier, it's basically plug and play.
Camera: https://www.ebay.com/itm/277808434263
ECU: https://www.ebay.com/itm/163906216789
Trim: https://www.ebay.com/itm/147212308270
Harness: A2185404809 (this is an example, think it's for the early cars),
But local MB dealer should be able to confirm the correct one for your car. Circa $120 from MB. May require an additional harness for the trunk lid, but this is cheaper than an Olive Garden date. The official retrofit kit may also be available, but it will be cheaper to buy the bits individually.
Programming is a piece of cake with DAS/Xentry takes about 15 minutes.
This thread may be of limited interest... https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-retrofit.html
I retrofitted the earlier system to my 2006 S500 for about $450... New harnesses and used components. Fitting the later camera to my 2007 W164 cost about half that. Also, no Canbus connection on the W164 set up... If the later W221 is the same, then it makes the wiring a bit easier, it's basically plug and play.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 543
Likes: 191
W221 S500
Also worth noting...
And I post this separately because haters always gonna hate, may as well be as a sidenote...
If you're going to go to the trouble of nicely installing a crappy aftermarket set up, you may as well fit the factory parts... The work load is the same but the parts will all fit because they were designed to be there and the results will be worth whatever extra the parts may cost.
And I post this separately because haters always gonna hate, may as well be as a sidenote...
If you're going to go to the trouble of nicely installing a crappy aftermarket set up, you may as well fit the factory parts... The work load is the same but the parts will all fit because they were designed to be there and the results will be worth whatever extra the parts may cost.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,317
Likes: 1,673
S500
you can fit carplay kit that leaves all the stock screen, comand knob, headunit and amp - and the car retains and indeed runs on all the stock set up - then you double click a button around the comand knob to jump into a different world if you want it
many out there like https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006144189459.html?
many out there like https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006144189459.html?
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Super Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 543
Likes: 191
W221 S500
That's going to be an absolute bastid to fit anything like nicely. And you're not going to fit anything with the supplied tool.
Sure you can get a plate mounted camera and drill a hole in the trunk lid, same with the microphone, but the rest of the install will end up being just as poor. And when it stops working properly you'll have holes all over the place and rattles every where and wonder why you bothered.
Your phone already sits fairly well in the dash to vent,.connects to the car both via Bluetooth and cables, you can access everything you need to with Comand. The only thing you're actually missing is the reverse camera and some programming.
Sure you can get a plate mounted camera and drill a hole in the trunk lid, same with the microphone, but the rest of the install will end up being just as poor. And when it stops working properly you'll have holes all over the place and rattles every where and wonder why you bothered.
Your phone already sits fairly well in the dash to vent,.connects to the car both via Bluetooth and cables, you can access everything you need to with Comand. The only thing you're actually missing is the reverse camera and some programming.
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Super Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 543
Likes: 191
W221 S500
Reply#4.
If you want a definitive list, I would need your VIN and my time paid for.
Or, you could pop into any MB dealer and ask them for the rear camera retrofit kit for your car. If they say it's no longer available, ask them for the parts list and go from there.
If you want a definitive list, I would need your VIN and my time paid for.
Or, you could pop into any MB dealer and ask them for the rear camera retrofit kit for your car. If they say it's no longer available, ask them for the parts list and go from there.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,317
Likes: 1,673
S500
the addon box is easy to fit - leaves the car effectively 100% stock if you don't want to use its additional features - it sits in an empty space beneath the comand unit
most can add cameras both ends if you are like that - or have the stock rear camera
if you have no Bluetooth it brings that and of course allows you to use up to date spy on me mapping apps
adds wifi music streaming
and for freaks adds internet rubbish
most can add cameras both ends if you are like that - or have the stock rear camera
if you have no Bluetooth it brings that and of course allows you to use up to date spy on me mapping apps
adds wifi music streaming
and for freaks adds internet rubbish
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 543
Likes: 191
W221 S500
the addon box is easy to fit - leaves the car effectively 100% stock if you don't want to use its additional features - it sits in an empty space beneath the comand unit
most can add cameras both ends if you are like that - or have the stock rear camera
if you have no Bluetooth it brings that and of course allows you to use up to date spy on me mapping apps
adds wifi music streaming
and for freaks adds internet rubbish
most can add cameras both ends if you are like that - or have the stock rear camera
if you have no Bluetooth it brings that and of course allows you to use up to date spy on me mapping apps
adds wifi music streaming
and for freaks adds internet rubbish
Newbie
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 4
Likes: 2
From: Indiana
2007 S550
If you're looking for a very inexpensive option, they sell radio adapters you plug into a cigarette lighter outlet and tune to the adapter's radio station. You can then use your phone for bluetooth. As for the backup camera, I would recommend an aftermarket product. They're easy to install and work well.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 543
Likes: 191
W221 S500
If you're looking for a very inexpensive option, they sell radio adapters you plug into a cigarette lighter outlet and tune to the adapter's radio station. You can then use your phone for bluetooth. As for the backup camera, I would recommend an aftermarket product. They're easy to install and work well.
