Adding sat radio
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 986
Likes: 6
From: Kingsville Ontario (South of Detroit)
2003 S500 4Matic (SOLD) + 2004 S55 (SOLD) 2005 CLK 500 Cabriolet 2008 S 450
Adding sat radio
Can anyone tell me just what is required to add sat radio to my 2004 S55? Are the parts readily available?
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 445
Likes: 11
From: Washington, DC Metro Area
Currently: 2019 E450 AWD, Previous: 2002 CLK55 Cab
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 11
From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
Do you have an AUX input?
If you search on my name, I described how the techs installed my upgraded SXM Sportster in my G500 in another thread. It uses AUX rather than the FM radio and the sound is excellent. SXM recently upgraded their signal to a Dolby system that hides a multichannel higher FR in their signal that allow it to be decoded into multichannel. BTW SXM says that the AUX interface give better sound than the FM for reasons that are obvious especially if you are in an area with lots of FM stations.
Briefly they tapped into the 12v source behind the Comand system and threaded the antennae through the firewall wiring interface. It is placed under the vents on the front hood. I can unplug the AUX cable if I listen from an iPOD, etc.
I got the reconned unit for free since my wife has a trial in her 2013 GLK. The service person at SXM was in Canada BTW. (Regular CS sucks) My wife is from Toronto BTW. I'll send you a PM when I get a chance if you wish.
Briefly they tapped into the 12v source behind the Comand system and threaded the antennae through the firewall wiring interface. It is placed under the vents on the front hood. I can unplug the AUX cable if I listen from an iPOD, etc.
I got the reconned unit for free since my wife has a trial in her 2013 GLK. The service person at SXM was in Canada BTW. (Regular CS sucks) My wife is from Toronto BTW. I'll send you a PM when I get a chance if you wish.
Last edited by grane; Apr 11, 2013 at 09:59 AM.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 11
From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
Update/Correction
BTW MBUSA now requires all 4 springs on the 463s to be replaced even if one is defective. If you are under warranty MAKE SURE your service writer understands this and make sure ALL of them are replaced on MBUSAs warranty. There is no Service Department Recall, Bulletin or TSB etc.
These instructions are issued through the Parts Department. Thus, the PD will not release say a front pair of springs to the tech even if one only is defective unless you choose to replace all 4. If you do not have them all replaced, and pay them to replace all 4, even though the WIS instructions and techs are trained to replace them in pairs only, the dealer will note this on the repair order as a "refusal to perform recommended service" .
They will not put the 4 spring requirement on the repair order in writing! Consider not signing such a repair order; just pay for the A service or whatever you requested.
Last edited by grane; Apr 21, 2013 at 06:56 PM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,430
Likes: 12
From: Cleveland Ohio
beater with a heater
we usually add the factory tuner and turn it on via the SDS. we utilize an aftermarket antenna mounted under the hood. did many in the past, but since the new OPTI-1 came out, we just replace the antique radio with a more modern aftermarket radio.
