Rear camera W212 retrofitting: another alternative

[ByteStorm]

I got the NTG 4.5 audio 20 unit no (command) since it's the cheapest system for this car, but I had to read a lot about retrofit rear cameras for W212 models because mine didn't come with one. Then I found out that it's not even possible to retrofit the original camera system with MB parts.

After doing some digging, I came out an aftermarket module on AliExpress that ought to make it happen. However, I decided against that as there was little information available on the subject.


Retrofitting the original camera from MB is possible with a command system, but it's a bit of a hassle and can be expensive.

I came up with this system, basically.
command system for MB's initial retrofit - The China wired kit -External screen-equipped wired kit - GPS-enabled wireless display

I went with the wireless Garmin option that includes a GPS screen because the original GPS (Becker) is so useless and expensive to update (100€). To be honest, I could have saved money by not buying the GPS screen alone because I could have used a decent GPS.

I appreciate certain aspects of this. One device with both a GPS and a camera. Very simple installation; there aren't many wires to go inside the vehicle. From the exterior, it appears to be OEM, and the quality is great to the touch. It will save you a tonne of time and effort without requiring you to alter your current setup.

Reverse side of this remedy. After shifting into reverse, the screen takes around two seconds to load, and the image quality might be improved. Adding another screen may annoy certain people, but it doesn't disturb me in the least.

S$100,-Garmin GPS
Camera from Garmin 150€

Feel free to ask any questions you may have on this Garmin system or any other solution, and I will try my best to answer them.

[ByteStorm]

 

[WordSmith]

The explanation is clear and concise. Did the canbus system change when you disconnected the positive and negative leads from the reversing light? Is a relay another option? Would you be so kind as to provide more detailed instructions on how to run the wire from the camera to the dashboard? Was it necessary to elevate the carpet or remove the side panels? Thank you for sharing this. Now I'm considering doing the same thing with my W212.

[alpaco45]

If you already own an Audio 20, you may upgrade it with a kit that includes a reverse camera.

[alpaco45]

https://www.commandonline.co.uk/Reversing-Camera-Kit-NTG4.5-NTG5-audio20-cars.html

[ByteStorm]

Compared to other configurations, this one is really straightforward to comprehend and implement. The Garmin box seems to have some built-in features, however there is no canbus warning or anything like. The only accessories included are the Garmin rear camera parts. You won't need to run any more connections; the video shows you how to deliver wireless data to a Garmin device from behind.

Even though the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) method is preferable, this works well as a simple back camera option, therefore I would go for it.

[ByteStorm]

It appears like they used some unique materials for that kit; could someone confirm that? It's hard to believe I didn't find it earlier; it appears to be of high quality. Their website doesn't specify anything about that kit.

[WordSmith]

Oh, so it's wireless? I failed to notice that portion. Now it's really easy, and the Garmin gets its juice from the lighter. Now I understand. That is really cool. The fact that the canbus isn't displaying a problem code isn't surprising, however, considering this is a 2012 E class vehicle with the typical electrical components like lights and wires. My prior MB E class was a 2010 model, and I had no trouble wiring a caravan plug directly with a regular relay. My 2014 E-class Saloon, however, is part of the canbus system, thus things changed after 2013. Still, if you have a little battery in the boot, like mine does, and you can set it to turn on and off with the reversing light LED connection, that should work.

[Chrishazle]

2013 W212 Facelift E200 automatic petrol engine with 4.7-liter Nexus engine.

Thanks to some tweaks I made in the engineering menu, I can now put the screen to black and have it warn me to "watch your surroundings" whenever I put the car in reverse.
A CVBS camera and an RCA to Fakra adapter are on my shopping list. While installing my subwoofer, I will verify the configuration.


If you have any advice or real words of discouragement, please share the