A207 - Sirius XM is patchy
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 235
Likes: 91
2012 E Cabrio, 2015 GL , 2017 B ED & 2024 GLS
A207 - Sirius XM is patchy
Hello all,
my 2012 Cabrio seems to have a loose connection somewhere between the radio and the Sirius antenna. It usually works when stationary, but often cuts out and comes in and out every now and then. FM radio or Bluetooth work without fail, so I feel like it's a connection issue somewhere.
Having done some reading-around, I *think* the Sirius receiver is in the trunk somewhere. Does that sound right? Not quite sure what to look for, but I'd check whether cables are connected properly. Any other suggestions?
I am contemplating replacing the head unit for the radio with something more modern, but I assume that it would still tap into the Sirius receiver anyway, or are there aftermarket head units (AA/Carplay enabled) that contain a tuner and I just need to connect an antenna to it?
Thanks all!
my 2012 Cabrio seems to have a loose connection somewhere between the radio and the Sirius antenna. It usually works when stationary, but often cuts out and comes in and out every now and then. FM radio or Bluetooth work without fail, so I feel like it's a connection issue somewhere.
Having done some reading-around, I *think* the Sirius receiver is in the trunk somewhere. Does that sound right? Not quite sure what to look for, but I'd check whether cables are connected properly. Any other suggestions?
I am contemplating replacing the head unit for the radio with something more modern, but I assume that it would still tap into the Sirius receiver anyway, or are there aftermarket head units (AA/Carplay enabled) that contain a tuner and I just need to connect an antenna to it?
Thanks all!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 296
Likes: 65
2015 E400
I've found the stock Sirius audio quality to be terrible. I never use it. Sirirus thru my third party CarPlay actually sounds good, so that's what I use. In fact, I almost never use the stock headunit functions anymore.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 6
From: Treasure Island, Florida
2011 E550 Cabriolet
I suspected the trunk's shark fin antenna connection was slightly loose and asked the shop to look into it. I think it can be tightened after removing the monkey fur material from the underside of the trunk lid. Afterwards reception has been much better, no "no signal".
Another downside is I never did get anywhere near all the channels Sirius has. On their website I learned that my 2011 receiver can't get them all, but I'm sure not going to mess with trying to change it for a newer one.
Another downside is I never did get anywhere near all the channels Sirius has. On their website I learned that my 2011 receiver can't get them all, but I'm sure not going to mess with trying to change it for a newer one.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 235
Likes: 91
2012 E Cabrio, 2015 GL , 2017 B ED & 2024 GLS
I suspected the trunk's shark fin antenna connection was slightly loose and asked the shop to look into it. I think it can be tightened after removing the monkey fur material from the underside of the trunk lid. Afterwards reception has been much better, no "no signal".
Another downside is I never did get anywhere near all the channels Sirius has. On their website I learned that my 2011 receiver can't get them all, but I'm sure not going to mess with trying to change it for a newer one.
Another downside is I never did get anywhere near all the channels Sirius has. On their website I learned that my 2011 receiver can't get them all, but I'm sure not going to mess with trying to change it for a newer one.
The lack of channels is one reason why I'm considering replacing the head unit with something that can tap into the Sirius app (which negates the need to fix the connection issues). I already have access to the app due to subscriptions in other cars, so it could be a net saving of money to cancel the separate sub on this car (which I'm using to justify spending the money on a new screen). I just haven't found one that looks suitable yet.
