Today was all about bringing some modern technology into Brummli. We installed the new dual rear camera system and replaced the original Mercedes radio with our new Android head unit.

Installing the Dual Rear Camera

We started at the back of the van with the new dual camera unit.

The system actually contains two separate cameras, each with a different job:

  • One camera points downwards and acts as our reversing camera, giving us a clear view behind the bumper and making parking Brummli much easier.
  • The second camera points backwards and will provide a permanent rear view for the smart rear-view mirror we’re planning to install later.

More about that setup in another post!

Once the camera unit was mounted, we needed to work out which cable belonged to which camera. Unfortunately, the instruction manual wasn’t particularly helpful here, so there was a little bit of trial and error involved before we had everything identified correctly.

With that sorted, we ran both camera cables along the side of the van body and all the way forward to the dashboard.

Out with the Old Radio

At the front, we removed the original radio fascia before taking out the factory Mercedes radio itself.

We then connected the wiring harness supplied with our new Android radio. Thankfully, the harness came with an integrated Quadlock connector, which made the installation surprisingly straightforward. No cutting into the original wiring loom and no complicated rewiring. Everything connected neatly into the existing system.

Once we had tested everything and confirmed the reversing camera was working correctly, the new radio and fascia could go into place.

A Much-Needed Technology Upgrade

We’re really pleased with the result.

The new head unit completely modernises the dashboard and, more importantly, gives Brummli Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Navigation, Spotify, calls and other apps can now be accessed directly through the new display.

Combined with the reversing camera, it’s already a significant upgrade over the original setup.

The second rear camera isn’t doing much just yet, but that’s intentional. It will soon become part of another upgrade we’re particularly looking forward to: Brummli’s new smart rear-view mirror.

More on that soon…

Electrical
Rob
Written by Rob