Command version and reverse camera

[Droverunner]

I really would like a reverse camera on this Viano as the blind spot below the rear window's visibility is larger than I'm comfortable with.

From the images is my Command a 2.5 version and if so does that mean it can have a camera but it has to be a Mercedes one and a dealer with advanced Star facilities would need to enable the facility?

If it's going to get really expensive that way how about these stand-alone cheapish units with the camera display in the reversing mirror... any thoughts on those?

Some questions re my unit... What is the black unused large socket on the rear of the unit? Is the unconnected yellow wire to give a reverse feed to a camera somehow? What are the two unused blue wires for? Finally what's that black box with the leads going in and out and a peeling paper label for?

Thanks in advance.

 

[M80]

I'm guessing some.
The black box I would guess to be associated with your phone cradle.
Yellow wires at the HU are often the permanent feed.
Blue are often an output when the unit is powered on for the likes of the antenna amp or audio amp (if you even have one).

If anyone wants a Comand unit like yours I've one in the garage. Mine came out in favour of a 9" screen Chinese HU, that does all the Comand can do and then a lot more. I fitted 2 rear cams. One for long view, t'other looks at the tow hitch for when I'm closer up to a trailer, they're switchable at on the HU.
Years ago I tried a rear view mirror screen type reverse cam, terrible. Wrong design for seeing effectively through the rear screen MB have designed ours to be a reasonable fit. Too dim at night and became useless. The reverse image is too small and poor quality.

A biggy for the 639 is to be careful of what USB devices you use. The antenna is within the front screen. The amp for it can be seen when you drop the o/h light unit. Poor USB kit and even some powered kit close to the antenna destroys FM reception due to the RF interference they 'can' put out.

 

[KennyN]

The spare unused Fakra connection on the rear of your HU will take the reversing camera , i think it is the video in connection.

I had to get my NTG 2.5 re-programmed to switch to video when reverse is selected , Comandonline did this for me , i just sent it too them as they are a 880 mile round trip from home. The reason for the programming is that if the vehicle that the unit is fitted to never had the RVC as an option then it wasn`t programmed ,units in cars like the ML will have the option but ones like my CLS didn`t , hence the extra expense.

The spare multi-pin black connector maybe for rear seat infotainment ????

If i am honest , by the time you get the unit re-programmed and purchase all the ancillary stuff (cameras / relays etc) to upgrade what was an average unit 12 years ago then it maybe more viable to buy an aftermarket touchscreen unit package with all the bells / whistles / connections .

I had lots of screen interference when the car was running so had to wire in a "clean" positive supply straight from the battery via a relay.

K

 

[Droverunner]

I don't seek to upgrade or change but open to the idea if getting a camera on the existing unit becomes too much hassle. So what price point/brand will give the same basic functions and a fair sound... and is the interface seamless with the vehicle and steering wheel controls etc?

 

[M80]

Not sure what your asking there.

 

[Droverunner]

Ahh OK... bear in mind I haven't changed or upgraded a car stereo in over 25yrs so this is outside my experience.

I just wondered what would the cost be of a unit (or any links to examples) that would give me no worse sound than the existing unit, facility to DIY a reverse camera and phone connectivity. CD essential, DVD nice but not essential, satnav not essential unless the type that displays from my iPhone. Must work with steering wheel and any other car connectivity functions.

 

[M80]

I only have experience of the Chinese, and accept the associated risks as they are cheap.
A HU might start at £260 and do more than you would think. eBay protection has been v useful, but is that still as effective with v recent changes?? I'm sure they'll maintain it to keep business turning over.

I don't favour CD / DVD's. The 32gig internal storage (transferred from a micro SD), is massively more than I need or want.
Why carry all the discs when a press of 'Music' and a swipe right shows all the albums you could need, press one and listen?
I've found sound quality to be better, but didn't realise until pointed in the direction of Digital Signal Processing that kit w/o is inferior.
AnthonyUk helped me there, have a read of this for some info, while it's for the 211 the units are pretty similar.

replacement sterio for 2002 ml270 need advice

There is much written about them here. Plug and play provides more than Comand.
Add reverse, dashcam, Torque....
I've not felt the need for DTV or DAB+, but it's possible for a few extra quids.

If / when you remove Comand you will lose the auto update of your clock. In essence you can set it to 12 hr and disconnect the battery at midday, or midnight if 24hr.
If you have the voice command it'll be useless, but I wasn't impressed anyway. I converted the lever to open / close my garage door.
Using your phone as a hotspot the unit will do lots via 'Hi Google' and that's better. On the hoof t'other day "Hi google, call ATS Buxton" and I arranged for them to do my AC the next day, that's cool enough for me (pun intended). And she will provide routes on Maps, but I use TomTom and she can't do that with that.

Truth is I could write much more but read this and ask some questions.
Yes you have steering controls, should have some dash mimic but not as detailed as from Comand. Anything your Android phone can do this can too and be more useful.

9" Car Stereo GPS Sat Nav For Mercedes Benz W639/Vito/Viano/Sprinter W906 BT 64G | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 9" Car Stereo GPS Sat Nav For Mercedes Benz W639/Vito/Viano/Sprinter W906 BT 64G at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

This is just an example and I haven't interrogated the ad, ask a lot more before taking the plunge

 

[Droverunner]

Excellent stuff and I'll read and research later. Appreciate the help.

 

[M80]

Minimum Octo core and 4 gig of ram, in truth I haven't seen better spec but don't look at lesser.
Which version of Andriod is of little importance.
8" screen gives you buttons that can be an advantage, 9" is an easier to see screen. There is risk of a lesser spec screen that isn't as bright as might be, and with my 211 HU may lack contrast.

Run a check of your speakers. I found 2 of mine on the 211 were us and replaced them. An issue with the 639 is if some one has had a door card off they tend to break the feed to the tweeter, that's less easy to listen for.

If you buy the right Chinese HU you will be glad you did, but it's a whole new subject on top of the one your enjoying re: the Viano.

 

[Botus]

I think you have an adapter loom in the car to convert from a much nastier radio to the relatively posh one you have now.....

 

[Droverunner]

Being ex-Police there are a few mysteries with the electrics.

 

[Blobcat]

Being ex-Police there are a few mysteries with the electrics.

I’ve a friend with an Ex-Police 518 with extra AC and wiring, they just cut all the comms cables before releasing it for sale so the wiring was a bit of a mess

 

[BillyBoy]

To answer your original question, yes I'm sure you can fit a reversing camera. I had one fitted to my GL which had NTG 2 ( which is very similar to the 2.5) I had a retrofit kit done for me by my local Indie which included coding etc. All in it was £450. Not sure where that sits in your expected budget.

 

[Droverunner]

Thanks. Re budget Initially I thought a £100 or so camera could be DIY fitted as a plug and play but now I know the detail accept it will cost more. Would prefer to keep it in-house to my own work and have seen this kit which includes a dongle that will code the camera to work... if it works as they state I'd be happy with it for £249.

Mercedes Vito with Comand NTG2.5 System Rear View Camera Kit

Mercedes Camera Kit Rear View Camera and Interface Kit for Mercedes Vito with Command NTG2.5 navigation system.This reversing camera kit is specially designed for Mercedes vehicles with NTG 2.5 Navigation system. The robust camera with Sony NTSC lens is installed on the Grasp B

www.carcommunications.co.uk

 

[M80]

You could do with ordering a cable bellows for the rear tailgate. The cabling already passing through the o/s will be causing difficulty in getting new cables through, although it is possible.
The left and right are the same so a new bellows to the n/s makes things easier.

You might consider pulling a 2 core from the rear interior light for angel eye LED's to illuminate below the tailgate when opened.
I added rear facing orange LED's also to warn upcoming traffic in a hard shoulder breakdown scenario

 

[Droverunner]

Really good idea to wire through for some shine down tailgate lights. When you say interior light should there be a central one right at the rear of the headlining? I have holes where the "Police Stop" big LED sign has been taken away and it looks as if there could have been an OE lamp there they took away.

 

[M80]

Assuming your reverse cam is hard wired and not wi fi you're going to remove the handles and interior lights down one side, the n/s side is my suggestion( to your added bellows).
The A pillar trim will pull off.
You then have a route from the n/s dash cover through to the rear (with fishing skills).
Picking up a +ve and -ve from any light. (They are negative switched so you need both wires, the chassis for -ve no longer has use for the lights. )
The centre rear light is easiest but if you don't have a feed to that 'as was' making sure you pick up the correct 2 wires at any other light is the answer.

At the interior lights you have wiring for map lights, and ambiant lighting, and the automatic interior lights, if it's the same as my 2014 Viano.

 

[Droverunner]

Yep I'd intended to hard wire it. I see what you mean... buy bellows for where there are blanks. Just prodded in the roof lining near the police holes and found the old interior light feed.

 

[Blobcat]

You could do with ordering a cable bellows for the rear tailgate. The cabling already passing through the o/s will be causing difficulty in getting new cables through, although it is possible.
The left and right are the same so a new bellows to the n/s makes things easier.

You might consider pulling a 2 core from the rear interior light for angel eye LED's to illuminate below the tailgate when opened.
I added rear facing orange LED's also to warn upcoming traffic in a hard shoulder breakdown scenario

When I did my Caravelle I stripped the camera down and managed to get the wire through the factory bellows… took some silicone grease and taping it to a metal rod to pull it through but I got it eventually

 

[M80]

I've used the cheapo kits from China, about 8 quids. I don't see the need for HD for reversing.
They have a shortish tail that connects to the long feed from the HU. They connect either by a 3mm ish plug or a phono coax.