rorywquin

I'm keen to fit one but reluctant to pull all the panels off.

Any guidance by someone who has done it would be great.

Wolfman

We have dash cams on our cars and had them one the last 2 R231 SL's.

Here is a quick general overview...

We have the Blackvue 650 front and rear cam which is more challenging to install as you need to go through the C-pillar of the folding roof top. But still easy to do.

Everything is hooked up to the driver-side fusebox.
For the front camera you will have to remove the A-Pillar cover, the sun visor and at least one side of the cover on top of the windshield. All of those are quick and easy to remove.

For the rear, you can run the cable on the driver side to the rear. No need to remove any trunk liner but the driver side door sill and driver rear interior panel needs to be removed.
Plus the driver-side C-pillar cover. The rest is just routing the cables.

All extra stuff will fit into the driver-side dashboard behind the fusebox.

JK417

Can you supply a pic of where you installed it? I have been wondering myself about a good place to put it.

Wolfman

Have to take some pics but here is the front one. The camera is center. Even though it looks visible on the pic, you won't see it when driving as the mirror is in front of it.

JK417

Thanks. Can you also post a pic of the rear camera? Also I see you have an Escort 360 Max. How do you like it? I switched from the Valentine One.

Wolfman

I'll take some pics over the weekend. I do like the Max 360. It works well in the SL but don't find it much better that the other Passport Max's we have. Sensitivity is false signal lockout is good but what I like best is Escort Live which shares radar/laser traps (or cameras where applicable) with other Escort users. We seem to have a good size user base in town...

fun33

I also would appreciate a photo of your rear camera install. I have Thinkware 2CH cams in our other cars - just purchased the SLC. Would be very helpful to see where you ran your wire in the rear.

Wolfman

Hmm, I guess I never did post a pic. Will take one tonight and post it. We have switch to the Blackvue DR900 (4K). Same cables so the upgrades are easy

fun33

That would be great. I'm sure there are others who would benefit from seeing how you ran your wiring. On another matter. I see you have the same 2017 SL550 I am considering buying. Do you have to come to a full stop (or reduce speed to under 4 MPH) to initiate putting your top up or down? The owners manual only says "do not exceed 25 MPH when operating the top".

jetjok

Assuming that the 550 works as the 450, then Yes, you have to come to a full stop before you can start the raising or lowering process. Once the process starts, then you're limited to that 25 MPH you mention.

fun33

Thank you !!!

fun33

I assume when your top is retracted you're front dash cam is recording and although your rear cam is working there really is nothing to see but the inside of your trunk. Did you explore any options for using a waterproof rear camera that could have been mounted on the rear license plate frame or anywhere else on the outside rear of your car?

Wolfman

Full stop when driving but when you start driving you can roll a bit to start the process (up to 4 or 5mph). Once the opening process starts, then the 25mph limit kicks in. at least on ours...

Wolfman

I have taken some quick/crappy pics in the garage, given that it's below freezing here

I described the wiring a while back but for the rear camera, the wire goes under the driver-side door sill and then under the rear interior panel. We had removed the panel but you might be able to squeeze in by just loosening it a bit. Then follow the other cables along the C-pillar to the rear window hinge and then the cable tucks easily behind the liner round the window. I have circled the cable. Hope that makes sense.

I like the setup because you while you can see the camera on pics, it is out of sight in the rearview mirror.

fun33

Beautiful install. I thought that might be the routing but incredibly helpful knowing in advance that's going to work. Thank you so much.

fun33

I need one more piece of advice if you would. I have the rear camera run from the center of the window, down the same route you showed in your photos. How did you remove the panels in back of the driver's seat to pull the wire from the trunk area into the cabin. Did you just fish the wires or did you remove one or more of the plastic panels in back of the seat? Before I break a panel, would be very helpful to know if there are panel screws that must be removed or are they just clip fitted ( the type you can just pull on to remove).

Can't thank you enough for the photos. Took a lot of the guess work out of the route.

fun33

Lucked out and was able to snake the rear camera wire from the trunk into the driver's compartment. Should be super easy to finish up the install now. Thanks once again for the photos !!!