Looking at a 2007 SL550.. Wife demands a rear view camera and hands free phone. Don't want to spend the money to go newer than R230. Is there an aftermarket solution?

 

There definitely are aftermarket solutions. I had a rear camera and a cell phone link installed into my 2006 CL500 many years ago. Local auto radio/stereo shop did the install. I don't recall the manufacturer but they are out there. Perhaps with a bit of online searching you'll find some options. Good luck!

 

If you have the SD card slot in the top of your factory head unit (I think 2007 had it) then this thread explains how to do it. I did it on my 2009 SL550.

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/20...ssues.2796090/

You will need SDS to activate the feature already built in. For MB to design the system with the capability and not just put the camera in is a mystery.

 

Yes that works in 2009-2012 models with the Comand APS NTG2.5, but the 07-08 still used the old Comand APS NTG1.

Not sure if those NTG1 units had the capability for adding backup camera and the OEM bluetooth is a pain to install and expensive. For this instead, I ended up buying one of those bluetooth dongles that connect to the AUX input, but I don't think the CL, S, and SL with those head units had AUX input.