bottedi

I was wondering if anyone out there with a 2002 (or later) ML has experienced problems with the Radio's sound quality. (I have the Bose Sound System.)

It seems that the sound quality will suddenly change, particularly in the high tones (trebble). Its almost like switching from an FM to an AM station. It does not appear to happen when a CD is playing, but I am not sure. Basically, I really notice it when the sound will suddenly become clear again - it almost sounds like my ears just popped or something.

I have complained about it at the dealship several times, but they always just come back with their standard "could not reproduce at this time" response when I pick my car up!

Has anyone else experienced this? More importantly - has anyone found a solution?

Thanks much!
DRB

xudustin

I had the same thing happen to my 2002 ML320. I took it to the dealership here in Cincinnati and they said that something was wrong in the software and that this problem was pretty common in this model year. The ordered me a new radio and replaced the entire unit. A big fiasco if you ask me, but atleast my radio works properly now.

It almost makes it sound like it's all trebble and it is only coming out of a couple speakers - very shallow sounding. I hope this helps and good luck.

Stiggs

I know I only have a 1999 ML430, but my radio sucked...absolute sucked! Sound quality was horrible. I went with a Clarion head unit, new speakers and an amp. After all this the sound quality is better...but no where near my CLK430 sound quality. Guy at the radio store says I need sub woofers in the rear to really bring the sound up to par. I believe him. So to get to my point.....just another reason why this is a "truck" and not a "car".
It still kicks but....don't get me wrong. This baby killed in the snow a few days ago!!!!

USF

I had this same problem where the FM sounds would randomly switch from stereo to mono and vice versa. It is a known problem, but don't let your SA tell you otherwise. They will play dumb as they did in my case. Be persistent and insist that they replace the radio. You will need the part number in order for your SA to understand what you are referring to. Unfortunately, I do not have the part number with me now.

I hope this helps.

russell

Can the people who had their radio replaced tell me the part number that ypu have on the new radio ?
My dealer is replacing the radio for me after I mentioned this article to my SA, we are trying to find out if the new part number has the same part number with the people who have had their radio replaced due to the radio sound problem.
Thanks a lot.

St Nick

Anyone have the part number to fix this
"FM sounds would randomly switch from stereo to mono and vice versa"

Thanks a lot
Nick

USF

I believe this is the part number:

163-820-30-86-90


Hope this helps...

St Nick

Thanks
I will be going in for service in a few weeks and will let you know how it turns out.

Nick

St Nick

Just had my '02 ML320 in for service. Told them about the radio going from Stereo to Mono. I gave them the part number I got from this message board but they said that was not the fix.
Instead they replaced the amp, saying that the problem could be due to the amp overheating...
I think it may have fixed the problem but time will tell.

Nick

USF

Was your SA able to hear the radio problem? Or did he just took your word for it?

If you truly did get it fixed, I greatly appreciate if you could please share the repair description along with the parts number in your invoice statement. It would help alot of us here at mbworld.org and benzworld.org! Thank you so much!

russell

I had my dealer replaced the MCS 3 times (not 1 or 2 times, but 3 times), I still have the problem. I don't think the problem is in the amplifier, because this doesn't happen on CD and tape. It only happens on the radio. If over heating is the cause, then it should happen on CD and tape also. I am truly hope I am wrong on this. I test drove '03 model, it did not have the problem.

On the other hand, the service manager filed this to TAC (I think it stands for Technical Assistance Center) 3 months ago, he never heard a single word from them after he filed this to TAC. This will be my last MB product.

USF

amp part. If the amp is overheating, then the tape and CD should be effected too (it makes sense). So you had your SA replace the radio (or MCS) 3 times!?!? I can't believe it didn't resolve the problem..sheesh!

At least your SA acknowledges that there is a problem. The two service dealers that I went to in San Francisco (Folsom and Clay)...they think I'm hearing things, because they were unable to duplicate the stereo to mono problem after testing my ML for 10 miles!!

Well, I hope it's not your last MB product, because of a little radio problem. I mean it is very annoying when your song goes from stereo to mono every so often, but for me...I don't listen to the radio that much. CD for me.

St Nick

Here is the part number used in replacing the Amp. My SA said that the MCS replacement was used in the older models. I have an '02 320. I agree with the fact it may not be the amp since it only happens on the radio.

Replacing the Amp may be the fix, but the diagnosis may not be overheating. That would explain why it doesn't happen with the cd.

So far I have no complaints and it has been a week. Will keep everyone posted.

Speaker Audio Amplifier.
163-820-27-89

russell

this will not be my last MB vehicle. I still love this truck.

Nick, I called my SA to inform him the possible fix by replacing the audio amplifier. He doen't want to replace the amplifier if this has not been confirmed by MB. The reason is because the amplifier is mounted way back behind the driver side dash. It requires a lot of effort to get to the amplifier, if this is not authorized by MB, they will not get paid. He was asking me to see if I can find out more information on this fix. So here I am, Nick, may I ask you the name of your SA, phone number, name of the dealership and if possible your name. My SA told me if I can find out these information, he will contact them to find out exactly what did your SA do to fix the problem then he can do the same thing on my truck. Appreciate your help.

St Nick

OK...Here is the SA info:
Frank W.
MB Manhattan Inc.
212-629-1639

Tell him about the stereo\mono problem and he will know.

good luck,
Nick

russell

I really appreciate your help on this. I am going to call my SA to discuss this with him. Once again, thank you very much.

USF

Russell, please keep us updated with your fix on the radio. I will talk to my SA when I come back next week. I'll also keep you guys posted. Good luck everyone!

St Nick

hope it helps...I will let everyone know the status of my fix after a couple of weeks of testing.
My problem was not that frequent to begin with.

Nick

russell

he is going to contact Frank at MB Manhattan Inc. to find out more on the fix. I definitely will keep everyone informed. Thanks everyone.

Stiggs

Added 3 more speakers to my ML430!!!
2 tweeters in the door sils. and a 13 inch subwoofer in the back. Also added sirius satellite radio to my clarion head unit!!! This radio sounds awesome now!!! Love the satelite radio!!! I will try to post some pics!!!

Stiggs

Clarion Head unit (closed)

Stiggs

Clarion Head Unit (Open)

Stiggs

Tweeters in door sil ....hard to see...too dark. Sorry They are by Boston Aucoustics

Stiggs

Amp under the back seat and Subwoofer!!

russell

My SA called me back, he talked to his boss about the replacement of the amplifier. His boss told him go ahead to change the amplifier just to see if this cures the problem or not. This will be no charge. However, I am hasitate to say ok to my SA. I believe the amplifier is mounted way behind the driver side dash board. A lot of stuffs need to be removed in order to get the amplifier, I am worried about rattles and squeeks. Should I give a try ? Thanks.