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I've got a 2009 E63 which has the updated Command system and based of reading other posts, has "ntg2.5" (not sure what that means exactly).
I wanted to install a rear view camera which I think would be quite useful. I found a rear view camera on Amazon but wasn't sure if it's just plug and play (
After unsuccessful attempts in 3 dealers to code, I had enough, bought a Star clone, enabled the reverse camera on my 09 W211 E63 with NTG 2.5. It works really well. Most effort is to integrate the camera in the lid, lay the wiring. Recommend the right/passenger side lid routing (left can be chewed up by gearing). Pulled +12V from the cigarette lighter lead. Parts are very cheap and available: must get the correct shape NTSC camera (rounded corners up or down), wire, and green Fakra/RCA adapter. Hardware installation takes 2~4 hours depending on skill/experience. Programming is straight-forward once you apply the Developer mode patch, takes 10 minutes or less, Must change 1 drop-down value to enable reverse camera in NTG2.5. The result is indistinguishable from OEM.
Wow, thanks for great write up. With free time over Christmas, I decided to get back into trying to install the rear camera.
Where did you purchase the star diagnostic tool from? I understand there are oem and after market ones like on AliExpress/eBay. Those ones sell for about $300-$500 US after searching now. I'm not sure whether that's worth it for me to spend that much for something I'll literally use once. I wonder if there is any other way to install the camera without the star tool on the oem head unit.
There is a way to code NTG2.5 via a harness adapter, but the cost of the dongle is close to $200. I have one for the Reverse Camera and VIM, bought from Portugal. You can have it for $50 + shipping. You are better off linking up with someone with the STAR system in your area. Most people would do it for free. Ask around the forums. If you are in the Washington DC area, I would help you with coding. You do need the Developer Mode patch to see the full menu options. You can get this done before or after you install the hardware. I also have a new Fakra adapter and the new NTSC camera module. Left over spares from the project. You can have them for $30 + shipping. Hope this helps.
There is a way to code NTG2.5 via a harness adapter, but the cost of the dongle is close to $200. I have one for the Reverse Camera and VIM, bought from Portugal. You can have it for $50 + shipping. You are better off linking up with someone with the STAR system in your area. Most people would do it for free. Ask around the forums. If you are in the Washington DC area, I would help you with coding. You do need the Developer Mode patch to see the full menu options. You can get this done before or after you install the hardware. I also have a new Fakra adapter and the new NTSC camera module. Left over spares from the project. You can have them for $30 + shipping. Hope this helps.
Thanks for pointing in the right direction. I'll ask around the forums and Facebook if there's anyone in the greater Houston area willing to help. Will PM you if I decide to go ahead and buy that fakra adapter/camera module from you as opposed to eBay and Amazon.
good post MaxUSA, very helpful. I've been trying to do this as well. I have the camera and wiring, just need to get my command "enabled" but it doesnt seem around here my friends with Star also have developer mode. I'll buy your wiring harness that enables it and VIM if MbBiturbofan does't take it.
It’s hard to believe that MB wouldn’t include the rear camera as standard on all models as soon as technologically available. That and Parktronic seem to be 2 of the best tech inventions of the last 15 years in the automotive industry. Why wouldn’t dealers insist upon this as standard? That said, does anyone have a handle on what an independent shop with a Star Diagnostic System would charge to install the back up camera package?
Calling eurocharged Houston tomorrow to see what they say in terms of cost and if they can even do it. And yeah, Lexuses of that era, like the GS430 and LS430 had rear cameras from 2005 onwards, wish they came as standard in the W211, or at least the AMG models.
We have to remember that the W211 design was finalized in early 2000's, and W211 started mass production in January 2002. The built-in reverse camera was exotic back then. If you think about it, 20 years is a long time ago. Thankfully, there are aftermarket options and even the NTG2.5 native retrofit. The NTG2.5 (Alpine UCPFv2) unit takes NTSC camera if the connection is made directly from the camera into the unit (green FAKRA). If the camera is connected onto the TV tuner, it can be of any type as there is a menu to choose from PAL or NTSC.
Calling eurocharged Houston tomorrow to see what they say in terms of cost and if they can even do it. And yeah, Lexuses of that era, like the GS430 and LS430 had rear cameras from 2005 onwards, wish they came as standard in the W211, or at least the AMG models.
Just called them, they can enable the rear camera via the star diagnostic tool but wanted $400 ish to do that which is a bummer.
There is a way to code NTG2.5 via a harness adapter, but the cost of the dongle is close to $200. I have one for the Reverse Camera and VIM, bought from Portugal. You can have it for $50 + shipping. You are better off linking up with someone with the STAR system in your area. Most people would do it for free. Ask around the forums. If you are in the Washington DC area, I would help you with coding. You do need the Developer Mode patch to see the full menu options. You can get this done before or after you install the hardware. I also have a new Fakra adapter and the new NTSC camera module. Left over spares from the project. You can have them for $30 + shipping. Hope this helps.
I live in Westchester, NY. Does anyone know a place I can send my car to enable the camera feature? If not, what do I need to buy?
Any help is appreciated. Frank, email: fmrizaj@aol.com
I live in Westchester, NY. Does anyone know a place I can send my car to enable the camera feature? If not, what do I need to buy?
Any help is appreciated. Frank, email: fmrizaj@aol.com
Hey Frank, have you already wired up the camera? Or are you asking who in Westchester can wire the camera up for you and enable it in stars?
Hey Frank, have you already wired up the camera? Or are you asking who in Westchester can wire the camera up for you and enable it in stars?
Thank you for the reply. I haven't purchased a camera yet. I would like to know what are the steps I need to follow or have someone do it for me. Either way your help would be appreciated.
Sorry, I don’t know what camera and components you may need as I too and looking to wire up a backup camera. Hopefully someone else on here has a better idea of what is needed.
Wow, I too have the NTG 2.5, IIRC, as my ride is of the 2007 E63 era. I’ve had all the components for upgrading my stereo system for over a year now ( 2 Amps for 9 Channels, Audison DSP, Stereo Integrity Mids and Woofers, focal 5” and/or 6” the rear) but I haven’t been able to justify giving up a perfectly working HU with Sirius XM and CD Player in order to gain Apple CarPlay? I had no clue that I could simply “Add” rear backup camera to the OEM system! My Bluetooth previously worked with my older iPhone, but once I upgraded to the 12 Pro, it ceased operating no matter what I did? If I could get that figured out and “add the rear Cam, then doing without CarPlay could be more or less be easily determined!
Long shot here, anyone have an VIM/Rear Camera Enabler Dongle looking to part ways with? I have found one online but wanted to try one from here first. I have an 09 E550 with 2.5 and the only thing the car needs is a rear camera.
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