Installing new GPS Antenna mast
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
E500
Installing new GPS Antenna mast
hello,
A newbie here, trying to help my parents repair the GPS antenna that was broken off recently.
I called the dealer, gave them my vin (WDBUF72X48B211803) and they told me $262.50 plus (CA) tax (part # 1718201675). They claim the cap cannot be sold separately and I'm forced to buy the whole unit.
OK with the price, but confused about how to remove and replace the old unit. It appears to be mounted from underneath the roof panel with four screws.
QUESTION: Is it mandatory to remove the headliner to access the mounting screws? If so, PLEASE tell me the easiest way to remove the headliner, or short cut.
TIA,
Chris
A newbie here, trying to help my parents repair the GPS antenna that was broken off recently.
I called the dealer, gave them my vin (WDBUF72X48B211803) and they told me $262.50 plus (CA) tax (part # 1718201675). They claim the cap cannot be sold separately and I'm forced to buy the whole unit.
OK with the price, but confused about how to remove and replace the old unit. It appears to be mounted from underneath the roof panel with four screws.
QUESTION: Is it mandatory to remove the headliner to access the mounting screws? If so, PLEASE tell me the easiest way to remove the headliner, or short cut.
TIA,
Chris
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
1718201675, 210 in diagram is satellite radio antenna (to comparison shop, parts.com $178.80), GPS antenna 120 in diagram is 2218205075 ($264). FYI you can retrieve instructions for this and any additional interest(s) by subscribing here http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/ , access WIS and enter VIN ($18 for 24 hours).
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
E500
WOW....thank you VERY much. Extremely helpful indeed. YES, its the GPS antenna (#120).
I know of a local upholsterer who does all the Mercedes Benz repair work for the both local dealerships. The owner is a friend of mine and I'm sure he'll know how to remove the rear interior headliner.
If not, then I'll take your advice and check out the tech site.
Thanks again,
Chris
I know of a local upholsterer who does all the Mercedes Benz repair work for the both local dealerships. The owner is a friend of mine and I'm sure he'll know how to remove the rear interior headliner.
If not, then I'll take your advice and check out the tech site.
Thanks again,
Chris
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 242
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
On pre-2007 W211, the GPS and SAT radio antennas are separate.
The SAT antenna was NOT factory installed and was SUPPOSED to be installed (by dealer) on the trunk lid.
On pre-2007 W211 the GPS antenna is installed through the rear window glass and is a blade type antenna.
If you have the blade type antenna in the glass and something else again on the roof, it's NOT a factory installation and replacment is up to your imagination.
But, since you've confused us and called your E550 an E500, it is indeed a 2007-on car with triband antenna roof mounted. And your part number is incorrect. Correct number is 221 820 50 75 9999 and you're going to have to have it painted.
The SAT antenna was NOT factory installed and was SUPPOSED to be installed (by dealer) on the trunk lid.
On pre-2007 W211 the GPS antenna is installed through the rear window glass and is a blade type antenna.
If you have the blade type antenna in the glass and something else again on the roof, it's NOT a factory installation and replacment is up to your imagination.
But, since you've confused us and called your E550 an E500, it is indeed a 2007-on car with triband antenna roof mounted. And your part number is incorrect. Correct number is 221 820 50 75 9999 and you're going to have to have it painted.
Last edited by lkchris; Jun 7, 2011 at 01:58 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
E320 Wagon
Through-hole XM Sirius Satellite retrofit
I've been trying to sort this out myself so I can retrofit my 2000 E320 Wagon (211 Chassis) with a permanent, OEM, through-hole antenna. I am driving myself crazy trying to find an aftermarket version, which does not seem to exist. Apparently people do not want to drill holes in their rooves, although it seems fine if the factory drills holes in their rooves!
I was at the dealer today and he showed me part number 171-820-1675 which is definitely a satellite only antenna with what looked like a FAKRA connector.
He pulled up P/N 221-820-50-175 on the computer and it is described as GPS, Control, Satellite (also Cell or GSM maybe - I didn't take good notes) combined antenna. He did not have it in stock, so I can't confirm # or type of connectors.
The Mercede's price is ridiculous, upwards of $250 - the radio only cost me $90. I like the idea of a combined antenna. There is precious little info about doing this economically or correctly on the Internet.
Many people claim they can stuff the antenna anywhere inside the vehicle and it "works fine". I am an electrical engineer and somewhat of a purist, so I understand the need to mount the antenna on the roof in order to take advantage of a proper ground plane. The magnetic ones suck unless you like your roof scratched and wires dangling around or being forced to mount it sub-optimally so as to hide the wire.
I may start a new thread on this topic, but since I found this one, I thought I'd chime in with my recent results and see if anyone has any comments before I do.
It would be simple for someone to supply a low-cost through-hole XM Sirius antenna, but I cannot find one anywhere.
I was at the dealer today and he showed me part number 171-820-1675 which is definitely a satellite only antenna with what looked like a FAKRA connector.
He pulled up P/N 221-820-50-175 on the computer and it is described as GPS, Control, Satellite (also Cell or GSM maybe - I didn't take good notes) combined antenna. He did not have it in stock, so I can't confirm # or type of connectors.
The Mercede's price is ridiculous, upwards of $250 - the radio only cost me $90. I like the idea of a combined antenna. There is precious little info about doing this economically or correctly on the Internet.
Many people claim they can stuff the antenna anywhere inside the vehicle and it "works fine". I am an electrical engineer and somewhat of a purist, so I understand the need to mount the antenna on the roof in order to take advantage of a proper ground plane. The magnetic ones suck unless you like your roof scratched and wires dangling around or being forced to mount it sub-optimally so as to hide the wire.
I may start a new thread on this topic, but since I found this one, I thought I'd chime in with my recent results and see if anyone has any comments before I do.
It would be simple for someone to supply a low-cost through-hole XM Sirius antenna, but I cannot find one anywhere.
