allenjdmb

this is for a 98 SL, 129.820.1675, the combo one for cellular/radio. Mine has stopped runiing, I'm assuming it's the motor. Mayb some techs can prove me wrong, or have better info? In any event, as most of you know, a replacement at the Bezn delaer is exceedigly expensive. Wonder if there is a quality substitute plan, or if they can be repaired, or....
Thanks, I know others must have had this problem.

MB-Dude

I've used this guy for parts in rebuilding old Hirschmann antenna assemblies in the W123 series a few years back. If memory serves, your antenna assembly is not that much different, albeit more quality parts, than the ones on the old 123's. I think he's still around. He's a bit pricey, but cheaper than MB dealers. Then again, I suspect he has little competition as it's sort of a specialized business rebuilding radio antennas.

Walter Odemer Co.
1516 W Magnolia Blvd
Burbank, CA 91506
(818) 846-2819 (Voice)
(818) 846-6324 (FAX)
Email: odemer@sbcglobal.net
Generally works M-F, 9-5 (Pacific Time)

He's an expert at his craft and been doing it for a bazillion years. I have heard people complain a bit about pricing, though I never had an issue with him. Best to ensure price and scope of work is well defined up-front. Good luck.
Cheers,
Jeff

degeja

entire units are $200-250 on eBay , US Autoparts,ec.
A pain o replace or remove- but just did it this weekend o disassemble and remove broken nylon ailpiece on antenna.

I just ordered an in trunk antenna replacement through EBAY for $30-
if i works, will use that all the time and disconnect the power to he power antenna.

SRHsl600

The white nylon gears have a locking flange that breaks, thus the motor runs but no antenna movement. On E-bay you can buy the two gears for about $25. If the motor runs,( an audible sound), then remove the assembly thru the trunk. ( one phillips head screw,( low near the trunk floor behind the trunk liner panel) and the top nut on the outside, top side of the antenna mast. Several co-ax cables, and power electrical 4 pin connector need to be disconnected. Once out in a well lighted, clean work area, use a small bladed screw driver to gently pry open the snap flanges. the outer cover will lift off to expose the motor, white gears, drive belt and electrical connections. The gears are locked into a cavity which the antenna mast coils into. A metal "Y" shaped strap is held in place by two pins on the motor housing and a single "E" clip. When I reassembled the metal spring from the broken gear on to the new set I was mindful of the dirt and stuff that does get into sealed units, so clean, new teflon white grease, and no old gear teeth left inside. The belt drive, rotated by hand can confirm the successful gear placement. The shell snaps into place, reverse the removal including co ax cable/ phone and if the battery is connected and the antenna is slightly extended, when you plug in the 4 pin connection the antenna will retract.
Easy job, however if you really want the knock-off Hirschmann, I have an extra!

ChrisvdB

I'm trying to replace the antenna on my 2000 R129. I removed the telescoping hardware but the plastic track has broken off the end of the antenna and is still in the housing. Is there a way to get the track outwithout taking the trunk apart?
Thanks.

cliffyk

Nope, you have to pull back the trunk lining, remove the antenna assembly and disassemble same--been there, done that.

The good news is it comes apart easily...