SL/R231: Backup Camera Problem?
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2025
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Backup Camera Problem?
I recently purchased a used 2013 SL550. Hence, I'm still getting familiar with it. When I put the car in reverse, I noticed that the backup camera doesn't display anything unless I turn on the main stereo or the ON button. With my other cars backup camera engages as soon as I put the car in reverse. Is this a normal behavior or is there a setting that can be changed? Thanks.
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Joined: Jun 2012
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From: In the minds of others rent free.
SL 400
As @JettaRed has said, what you have described is normal. The system must be powered on to display anything including the reverse camera.
I’ll be honest, you are the first person I have ever heard that drives around with the system turned off. I’ve turned the radio down if I weren’t listening, but always had the display powered on.
There are many setting you will need to access at any given point such as the massage, equalizer and phone features/settings.
I always suggest reading the R231 owners manual to familiarize yourself with the car. The digital version is also accessible via the powered on display, if you don’t have a physical copy of the owners manual.
Best wishes.
I’ll be honest, you are the first person I have ever heard that drives around with the system turned off. I’ve turned the radio down if I weren’t listening, but always had the display powered on.
There are many setting you will need to access at any given point such as the massage, equalizer and phone features/settings.
I always suggest reading the R231 owners manual to familiarize yourself with the car. The digital version is also accessible via the powered on display, if you don’t have a physical copy of the owners manual.
Best wishes.
I recently purchased a used 2013 SL550. Hence, I'm still getting familiar with it. When I put the car in reverse, I noticed that the backup camera doesn't display anything unless I turn on the main stereo or the ON button. With my other cars backup camera engages as soon as I put the car in reverse. Is this a normal behavior or is there a setting that can be changed? Thanks.
Last edited by ThatsMyDawg; Mar 3, 2025 at 05:12 AM.
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Joined: Dec 2019
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Normal for the R231, they changed this behavior on newer MBs. Newer MBs turn on the screen with the backup camera and then turns it back off if the last state was off when done. I wonder if you can just get Peter to program it if you want the radio off (not just mute) and on when camera on.
