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Where is the Satellite SDAR Receiver in 2020 GLC300
I"ve asked 2 dealers this question and never get an answer. I wanted Satellite radio for my new 2020 GLC300 SUV but the saleman and I thought it was on every new GLC, but not so-or so they say. I had the car built so it wasn't sitting there on the lot. So I've been trying to figure out what's different about the 2020 MBUX headunit from prior years. In 2019 and earlier there is a SDAR receiver in the passenger side rear quarter panel right above the amplifier. I've opened mine up, and the amp is there and there's a space below it for a receiver but none is there. The dealers say it can't be added. I ask why, and don't get an answer. Is the Sirius receiver now built into the headunit so when you order the car you have to designate it so they put in a headunit at the factory with it built it, or is it still a separate receiver that sits in the rear? What if the receiver broke--what would be the fix? It seems strange that they would build 2 different types of headunits-one with the receiver and one without. My guess its in every new headunit and it just has to be "turned on" with a program change. I've been using CarPlay, but I'm not really happy with it. Besides having to plug it in every time I get in the car, sometimes the App for the iPhone doesn't load my favorites and its a process to get it working. Then I do drive in some areas where there's no cellphone signal, so no Sirius. And of course I don't believe you can scroll through the channels and find one you'd like to try out--you have to save them in the app. So, even if I can't add a satellite receiver I would at least like to know why. Is there someone out there that knows and is willing to disclose the answer? Thanks.
Thanks for your comment. I understand that there may not be any instructions from MB for retrofitting one, but the parts dept. at MB can't even say what the part is. What if I had satellite radio, factory installed in my vehicle, and for some reason (like maybe a bad solder joint, or a bad transistor in the receiver) the satellite radio stopped working. What part would be replaced and where is it located? Would they just give me a new SUV? I don't think so. So, that's all I'm trying to find out. It would be great if someone who has a 2020 GLC 300 SUV with Sirius radio installed, could look behind the rear, passenger side, cover panel right where the tailgate comes down, and look down in the bottom area below and to the right of where the fuse box is, and tell me what they see. I did just that. I see just an amplifier in my vehicle. The amp is in a metal frame that has 2 slots for holding equipment. One of them is filled with the amp. In earlier models of this vehicle, ie. 2019 for example, the other slot holds the SDAR unit, ie. the Sirius receiver. So if someone who has a 2020 GLC with Sirius doesn't see a receiver in that space, then it must be elsewhere--my guess is its built into the head unit.
Thanks for your comment. I understand that there may not be any instructions from MB for retrofitting one, but the parts dept. at MB can't even say what the part is. What if I had satellite radio, factory installed in my vehicle, and for some reason (like maybe a bad solder joint, or a bad transistor in the receiver) the satellite radio stopped working. What part would be replaced and where is it located? Would they just give me a new SUV? I don't think so. So, that's all I'm trying to find out. It would be great if someone who has a 2020 GLC 300 SUV with Sirius radio installed, could look behind the rear, passenger side, cover panel right where the tailgate comes down, and look down in the bottom area below and to the right of where the fuse box is, and tell me what they see. I did just that. I see just an amplifier in my vehicle. The amp is in a metal frame that has 2 slots for holding equipment. One of them is filled with the amp. In earlier models of this vehicle, ie. 2019 for example, the other slot holds the SDAR unit, ie. the Sirius receiver. So if someone who has a 2020 GLC with Sirius doesn't see a receiver in that space, then it must be elsewhere--my guess is its built into the head unit.
Please take a pic of your empty area. I will do the same when I get back to my car on Tuesday/Wednesday
Thanks. I've attached 4 pdf files of photos I took. You can see 1726 which is a close up of the label on 1728. Photo 1728 shows the board on the side where stuff plugs in. There is at least 1 unused jack down to the left by the yellow connector. 1729 is a close up of the part number for the metal frame holding the amp, and the open space below the amp as shown in 1730. That's where I'm assuming the SDAR unit would go. But if you have satellite, you'll be the one to know. Thanks for your help. Wiring harness panel in passenger side rear well.
Its behind the "felt-type" lining in the right, rear corner of the SUV. You have to undo some "screws", and pull back the lining all the way down into the base of the "trunk" of the SUV. Then just look around, and gently pull the linings back so you can see what's there. It goes back into place very easily. If you've never taken this type of stuff apart before in another vehicle, or you're not mechanically inclined, its probably something you may find overwhelming--but in truth its not. So I understand.
Its behind the "felt-type" lining in the right, rear corner of the SUV. You have to undo some "screws", and pull back the lining all the way down into the base of the "trunk" of the SUV. Then just look around, and gently pull the linings back so you can see what's there. It goes back into place very easily. If you've never taken this type of stuff apart before in another vehicle, or you're not mechanically inclined, its probably something you may find overwhelming--but in truth its not. So I understand.
hey were you able to get any more information on this? i have the same question
2020 every pricey option except Sirius and Garage opener. After an 1100 mile drive with a 4 foot white cable laying all around this beautiful car I was furious...I was told the $14,000 in options added to the car included Sirius in one of the packages and wasn't needed as a separate add on. Traded a fully, and I mean fully loaded Honda for the Benz and little things like having Sirius selectable from the head unit can make a huge difference in cable management and phone interaction while driving. I'll post if I can find a solution.
Thanks for your comments. My experience is similar to yours. The cable drives me nuts too. I ordered my car, ie. it was built for me, and I was told it came with Sirius. Not the case. I think what may be going on is that in prior year models, Sirius did come installed and it just had to be activated. Like many headunits, its a chip that's built into everything that is manufactured. With the 2020 it appears that there must be different headunits. My guess is that some headunits have the chip installed and others don't.
My '21 GLC did not come with Sirius either. I use Apple CarPlay with a wireless CarPlay adapter installed inside the center console. I use the Sirius/XM App on my phone, and control it by using Apple CarPlay.
I'm in this situation..... my SAT and ONLY my SAT stopped working because of a liquid spill in the trunk. The unit in question is in the back right. I believe its ONLY the SAT unit. The stealership said I need a whole unit...at $3400 including STAR coding.
I say bull****.
I see used SAT units online for between $100.00 and $200.00 and I am tempted to try it. But now I need to know if it needs to be STAR coded
I'm miffed that a small spill can cause that much dollar damage. VERY poor design.
I've replaced water damaged units in my C240 twice with used eBay modules. They are coded to the car for security/theft reasons ... sometimes. Dealer or indy with STAR should be able to clear the security code for you if necessary. Then, since the receiver has a different EID/SID, you will have to register that receiver with Sirius.
I've replaced water damaged units in my C240 twice with used eBay modules. They are coded to the car for security/theft reasons ... sometimes. Dealer or indy with STAR should be able to clear the security code for you if necessary. Then, since the receiver has a different EID/SID, you will have to register that receiver with Sirius.
thanks for the response Chris... I am calling around and it seems most indy service shops do not have the STAR XENTRY full subscriptions any more. MB wants $6500 a year to license it. I'm trying to find one
The dealerships won't touch a used unit coding it seems
thus they seem to be forcing me to pay $1400-2100 for a virgin unit
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