rose321

Hi,

got a 2004 C180 K went for diagnose found out the aerial amplifier which isn't working anymore. Cause i can't use the remote to open n lock the car in far distance, only able to use the IR one close distance.
they said if fix with cost about 2k!! n second hand with just 3 months warranty cost for 1k+ & isn't include labor charge yet
that was just too much for me.
I know can be DIY but I don't want take the risk.

I wonder what if I just add a seperate car alarm system that connect with the central locking n everything... example those branded car alarm Mongoose.. etc

Would the alarm works with the central locking without fix the aerial amplifier? since remote alarm can works from far away distance too. but i just wanna know will they work with the central locking?
if yes any nice brand alarm recommended beside Mongoose which i know.

Another question for the C180k is the car was imported from Japan.
and the radio frequency was so little till 90FM only, is there a way to expand it more?
I google there said have those FM Band expander. but im not sure is the c180k able to use those. Anyone tried it with their imported japan c180k before?

Thanks in advance if anyone able to help me.

Glyn M Ruck

I can't comment on your specific radio problem but on some units it's switchable. Contact Audio 10.com. They could help you with a new unit if necessay.

Regarding the antenna amplifier. Just buy a replacement & install it yourself. It's behind the LHS rear C pillar cover. $2000 is nonsense.

rose321

well it's a coupe.
do you have the diagram of step by step how to check the aerial antenna amplifier model etc? Do you kno how much average for that amplifier cost?
I really dont have confidence for DIY unless have actual pics of steps by steps.. cos it's the first MB in my life

Armak

Good afternoon, I've just joined the forum.
Bought a 2003 C180K Coupe last week and have a similar problem to some of the members here. Neither remotes would lock or unlock the car, went to an authorized Benz mechanic here on the Gold Coast, he hooked my car up to the computer and told me the car wasnt receiving IR or RF signals from the remotes so I need new ones. Went to Grand Motors in Robina and got a new one for $500.00 and it doesn't work either. The radio reception is poor as well so it looks like I have a further problem. Dropped my car off at Eurotec an hour ago and am waiting for the diagnosis : (

Armak

Further to my post yesterday, the IR receiver in the drivers door had a bad connection, the IR is working now but the rear window antenna has been damaged by the window tinters and needs replacing. I've been quoted $1000.00 for the part, is this reasonable?
I would have thought that the tinters would have woken up to this problem and taped off that plastic cover before they go squeegeeing soapy water down into the antenna.

Armak

New antenna supplied and fitted $1200.00
Bought a second hand Nokia 6310 cradle (Mine had been removed by the previous owner) $160.00
Bought a Viseeo MBU 1000 $215.00
Slotted it into the Nokia cradle and it didn't work. It powers up when I turn the radio on, the little lights do an ascending dance for a couple of seconds but it won't pair.
Went to a Benz wrecker and swapped the module in the back for another one to see if it was the problem (it wasnt) and ran the scan tool to discover the fault is somewhere else in the jungle. That was a freebie.
Got someone chasing wiring on Monday

Armak

Well that was a nightmare.
After several "Experts" had proffered opinions on my problem, I found someone who knew what the problem(s) were and I now have my iPhone running thru the factory phone setup. The first problem was the part of the radio that runs the telephone = second hand Becker + the phone module in the back = second hand module.
My car is now perfect and the in car system even accepts the iPhone voice dialling.
Ive been driving around calling my friends