SL/R230 dash cam install with switched fuse

Feb 8, 2019 | 05:43 PM

bellwilliam

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2004 SL500 r230

dash cam install with switched fuse

how does everyone get their 12v power? I can't find a single switched fuse location behind passenger seat. Googled around, it seems no one has a solution other than run it from engine side fuse box?

thanks

Feb 8, 2019 | 06:29 PM

Aussiesuede

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Joined: Jan 2015

Posts: 389

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From: Seattle, WA

SL500

This is a problem when installing aftermarket stereos as well and most tap into the cigarette lighter power line and replace the fuse with a higher amp rating. Since dashcams use very little power, the stock cigarette lighter fuse should be more than sufficient. One thing to keep in mind with a Dashcam is, if the cam has a vibration sensor that is meant to engage the Dashcam in the event of a collision, or other vehicle movement, when the car is off and parked, you'll need an unswitched power source.

Feb 8, 2019 | 08:30 PM

bellwilliam

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2004 SL500 r230

thanks. but there is also radar detector install. I am looking for switched fuse.

question: where is the cigarette fuse? is in engine compartment?

I am puzzled by all the fuses behind passenger seat is unswitched power source. many of the function on those fuses only function with switched, yet fuse is always hot.

Feb 8, 2019 | 11:33 PM

Rudeney

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Don't worry about the cigarette lighter fuse - just tap into its wiring directly in the center console. It's what I did for my radar detector install.

Feb 8, 2019 | 11:39 PM

bellwilliam

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2004 SL500 r230

what's the easiest way to access lighter wiring? whole center console? or is there an easier way? thanks.

Feb 9, 2019 | 02:14 AM

Aussiesuede

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From: Seattle, WA

SL500

Quote:

Originally Posted by bellwilliam

what's the easiest way to access lighter wiring? whole center console? or is there an easier way? thanks.

The center console wood trim is simply compression fitted, no screws. Open up your armrest and insert a flat object under the leading edge of the wood trim and lift up. ,Then on the passenger side of the center console, those leather covered panels which run the length of the console sides are also simply pressure fitted with clips. Again, use a flat object to pry from the lower front edge working you way towards the back. They release pretty easily. You'll then have access to the cigarett'e lighter wiring and you can just tap into the power wire as Rudeney suggested. That will be just fine for the Radar Detector, but I'll repeat that if your dash cam has offline functionality as the majority of new dashcams do, if you want it to be able to automatically come on and record when the ignition is off (ie, someone hits your car overnight, or when you're inside the mall shopping) , then you'll need to tap into an unswitched power source, and the easiest one is the power wire connected to the Command unit.

NOTE: When releasing the center console wood trim,take care in removing the shifter boot from the wood trim. Carefully work the shifter boot through the opening after dislodging it from the trim and DON"T twist the shifter handle. The start button in your shifter can be very easily damaged if good care isn't taken for proper removal. I've given instructions to others prior, and a few still destroyed the two delicate metal contacts for the start button by twisting the shifter handle improperly,)

Last edited by Aussiesuede; Feb 9, 2019 at 02:25 AM.

Feb 9, 2019 | 05:38 AM

Frederick NL

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From: Netherlands

2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently

I seem to recall that I had to remove 3 screws, left and right, before I could lift the center wood panel out. And that I first mistakenly but harmlessly unscrewed easier visible screws instead. Maybe I was mistaken all the time, but I would hate to hear someone’s cracked his wood panel. So - be kind if I’m wrong.

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Feb 9, 2019 | 11:53 AM

Rudeney

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Yes, use Frederick's link - there are screws holding the paneling in place.

Feb 9, 2019 | 06:00 PM

#10

Aussiesuede

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From: Seattle, WA

SL500

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frederick NL

Thanx for this. Seems the previous owner of my car never re-installed the screws, because there are non on mine. But upon inspection, there are clips for screws. To think that all these years I've just been lifting up the panel whenever I've needed to access beneath the center console. LOL

Feb 9, 2019 | 10:40 PM

#11

Rudeney

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On most MBZs, that panel is just held in with spring clips so you can pull it out like that. Maybe the PO thought was that way and ended up breaking the screw mounts?

Feb 9, 2019 | 11:52 PM

#12

Aussiesuede

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From: Seattle, WA

SL500

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudeney

On most MBZs, that panel is just held in with spring clips so you can pull it out like that. Maybe the PO thought was that way and ended up breaking the screw mounts?

No, the screw mounts are still there and intact. I suppose he was just lazy, and since I didn't remove any screws, and have owned a number of MBZ's where - as you noted, it was just compression mounted, I just assumed that the R230 was the same and never paid any attention to the fact there were actually screw mounts there.