Static/rattle from AM Station with new E320
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
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Mercedes E320
Static/rattle from AM Station with new E320
Hi,
New owner of a E320, and I'm pretty pleased.
One thing, though, about the stereo. I have the standard HK stereo, and I've noticed is that there's a rattle when I've listened to some AM stations (talk radio, baseball games, etc.)
It doesn't happen often, and obviously gets louder if I turn the volume up higher, but I can't replicate the sound consistently. The rattle has gone away if I place my hand on the grill on top of the dash.
Is this nothing? I just got the car and it did urk me. But I can totally see the dealership telling me that it's nothing.
Thoughts?
New owner of a E320, and I'm pretty pleased.
One thing, though, about the stereo. I have the standard HK stereo, and I've noticed is that there's a rattle when I've listened to some AM stations (talk radio, baseball games, etc.)
It doesn't happen often, and obviously gets louder if I turn the volume up higher, but I can't replicate the sound consistently. The rattle has gone away if I place my hand on the grill on top of the dash.
Is this nothing? I just got the car and it did urk me. But I can totally see the dealership telling me that it's nothing.
Thoughts?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
You didn't say, but is it correct that you do not get similar rattling on FM stations, even with similar content (talk)? Usually, a problem receiving AM but not FM would be an electronic problem within the tuner section of the radio. If the problem goes away when you put your hand on the dash grille, that sounds like a "physical" problem such as a bad cone, but then the problem would be there whether you're on AM, FM or a CD.
Interesting. This calls for somebody who knows what s/he's talking about. Scorchie?
Interesting. This calls for somebody who knows what s/he's talking about. Scorchie?
Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 163
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From: NY,NY
2005 E320
I'm not answering the call for someone who knows what they are talking about but I too have the same issue with my < 1 mo '05 e320
I get the same thing on FM stations.
Unable to repplicate, but just heard it this afternoon an FM station.
Also from the center channel.
I also get noticable distortion & rattling from the center channel from other sound sources (such as CD)
I think there was a static radio problem some older builds had ('03) (you'll have to search this forum). I also think that problem should have been solved.
I guess I'm saying I have both a physical & signal problem.
Seem to me the center channel woofer is pretty crappy either way.
I remember a post somewhere around here identifying all speaker spec for replacement.
Question: If I understand you correctly you have the optional Harmon Kardon Logic 7?
I get the same thing on FM stations.
Unable to repplicate, but just heard it this afternoon an FM station.
Also from the center channel.
I also get noticable distortion & rattling from the center channel from other sound sources (such as CD)
I think there was a static radio problem some older builds had ('03) (you'll have to search this forum). I also think that problem should have been solved.
I guess I'm saying I have both a physical & signal problem.
Seem to me the center channel woofer is pretty crappy either way.
I remember a post somewhere around here identifying all speaker spec for replacement.
Question: If I understand you correctly you have the optional Harmon Kardon Logic 7?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 47
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Mercedes E320
Thanks for the reply.
Yeah, I've only heard it with AM. To be fair, it's only happened twice since I got it last week.
The fact that I can't get the hum every time makes me think that the dealer will tell me I'm crazy. It's similar to the sound you'd get if you had a talk show with a lot of treble on way too loud - except that it happened with me when the volume wasn't that loud.
Am I crazy? Since I just got it, I do feel that I shouldn't settle.
Yeah, I've only heard it with AM. To be fair, it's only happened twice since I got it last week.
The fact that I can't get the hum every time makes me think that the dealer will tell me I'm crazy. It's similar to the sound you'd get if you had a talk show with a lot of treble on way too loud - except that it happened with me when the volume wasn't that loud.
Am I crazy? Since I just got it, I do feel that I shouldn't settle.
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From: Las Vegas, NV USA / London, UK
GL320CDI / C63 Edition 507 Coupe (EDP) / E63 S (on order) / G500 / Smart Brabus
Originally Posted by DWP
You didn't say, but is it correct that you do not get similar rattling on FM stations, even with similar content (talk)? Usually, a problem receiving AM but not FM would be an electronic problem within the tuner section of the radio. If the problem goes away when you put your hand on the dash grille, that sounds like a "physical" problem such as a bad cone, but then the problem would be there whether you're on AM, FM or a CD.
Interesting. This calls for somebody who knows what s/he's talking about. Scorchie?
Interesting. This calls for somebody who knows what s/he's talking about. Scorchie?
But touching the speaker to make it go away sounds like a speaker issue.
In any case, it sounds like the complainant should take a trip to the dealership and see what they say. Even if a response of "you must be crazy" is given, at least it is documented in the system for future reference and repeat visits.
-s-
