tele-aid/GPS antenna location
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Joined: Nov 2001
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I would call the dealer and ask someone in service who knows for sure. That little stub antenna on the rear glass serves either Tele-Aid or GPS, but not necessarily both. I want to write that I read about another antenna (maybe a back-up) in the trunk or roof headliner, but I'm not sure. I say this, because someone once quoted a salesperson who said the system would still function even if the car rolled over and broke-off the stalk.
Anyone else recall this?
Anyone else recall this?
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
02 C320 S.E., 02 BMW 330XI, 00 4Runner
I've traced the antenna from the telaid system, and yes, there is an antenna in the rear bumper as well. I had the bumper off the car for painting, and the wire runs from the consol all the way back to the rear bumper, and winds back and forth inside the bumper molding.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
02 C320 S.E., 02 BMW 330XI, 00 4Runner
E320,
The inside of the plastic bumper cover, is essentailly stierfoam, and it has an area for the wire to snake back and forth through the bumper. From what I could tell, it doesn't connect to anything in the bumper. I didn't look to closely, but it appeared to be just set in there. I guess just by snaking back and forth, it can get the reception that's needed.
Know if someone else could answere this question. Is this related at all to the radio reception? Are the two systems in any way interconnected?
The inside of the plastic bumper cover, is essentailly stierfoam, and it has an area for the wire to snake back and forth through the bumper. From what I could tell, it doesn't connect to anything in the bumper. I didn't look to closely, but it appeared to be just set in there. I guess just by snaking back and forth, it can get the reception that's needed.
Know if someone else could answere this question. Is this related at all to the radio reception? Are the two systems in any way interconnected?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,938
Likes: 2
From: Madison WI
2003 SL55, 2010 C63
Sorry to bring back this old thread. I have two antennas on my car already as seen in the picture, and I thought one of them should be the GPS antenna, so I didn't order them with my euro command. When my dealer installed my command they told me I don't have the GPS antenna and I won't be able to use it so I didn't even bother to find out the truth. Now that I know the DVD can be cracked, I want to know if I still need the GPS command. If so what kind? I looked on eBay and there are Panasonic and Alpine who both make W203 GPS antenna. Which one do you think is better? Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 37
From: Las Vegas, Nevada
2013 C350 Coupe, 2005 C230K Kleemann Sedan, 2013 GLK350 4matic
WhenI retrofitted the COMAND into my car, I purchased the GPS antenna.
It is installed just about under the center speaker grill on the dash, kinda tucked in snug.
If you buy the MB Maintenance DVD, it will show step-by-step on how to retrofit the antenna and COMAND unit.
The retrofit instructions give you the part number for the GPS antenna that you need.
The pointy antenna on the rear glass is for the cell phone, as most cars came with telephone prewiring. I have the telehphone and it charges through the system and uses the external antenna, resulting in a better signal.
The GPS is installed somewhere near the rear roofline somewhere if I remember right (only with teleaid or factory installed COMAND).
It is installed just about under the center speaker grill on the dash, kinda tucked in snug.
If you buy the MB Maintenance DVD, it will show step-by-step on how to retrofit the antenna and COMAND unit.
The retrofit instructions give you the part number for the GPS antenna that you need.
The pointy antenna on the rear glass is for the cell phone, as most cars came with telephone prewiring. I have the telehphone and it charges through the system and uses the external antenna, resulting in a better signal.
The GPS is installed somewhere near the rear roofline somewhere if I remember right (only with teleaid or factory installed COMAND).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 4
From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
WhenI retrofitted the COMAND into my car, I purchased the GPS antenna.
It is installed just about under the center speaker grill on the dash, kinda tucked in snug.
If you buy the MB Maintenance DVD, it will show step-by-step on how to retrofit the antenna and COMAND unit.
The retrofit instructions give you the part number for the GPS antenna that you need.
The pointy antenna on the rear glass is for the cell phone, as most cars came with telephone prewiring. I have the telehphone and it charges through the system and uses the external antenna, resulting in a better signal.
The GPS is installed somewhere near the rear roofline somewhere if I remember right (only with teleaid or factory installed COMAND).
It is installed just about under the center speaker grill on the dash, kinda tucked in snug.
If you buy the MB Maintenance DVD, it will show step-by-step on how to retrofit the antenna and COMAND unit.
The retrofit instructions give you the part number for the GPS antenna that you need.
The pointy antenna on the rear glass is for the cell phone, as most cars came with telephone prewiring. I have the telehphone and it charges through the system and uses the external antenna, resulting in a better signal.
The GPS is installed somewhere near the rear roofline somewhere if I remember right (only with teleaid or factory installed COMAND).
(No offense guys)
The little stub antenna on the glass is for teleaid / cellular - NOT GPS.
The antenna in the bumper is a backup teleaid antenna incase the car rolls in an accident - NOT GPS.
If you have a W203 with stock COMAND the gps antenna is mounted inside the car at the very top of the rear window inside the edge of the headliner where it cannot be seen from inside or outside (under the black area of the glass.)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 37
From: Las Vegas, Nevada
2013 C350 Coupe, 2005 C230K Kleemann Sedan, 2013 GLK350 4matic
It helps to have the MB Maintenance DVD. I learned sooo much about all the systems of the car in the information part of the DVD. I have saved hundreds, if not thousands, by doing stuff myself with the help of the DVD.
