2002 ML320 Radio - Sound Problems
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From: Atlanta, GA - USA
2002 ML 320
2002 ML320 Radio - Sound Problems
I was wondering if anyone out there with a 2002 (or later) ML has experienced problems with the Radio's sound quality. (I have the Bose Sound System.)
It seems that the sound quality will suddenly change, particularly in the high tones (trebble). Its almost like switching from an FM to an AM station. It does not appear to happen when a CD is playing, but I am not sure. Basically, I really notice it when the sound will suddenly become clear again - it almost sounds like my ears just popped or something.
I have complained about it at the dealship several times, but they always just come back with their standard "could not reproduce at this time" response when I pick my car up!
Has anyone else experienced this? More importantly - has anyone found a solution?
Thanks much!
DRB
It seems that the sound quality will suddenly change, particularly in the high tones (trebble). Its almost like switching from an FM to an AM station. It does not appear to happen when a CD is playing, but I am not sure. Basically, I really notice it when the sound will suddenly become clear again - it almost sounds like my ears just popped or something.
I have complained about it at the dealship several times, but they always just come back with their standard "could not reproduce at this time" response when I pick my car up!
Has anyone else experienced this? More importantly - has anyone found a solution?
Thanks much!
DRB
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Cincinnati
2002 ML320
I had the same thing happen to my 2002 ML320. I took it to the dealership here in Cincinnati and they said that something was wrong in the software and that this problem was pretty common in this model year. The ordered me a new radio and replaced the entire unit. A big fiasco if you ask me, but atleast my radio works properly now.
It almost makes it sound like it's all trebble and it is only coming out of a couple speakers - very shallow sounding. I hope this helps and good luck.
It almost makes it sound like it's all trebble and it is only coming out of a couple speakers - very shallow sounding. I hope this helps and good luck.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,894
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From: Connecticut
2003 CLK55
I know I only have a 1999 ML430, but my radio sucked...absolute sucked! Sound quality was horrible. I went with a Clarion head unit, new speakers and an amp. After all this the sound quality is better...but no where near my CLK430 sound quality. Guy at the radio store says I need sub woofers in the rear to really bring the sound up to par. I believe him. So to get to my point.....just another reason why this is a "truck" and not a "car".
It still kicks but....don't get me wrong. This baby killed in the snow a few days ago!!!!
It still kicks but....don't get me wrong. This baby killed in the snow a few days ago!!!!
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From: San Francisco
2002 ML500
Stereo to mono in FM radio
I had this same problem where the FM sounds would randomly switch from stereo to mono and vice versa. It is a known problem, but don't let your SA tell you otherwise. They will play dumb as they did in my case. Be persistent and insist that they replace the radio. You will need the part number in order for your SA to understand what you are referring to. Unfortunately, I do not have the part number with me now.
I hope this helps.
I hope this helps.
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Part number
Can the people who had their radio replaced tell me the part number that ypu have on the new radio ?
My dealer is replacing the radio for me after I mentioned this article to my SA, we are trying to find out if the new part number has the same part number with the people who have had their radio replaced due to the radio sound problem.
Thanks a lot.
My dealer is replacing the radio for me after I mentioned this article to my SA, we are trying to find out if the new part number has the same part number with the people who have had their radio replaced due to the radio sound problem.
Thanks a lot.
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From: Bronx
1998 ML 320
Stereo\Mono problem
Just had my '02 ML320 in for service. Told them about the radio going from Stereo to Mono. I gave them the part number I got from this message board but they said that was not the fix.
Instead they replaced the amp, saying that the problem could be due to the amp overheating...
I think it may have fixed the problem but time will tell.
Nick
Instead they replaced the amp, saying that the problem could be due to the amp overheating...
I think it may have fixed the problem but time will tell.
Nick
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From: San Francisco
2002 ML500
So was the radio problem fixed for you?
Was your SA able to hear the radio problem? Or did he just took your word for it?
If you truly did get it fixed, I greatly appreciate if you could please share the repair description along with the parts number in your invoice statement. It would help alot of us here at mbworld.org and benzworld.org! Thank you so much!
If you truly did get it fixed, I greatly appreciate if you could please share the repair description along with the parts number in your invoice statement. It would help alot of us here at mbworld.org and benzworld.org! Thank you so much!
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Joined: Dec 2001
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I had the same problem
I had my dealer replaced the MCS 3 times (not 1 or 2 times, but 3 times), I still have the problem. I don't think the problem is in the amplifier, because this doesn't happen on CD and tape. It only happens on the radio. If over heating is the cause, then it should happen on CD and tape also. I am truly hope I am wrong on this. I test drove '03 model, it did not have the problem.
On the other hand, the service manager filed this to TAC (I think it stands for Technical Assistance Center) 3 months ago, he never heard a single word from them after he filed this to TAC. This will be my last MB product.
On the other hand, the service manager filed this to TAC (I think it stands for Technical Assistance Center) 3 months ago, he never heard a single word from them after he filed this to TAC. This will be my last MB product.
Last edited by russell; May 27, 2003 at 07:34 PM.
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From: San Francisco
2002 ML500
I think you're right about the
amp part. If the amp is overheating, then the tape and CD should be effected too (it makes sense). So you had your SA replace the radio (or MCS) 3 times!?!? I can't believe it didn't resolve the problem..sheesh!
At least your SA acknowledges that there is a problem. The two service dealers that I went to in San Francisco (Folsom and Clay)...they think I'm hearing things, because they were unable to duplicate the stereo to mono problem after testing my ML for 10 miles!!
Well, I hope it's not your last MB product, because of a little radio problem. I mean it is very annoying when your song goes from stereo to mono every so often, but for me...I don't listen to the radio that much. CD for me.
At least your SA acknowledges that there is a problem. The two service dealers that I went to in San Francisco (Folsom and Clay)...they think I'm hearing things, because they were unable to duplicate the stereo to mono problem after testing my ML for 10 miles!!
Well, I hope it's not your last MB product, because of a little radio problem. I mean it is very annoying when your song goes from stereo to mono every so often, but for me...I don't listen to the radio that much. CD for me.
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From: Bronx
1998 ML 320
amp
Here is the part number used in replacing the Amp. My SA said that the MCS replacement was used in the older models. I have an '02 320. I agree with the fact it may not be the amp since it only happens on the radio.
Replacing the Amp may be the fix, but the diagnosis may not be overheating. That would explain why it doesn't happen with the cd.
So far I have no complaints and it has been a week. Will keep everyone posted.
Speaker Audio Amplifier.
163-820-27-89
Replacing the Amp may be the fix, but the diagnosis may not be overheating. That would explain why it doesn't happen with the cd.
So far I have no complaints and it has been a week. Will keep everyone posted.
Speaker Audio Amplifier.
163-820-27-89
Last edited by St Nick; May 28, 2003 at 10:49 AM.
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Please allow me to take my woeds back,
this will not be my last MB vehicle. I still love this truck.
Nick, I called my SA to inform him the possible fix by replacing the audio amplifier. He doen't want to replace the amplifier if this has not been confirmed by MB. The reason is because the amplifier is mounted way back behind the driver side dash. It requires a lot of effort to get to the amplifier, if this is not authorized by MB, they will not get paid. He was asking me to see if I can find out more information on this fix. So here I am, Nick, may I ask you the name of your SA, phone number, name of the dealership and if possible your name. My SA told me if I can find out these information, he will contact them to find out exactly what did your SA do to fix the problem then he can do the same thing on my truck. Appreciate your help.
Nick, I called my SA to inform him the possible fix by replacing the audio amplifier. He doen't want to replace the amplifier if this has not been confirmed by MB. The reason is because the amplifier is mounted way back behind the driver side dash. It requires a lot of effort to get to the amplifier, if this is not authorized by MB, they will not get paid. He was asking me to see if I can find out more information on this fix. So here I am, Nick, may I ask you the name of your SA, phone number, name of the dealership and if possible your name. My SA told me if I can find out these information, he will contact them to find out exactly what did your SA do to fix the problem then he can do the same thing on my truck. Appreciate your help.
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From: San Francisco
2002 ML500
I thank you, too, Nick!
Russell, please keep us updated with your fix on the radio. I will talk to my SA when I come back next week. I'll also keep you guys posted. Good luck everyone!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,894
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From: Connecticut
2003 CLK55
Added 3 more speakers to my ML430!!!
2 tweeters in the door sils. and a 13 inch subwoofer in the back. Also added sirius satellite radio to my clarion head unit!!! This radio sounds awesome now!!! Love the satelite radio!!! I will try to post some pics!!!
2 tweeters in the door sils. and a 13 inch subwoofer in the back. Also added sirius satellite radio to my clarion head unit!!! This radio sounds awesome now!!! Love the satelite radio!!! I will try to post some pics!!!
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Need opinon
My SA called me back, he talked to his boss about the replacement of the amplifier. His boss told him go ahead to change the amplifier just to see if this cures the problem or not. This will be no charge. However, I am hasitate to say ok to my SA. I believe the amplifier is mounted way behind the driver side dash board. A lot of stuffs need to be removed in order to get the amplifier, I am worried about rattles and squeeks. Should I give a try ? Thanks.
