Problems w/ SDARS (Sirius)
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
2008 E350 2013 Tahoe 2007 Mustang GT Conv.
WOW!!!!
Sorry to read of the problems you are all having. I was not aware of a free promotion that Sirius was having (maybe because I do not read the e-mails they send me). I must be the lucky few for I have had ZERO issues with service.
A previous post suggested that those cars built with satellite receivers prior to July 08 where having the most problems. My car was built in Jan 08. Again no problems whatsoever.
I hope that a solution/fix is found very soon.
Sorry to read of the problems you are all having. I was not aware of a free promotion that Sirius was having (maybe because I do not read the e-mails they send me). I must be the lucky few for I have had ZERO issues with service.
A previous post suggested that those cars built with satellite receivers prior to July 08 where having the most problems. My car was built in Jan 08. Again no problems whatsoever.
I hope that a solution/fix is found very soon.
Newbie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
08 E350
I spent about 2 and a half hours at dealership. My radio was on the fritz. MB installed new one and it was working within 10 mins. They had no loaners though so my breakfast was donuts, chips and a DR Pepper 
. Happy to have radio working again for long commutes
. Happy to have radio working again for long commutes
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 32
Likes: 1
2008 E320 Blutec
I have had the same problem with my 2008 MB E class. Started with the "snap, crackle, pop" and ended with either "searching for signal" or "Not Subscribed" message, even though I am 5 months into a 2 year prepaid subscription. I have spent no less than 4 hours as of last week on the phone w/ Sirius rep, was escalated twice and my radio still does not receive. I even went to the dealer who informed me that there is no problem with my radio and Sirius is aware that problem is on their end. When I called Sirius back, I was informed this is a problem with Mercedes, BMW and Range/Land Rover autos only, and that they know it was caused by the May 5, 2011 channel reprograming. In any event, I am a class action lawyer in Florida and I am currently lead counsel in litigation against Sirius on another matter involving an improper charge unknowingly paid to Sirius by millions of its subscribers. I am available to speak in more detail about the Sirius reception matter. Thanks, Mike Campbell; dmcampbell@campbelllaw.com; (888)775-3820
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5
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08 W211 Sport
My dealer replaced my Sirus module about a week after the reprogramming and I have had no problem since then. It has been functioning perfectly since the replacement - so we'll see how it reacts when Sirus does another reprogramming.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2
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2008 E350 4matic
No sirius in my wife's 2008 E350 4matic
I bought a lifetime membership for her car also, ( I have a lifetime membership to XM in my Yukon XL) and after the update in I think April 2011 it doesn't work at all.. It says, acquiring signal, but never does. I called India to see if they could reset it, and they couldn't.. Through my own procastination (my wife's car, not mine) it hasn't be resolved. Sirius did say that I would have to bring it to a Mercedes dealer and have them "reset" it. Well, Viti Mecedes of Tiverton, RI called, said they would have to charge me $129.00 to diagnose the radio issue.. Well, guess what, "the module is broken" "it needs to be replace for $700.00". NOTT If they know that there have been issues, they didn't let me know.. I just don't trust them. Please let me know if anyone has found a fix, other than replacing a "module". Car has 65,000 miles.. Its a freaking Mecedes, why do we pay such silly prices and get a goose egg with **** like this.
Chris
Chris
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2008 E350 4matic
No sirius in my wife's 2008 E350 4matic
I bought a lifetime membership for her car also, ( I have a lifetime membership to XM in my Yukon XL) and after the update in I think April 2011 it doesn't work at all.. It says, acquiring signal, but never does. I called India to see if they could reset it, and they couldn't.. Through my own procastination (my wife's car, not mine) it hasn't be resolved. Sirius did say that I would have to bring it to a Mercedes dealer and have them "reset" it. Well, Viti Mecedes of Tiverton, RI called, said they would have to charge me $129.00 to diagnose the radio issue.. Well, guess what, "the module is broken" "it needs to be replace for $700.00". NOTT If they know that there have been issues, they didn't let me know.. I just don't trust them. Please let me know if anyone has found a fix, other than replacing a "module". Car has 65,000 miles.. Its a freaking Mecedes, why do we pay such silly prices and get a goose egg with **** like this.
Chris
Chris
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 32
Likes: 1
2008 E320 Blutec
Chris: PM sent. I had my receiver replaced and problem is now fixed. The earlier radios were not capable of supporting the total number of channels available after the May, 2011 reprogram, while the later radios do. Mike
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,113
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From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
I bought a lifetime membership for her car also, ( I have a lifetime membership to XM in my Yukon XL) and after the update in I think April 2011 it doesn't work at all.. It says, acquiring signal, but never does. I called India to see if they could reset it, and they couldn't.. Through my own procastination (my wife's car, not mine) it hasn't be resolved. Sirius did say that I would have to bring it to a Mercedes dealer and have them "reset" it. Well, Viti Mecedes of Tiverton, RI called, said they would have to charge me $129.00 to diagnose the radio issue.. Well, guess what, "the module is broken" "it needs to be replace for $700.00". NOTT If they know that there have been issues, they didn't let me know.. I just don't trust them. Please let me know if anyone has found a fix, other than replacing a "module". Car has 65,000 miles.. Its a freaking Mecedes, why do we pay such silly prices and get a goose egg with **** like this.
Chris
Chris
Try calling Sirius at 866-635-8634 and connect to extension 5398 and talk to Lamont in the escalation department. He took care of all three of our cars with lifetime subscriptions and all returned to working perfectly. Of course, this won't take the place of a truly broken module, but in case that is the dealer just guessing at a fix which truly is a Sirius software issue, this is worth a shot. Good luck!
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
2007 E350 P1 Sport Pkg, 1993 BMW 325is, 2000 Tacoma PreRunner V6, 2008 Porsche Cayman S
Yes... and it was showing "Updating List" and then "Not Subscribed" with the toll free no. and my ESN. I will call Sirius and find out. Got stucked to one channel only. You may be right, another promo week.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Yes, Locked up again... Only last channel listened to able to play, no ability to change channel, not subscribed & ESN on screen after updating screen.
1. Spoke to Sirius script readers who should know about the persistant MB problems with Sirius Free Listening weeks... But don't.
2. Drove up to talk to SA at MB Svc department & asked him how to politely but surely escalate this. (No help)
3. Called MBUSA & politely told them that it has happened again & always ends up with the dealer ripping apart my car & headliner to check all the wiring, wasting time & warranty money & then replacing my SDARS unit in the trunk as a last resort & its about time a permanent solution is found. She immediately sent an e-Mail to Sirius & gave me the execs name & said I would be contacted.
4. I was called by another exec of Sirius who politely listened & knew all about the problem BMWs & MB had had in the past & acknowledged that BMWs satelite radio lock-up problems were solved by a software update & he was shocked that the MBs were not. He said he is the liason between Sirius & all the MB dealers in S. Florida, and told me that "I have found the guy who will solve this problem" & to give him 24 Hours.
I shall advise you all.
1. Spoke to Sirius script readers who should know about the persistant MB problems with Sirius Free Listening weeks... But don't.
2. Drove up to talk to SA at MB Svc department & asked him how to politely but surely escalate this. (No help)
3. Called MBUSA & politely told them that it has happened again & always ends up with the dealer ripping apart my car & headliner to check all the wiring, wasting time & warranty money & then replacing my SDARS unit in the trunk as a last resort & its about time a permanent solution is found. She immediately sent an e-Mail to Sirius & gave me the execs name & said I would be contacted.
4. I was called by another exec of Sirius who politely listened & knew all about the problem BMWs & MB had had in the past & acknowledged that BMWs satelite radio lock-up problems were solved by a software update & he was shocked that the MBs were not. He said he is the liason between Sirius & all the MB dealers in S. Florida, and told me that "I have found the guy who will solve this problem" & to give him 24 Hours.
I shall advise you all.
Last edited by Barry45RPM; Apr 10, 2012 at 05:47 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: NJ
'08 E550 4Matic
Spent about an hour on the phone with a rep from Sirius trying to explain to them that this isnt a new problem. Only to have them tell me my radio is most likely broken. So frustrating dealing with these people.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
2007 E350 P1 Sport Pkg, 1993 BMW 325is, 2000 Tacoma PreRunner V6, 2008 Porsche Cayman S
I called them up, no help, ended up using their automated contraption to resend signal to my radio 
after a while, it started working again.
after a while, it started working again.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 1
CALL THIS NUMBER 866-431-7474
This is the Sirius "Consumer Advocate" number. They usually answer pretty quickly without even putting you on hold.
He said its the same issue as last time, and that the techs have been working on getting it resolved. The promotion will end on May 10, so at the very least, your radio will work by then. He said they're working on it for now though, and they told him that if we re-hit our radios (do it from Sirius online) they should start working within the next couple of hours.
Good luck.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,319
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From: Virginia
W212 M276 DELA 30 ; W211 M113k, W126 M117, W126 OM617, W211 OM642 ; R107 M117 X2, Sierra 1500 LZ0
CALL THIS NUMBER 866-431-7474
This is the Sirius "Consumer Advocate" number. They usually answer pretty quickly without even putting you on hold.
He said its the same issue as last time, and that the techs have been working on getting it resolved. The promotion will end on May 10, so at the very least, your radio will work by then. He said they're working on it for now though, and they told him that if we re-hit our radios (do it from Sirius online) they should start working within the next couple of hours.
Good luck.
This is the Sirius "Consumer Advocate" number. They usually answer pretty quickly without even putting you on hold.
He said its the same issue as last time, and that the techs have been working on getting it resolved. The promotion will end on May 10, so at the very least, your radio will work by then. He said they're working on it for now though, and they told him that if we re-hit our radios (do it from Sirius online) they should start working within the next couple of hours.
Good luck.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Mercedes Benz 2005 E500 (W211)
I just got off the phone with Sirius a few minutes ago and told them to put my radio in suspense. The people I talked to did not know they were having a free promotion (specifically asked them) and told me I needed a new radio because mine was old, then said i needed to go to dealer then I said put in in suspense and don't tell me what i need to do. Last time I put it in suspense and the problem was solved for a while. I can't believe with all the issues last time that they would have the promotion again without addressing it (especially for a month). At least they are proactive at hiring the handicapped because everyone at Sirius has one or the other. Seems like a company that should be well advanced in software could write something to limit out sdar units to a certain number of stations. I have had enought with this company but I like satellite. Just rats in a maze.
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From: NJ
'08 E550 4Matic
Everyone I spoke with on the phone had no idea of any promotion. I will call the numbe above and have them change my subscription to a very basic one. This way I can actually listen to something other than the preview channel.
I'm very close to canceling my service with sirius, as this shouldn't of happened again.
I'm very close to canceling my service with sirius, as this shouldn't of happened again.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,319
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From: Virginia
W212 M276 DELA 30 ; W211 M113k, W126 M117, W126 OM617, W211 OM642 ; R107 M117 X2, Sierra 1500 LZ0
Everyone I spoke with on the phone had no idea of any promotion. I will call the numbe above and have them change my subscription to a very basic one. This way I can actually listen to something other than the preview channel.
I'm very close to canceling my service with sirius, as this shouldn't of happened again.
I'm very close to canceling my service with sirius, as this shouldn't of happened again.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,769
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From: NJ
'08 E550 4Matic
I called the numeber Eleanor owner posted above, and had them change my plan to their mostly music plan.
This plan has less stations and makes your radio useful again. This is only a temporary fix, but at least you'll be able to listen to something.
This plan has less stations and makes your radio useful again. This is only a temporary fix, but at least you'll be able to listen to something.
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Thanks, I'll try that. For what it's worth, when I called that number above the advocate that I talked to knew of the promotion, and said that they had been alerted by management that day that they would likely be getting a bunch of calls from Mercedes owners. Clearly, they knew this was coming.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 252
From: Virginia
W212 M276 DELA 30 ; W211 M113k, W126 M117, W126 OM617, W211 OM642 ; R107 M117 X2, Sierra 1500 LZ0
Thanks, I'll try that. For what it's worth, when I called that number above the advocate that I talked to knew of the promotion, and said that they had been alerted by management that day that they would likely be getting a bunch of calls from Mercedes owners. Clearly, they knew this was coming.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
I tried asking them to put it in "suspense", and it no one knew what I meant. This extended from every tier of tech support to their customer care people. Who would be interested in joining a class action law suit for this? They entered into a binding contract that they have not been able to meet.
The word "Suspense" means: ...a state or condition of mental uncertainty or excitement, as in awaiting a decision or outcome, usually accompanied by a degree of apprehension or anxiety. You can't put a radio in "suspense". You are probably using the wrong word when talking to them. That may be the problem. They don't know what you mean.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,319
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From: Virginia
W212 M276 DELA 30 ; W211 M113k, W126 M117, W126 OM617, W211 OM642 ; R107 M117 X2, Sierra 1500 LZ0
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
