Rear view camera
Introduction
Rear view camera is a nice feature to have, especially if the rear window is tinted. In this page we review rear view cameras and wiring. To see the picture on COMAND screen multimedia interface must be installed. Alternatively, a cheap third party LCD monitor can be purchased.
Wiring
Wire should go along the red positive wire.
Cameras
Supposedly W220 rear view camera
Price: 35 USD
Marketed on ebay as W220 rear view camera, however, there is no place where it could be mounted.
Rear view camera in licence plate light module
Price: 50 USD
LED cannot be powered from licence plate light module unless additional resistance - load resistor 5W 100 ohm is added.
Although 4 screws on the camera plastic can be unscrewed, the camera module cannot be opened - plastic has been melted together.
Sacrifice licence plate light module.
One connector is plugged in licence plate light connector, other to composite video plug that comes with the camera.
Generic rear view camera
Price: 15 USD
Note, the hole should be drilled a bit higher than in the picture (otherwise the licence plate cover is harder plug on).
Comparison
Conclusions
- Rear view camera in licence plate module is more discrete.
- Since the generic rear view camera is mounted closer to center...
- Generic rear view camera has larger view angle.