Although the USA version of COMAND has all the settings and even wiring connections for a backup camera, it won't work because video is locked-out unless it's in park. Of course then aren't in reverse so there no signal to activate the backup camera. The solution is an aftermarket module that will unlock video in motion sold by Mid-City Engineering sells this. There may be others, too. I've seen the Mid-City module ion action (member Wayne Drayer here on the forum had it installed) and it works very nicely - even has an option for a front camera.

 

Thank you for the reply,

Infact after I posted, I reset the Command by holding down the ON button for 10 seconds, when turning the Command back on, put it in Reverse, and boom, i have backup camera


so ill say what was done to hopefully help others, I did NOT use Mid City Engineering


I bought a camera with a 170 degree viewing angle on ebay for around 35 dollars, made by Crime Stoppers I also purchased wireless transponders one receiver, and one transmitter as i did not want to run wires from the trunk to the cab so wireless it was. those cost about 15 dollars, then bought a Fakra to Rca for around 7 dollars. One trip to the dealer to install the "Camera" with STAR diagnostics. though it seems they never reset the optic link, which holding down the on button did, and boom backup camera, dealer did not charge us anything to turn on the backup camera.

 

Thanks for the information. Another project on the list.

 

Very interesting! Everything in WIS says it should not work. I've been really wanting a backup camera, so I may try this for myself. One thing you get with Mid City is a front camera, but I can live without that.

 

we where originally going to go with MidCity but after seeing the cost, decided against it i have very little into the actual camera and the stuff to make it work, as well as the dealer not charging us to add in "Camera". they originally said it would be 160 dollars, but since they could not get it to work( Not resetting the optic link) it was no Charge, they also get enough of their money with the CLS550 as well LOL

 

I spent the day doing the install. Actually, I put the camera in the trunk lid yesterday when i was working on a vacuum leak. Anyhow, I decided to hardwire mine, but honestly, the wireless option would have been soooo much easier! I ran the wire under the passenger footwell carpet to the door sill, along there, up the side panel behind the passenger seat and into the trunk. All that took 20 minutes. Then I spent several hours securing the wire through the tubular frame, following the existing wiring bundles. And guess what? The wire that came with the camera wasn't long enough to make it to the trunk lid, so I had to do the power connections on the side of one of the wiring bundles. It works, but I really need to get a longer video cable. The one included was 20 feet, but I need 25 feet. I'll order one, and redo this "someday". But for now, it's working.

Thanks for your work on this! It's a great, inexpensive upgrade. And a head scratcher as to why it wasn't option!

 

Pix pix pix ... por favor!

 

You can see Drkvampire's pics above of his install - mine is identical. The connection to the back of the COMAND unit is very simple - you just have to remove it to access the back panel. I ripped off this photo from a Google search to show the back of the COMAND unit. The video input is the green connector above the one labelled "Navigation":

Note that this connector is a FAKRA style, so you need an adapter:

The Crimestopper camera we used comes with several components. This is the best photo I could find showing its wiring:

Here's a basic description of the hookup:

The camera itself has a single lead coming out of it that's about three feet long. It ends in a small round connector that has four leads in it. That connector plugs into a pigtail that splits into two connections - an RCA jack for the video connection, and a coax 12v power jack. They include a 20-foot RCA cable to use for the video feed, and a 12v round power plug with a few feet of cable on it. The 20-foot video cable also includes red pigtail wires on either end to use for running 12v from the head unit.

The problem I had was that 20 feet of video cable was not quite enough. I needed 25ft to get all the way from the head unit, along the door sill, through the trunk, and then snake up an along the tubular frame. The path through the trunk lid frame is pretty long because it has to follow the sections for both forward (trunk) and reverse (top) operations. What I was able to do was find a suitable place to make my connections along the frame. Since there are four "things" to connect there, I just wrapped them with Gorilla tape to hold them in place:

I used the power pigtail on the 20-foot video cable for 12v+, tapped into the cigarette lighter circuit. I pickup up a ground on the trunk lid itself. I spent a good five ours messing around with the yesterday, plus an hour or so on Monday when I installed the camera in the trunk lid (already had it open to repair the latch). It's not a hard job, but it sure would be easier to use the wireless adapter! I am going to order a 25ft RCA cable an d go back and do this "right" later.

 

Great write up rudeney. My car came with factory fitted TV, would that be using the green connector already, meaning I couldn't use it for a reverse camera?

 

I would guess it does use that input for the TV option. I'm not sure if there would be a way to make both of these work.

 

Hat tip to Drkvampire and Rodney for their posts. The only thing "missing" on my '07 R230 is a backup camera. Your posts and pix give me confidence that a camera can be installed ... just not by me. I hope your installations work seamlessly and give you many many years of dependable service. I'm confident neither of you wants to do this over.

Many thanks.

 

Great information guys. I would love to add this to my car.
I notice that both cars are later than mine (2007) and the central display is physically slightly different. Do you think this would work in a 2007?
Also, what is the path in STAR to activate the camera option?

 

The MY2009 facelift updated the COMAND unit to NTG 2.5. I am not sure if this will work on the earlier NTG 2.0 units. I looked at some photos of those on eBay and I don't see video input ports on them like on the NTG 2.5.

In SDS, you go into "Control Units" -> "Information and communication" -> "Audio, video, navigation and telematics" -> (accept the MSOT configuration) -> "COMAND - (COMAND Display and Operating Unit)" -> "Development Data" -> "Control Unit Adaptations" -> "Control unit adaptations (Variant coding)" -> "HU Parameter"

If the options is available, it will be there.

 

2009 SL550 Backup camera



I hate to keep dragging this thread out - but each local car/audio shop I go to has a different idea and price than the others. Of course the dealer says "can not be done". Installed prices range from $1000 to $1400 - that is just insane.
I found a company in Toronto that said said I do not need all those different VIM modules (like Midcity Engineering). They said since all I wanted was a backup camera I just needed to install one and hook it to the green fakra connector.
Is this true?
I have an appointment in a few days at a local foreign car shop with SDS to have the system accessed.
If I do not need to go there - I will just cancel. IF I need to enable something in the COMMAND 2.5 system - can someone please advise what needs to be activated so I can give clear instructions to the repair shop. Thanks again to everyone for all your help.

 

Rudeney, thanks for the path information.
I don't know how a rear view camera would be displayed in SDS but mine shows info on TV,DVD and VT.
It also shows "LCT not connected" and "IPS not available".
Does any of this relate to a camera option?

 

I don't think so. I don''t even thing the NTG 2.0 has video inputs. TV is displayed via an external module.

 

No trouble, Bob! This is an exciting and valuable mod and I really have to thank Drkvampire2001 for figuring this all out and teaching me something new. As long as you have COMAND NTG 2.5 (and your MY2009 should), this is a fairly easy and inexpensive three step process:

1. Install a suitable backup camera in the rear of the car and get its video signal to the dash (wired or wireless).
2. Connect the video output from the camera to the video input port on the back of the COMAND unit using a FAKRA-to-RCA adapter.
3. Use SDS "developer mode" options to code the COMAND unit to the presence of a backup camera so that it displays its video when the vehicle is in reverse gear.

Besides the camera, FAKRA adapter and either a longer RCA cable or wireless adapter kit, no other expensive third party parts or modules are required! Total parts cost is $60-$65 (see below).

To make sure you the NTG 2.5 COMAND, just look for the SD-card slot above the DVD slot, built-in. It will also have built-in Bluetooth hands-free without the need for a "puck" adapter in the center console. It also lacks the "soft" buttons (4 on each side of the LCD screen).

To get video from the camera in the trunk lid to the back of the COMAND unit, you can go wired or wireless. For wired, you just run a long cable from the back of the COMAND in the dash, through the body, up the trunk hinges, and to the camera in the lid. The Crimestopper camera we used comes with a 20-foot RCA video+power cable for wired hookup, but it's not long enough, so you'll need to buy a longer one. For wireless, you need a transmitter/receiver pair. Mount the transmitter in the trunk lid with the camera, and the receiver behind the COMAND unit.

The pros of a wired system is that you don't have to worry about any RF interference disrupting the signal. Also, using a cable with both video and power combined, you can easily tap into the cigarette lighter for a power source instead of having to mess with the wiring in the trunk lid. Note that the power sources in the trunk lid are always on, so this would be just one more drain on the precious consumer battery. The cigarette lighter is only powered with the ignition. The main con of going wired is that you have to remove some trim to run the wiring, plus you'll need to carefully run it up the two-way hinge on the trunk lid. It's not difficult, but will take a few extra minutes.

The pros of a wireless system are not having to deal with running wire through the car or trunk hinge. The con is that you have to pickup power in the trunk lid and it will be always on. Plus, it will be prone to interference. Many cars use RF transmitters for their backup cameras, even as factory equipment.

As I said, it's under $65 for parts:

Crimestopper camera $40:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DEJRVII

FAKRA-to-RCa adapter $9:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012IAKEPU

Wireless option $12:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DY0UAXE

Or wired option $10:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016PX9ES4

Now, you have to consider labor. If you DIY, then there's no real labor costs. If not, I'd expect to pay an installer for several hours of work, so maybe $200. On top of that, you'll need SDS with developer mode to do the coding. I see that the OP used his dealer. I am surprised at that, because I did not realize the dealer's SDS had developer mode - I've only seen that on the Chinese clone versions. Then again, maybe I overlooked the setting in the standard adaptations, or the latest version of SDS has in in the standard settings. Anyhow, unless you find a friend with SDS who will do it for "beer", then maybe another $100 for a shop to help.

 

Rudeney - thank you very much. The shop I am going to uses a clone - it is not the official MB unit. They said it has complete compatibility. I will not have the camera in this week - but at least I can get the Command unit set up.
Also, it looks like I need to remove all the trunk lid lining regardless of what type of unit I use - is that correct?
Once again, thanks for your help.

 

Yes on all accounts. Every Chinese clone SDS system I've seen has Developer Mode enabled. Once they code COMAND for the backup camera being present, you'll get a screen like above (post #3, 2nd pic) when in reverse, but it will be black until the camera is connected.

To install the camera, you have to remove the carpeted panel from inside the trunk lid as well as the outer panel that surrounds the tag, and the handle assembly. Then you can remove the "plug" where you'll install the camera. The Crimestopper camera is slightly larger than the hole, so you need to enlarge it with a Dremel or similar tool. Here are the WIS docs for removing all this (note that on the handle removal, stop at step 10 as you are note changing the lock cylinder)

http://benzbits.com/R230/TrunkLidInnerPanelling.pdf

http://benzbits.com/R230/TrunkLidOuterPanelling.pdf

http://benzbits.com/R230/TrunkLidHandle.pdf

 

Yes on all accounts. Every Chinese clone SDS system I've seen has Developer Mode enabled. Once they code COMAND for the backup camera being present, you'll get a screen like above (post #3, 2nd pic) when in reverse, but it will be black until the camera is connected.

To install the camera, you have to remove the carpeted panel from inside the trunk lid as well as the outer panel that surrounds the tag, and the handle assembly. Then you can remove the "plug" where you'll install the camera. The Crimestopper camera is slightly larger than the hole, so you need to enlarge it with a Dremel or similar tool. Here are the WIS docs for removing all this (note that on the handle removal, stop at step 10 as you are note changing the lock cylinder)

http://benzbits.com/R230/TrunkLidInnerPanelling.pdf

http://benzbits.com/R230/TrunkLidOuterPanelling.pdf

http://benzbits.com/R230/TrunkLidHandle.pdf

Hi Rudeney,
I know this is an old post but I'm currently installing a backup camera. From the instructions you sent, I'm not very clear if I have to have the roof open or closed when removing all the paneling.

I may not put the camera where the plug is, maybe just put one on the top of the license plate.

Thanks

 

Strange. I wonder if they don't know how to use it properly? I may have some time tomorrow to make some screen shots of the SDS options to help.

 

I'm very interested to install a back-up camera in my newly acquired 2007 SL55 so I'm reviewing all the information posted on this thread and will use my SDS to see what I can find out before actually pulling things apart.

BTW; I only pick up the car 2 days ago and still taking my time to drive it back home from Tulsa - Edmond - Dallas - San Antonio - Rockport, TX

Apart from adding a BU cam the car has everything I want - When I get I'll do preventive maintenance work like changing the super charger oil Mobil Jet 254, flush the ABC and power steering with Pentosin, change the transmission filter, clean out the pan and check if coolant replacement is needed. The selling dealer flushed the brake system, changed the engine oil and filter, replaced the intake air filters, replaced the spark plugs, replaced the belts and tensioner pulley, flushed the AC Freon and recharged the system and put on 2 new rear tires.

All in all a good start to take ownership of this amazing vehicle.

Any new developments related to the BU cam would be welcome specially in relation to the 2007 model year.

Happy motoring and thanks to all for sharing.

Best H

 

My understanding is that the NTG 2.0 COMAND (used from MY2005-MY2008) does not have a video input, so adding a backup camera is not an easy task. There are aftermarket companies that will modify your COMAND to add video input and enable backup camera support, but it's $900 to send your radio to them for that, plus the cost/labor to physically install the camera.

 

Camera interface add-on

Does anybody know if a PAC add-on camera interface for a 2007-2009 SLK will work on the SL i.o.w is the SLK command unit compatible with the SL command unit?

I have learned that PAC makes a video interface for the SLK model

 

After dragging my butt for months - I am finally going to install a back-up camera in my 2009 SL550 with the NTG 2.5 command unit. The only thing I am hesitant about is removing the latch assembly inside the trunk so I can install a camera. I see the 5 vent holes in the cover for the latch assembly - do I remove those and how? Other than that, I do not see any obvious screws/bolts that would allow me to remove the latch cover and/or assembly. Greatly appreciate any help.

 

I'm not sure what you mean by the vent holes. Refer to the WIS docs I linked in post #22:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r23.../r230-sl-class/2796090-2009-sl550-backup-cam-installed-issues.html#post15901570

Honestly, removing the latch is the easy part. If you go with a wired camera, routing the wiring is the hard part.

 

Thanks Rodney - that is the instruction sheet I was looking for. That will go along with AR68.30-P-8150R. One last question: have you or do you know anyone, that has changed out the stock Command NTG2.5 unit for an after market radio? I did it on my 2007 SL550 (went to a Kenwood unit) and all I needed was an interface to hook the new radio to the MB system. Factory speaker wiring was unaffected and did not need to be modified in any way. There was also a module for the steering wheel controls. Problem I am having is that NO ONE has a module/adapter to hook the 2009SL550 wiring to an after market radio. That seems so strange. Is there something special that changed in 2009 on the radio wiring? I wouldn't think so - but who knows. Greatly appreciate any info that you may have to offer.

 

I have not heard of any NTG2.5 aftermarket swaps. I guess mainly because they are fairly modern. Unless you just must have touch screen, NTG 2.5 does everything any modern radio will do except BT streaming, which you can do with an adapter in the iPod 30-pin interface.

 

Rodney,
I am going to give the BU camera install a try next weekend. I plan to use the wired method, knowing that it will take a little longer, but will reduce interference. I am going to take my car to a local shop on Tuesday to program the command unit using their SDS. My question is, did you ever post any screen shots from your SDS? I printed out the path you provided, but I think pictures would help. They seemed a little unsure when I mentioned what I was asking them to do. Also, at the end of the path you provided, it says >"HU Parameter" after that will there be a selection to "turn on BU camera"? Thanks.

 

IIRC, I can't look at this in "demo" mode as the option is not there - I have to physically connect it to the car access the actual screen. If I have some time tomorrow, I'll try t do that and take some screen captures. But honestly, if your tech is experienced using SDS, I am sure he can find it. It's just one of the adaptation settings.