Sirius radio no service when sky is obstructed
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
2012 ML 350 Bluetec
Sirius radio no service when sky is obstructed
I have had satellite radio for years now and never had an issue with losing the signal when going under an overpass or trees. Maybe my other radios had some kind of cache that kept the station playing for a few seconds even when the antenna couldn't get a signal. But in my Mercedes the station cuts out often the instant my antenna is obstructed from the sky. It's annoying. Anyone have similar experiences or explanations?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 326
Likes: 2
300D Turbo 1984
I have had satellite radio for years now and never had an issue with losing the signal when going under an overpass or trees. Maybe my other radios had some kind of cache that kept the station playing for a few seconds even when the antenna couldn't get a signal. But in my Mercedes the station cuts out often the instant my antenna is obstructed from the sky. It's annoying. Anyone have similar experiences or explanations?
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This is a by product of the mount of the antenna within the housing. Lexus/Toyota got it right. BMW/MB are bass ackwards in their module design. Just drive under bridges really fast. The turbo kicks in very nicely half way through 2nd gear.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Central US
2013 ML350 4Matic
My XM car radios (in GM and Toyota vehicles) work fine in most urban areas, because XM often has terrestrial broadcast as backup. I do have problems in deep canyons in rural areas.
I don't have Sirius experience yet, but my ML350 is due to be delivered this week.
I don't have Sirius experience yet, but my ML350 is due to be delivered this week.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,770
Likes: 1,264
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
I have had satellite radio for years now and never had an issue with losing the signal when going under an overpass or trees. Maybe my other radios had some kind of cache that kept the station playing for a few seconds even when the antenna couldn't get a signal. But in my Mercedes the station cuts out often the instant my antenna is obstructed from the sky. It's annoying. Anyone have similar experiences or explanations?
Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 177
Likes: 5
From: UK
GLC43AMG Polar White, 21" Alloys, Prem Plus Package, LED Intelligent Light, 360 Camera
I noticed the same with DAB radio in the UK.. However DAB is not satellite based but it kept dropping the signal in my area, Hence I did not order it. Seems that they can't get this right either!!
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Central US
2013 ML350 4Matic
My ML350 has been delivered, so now I have Sirius experience. My XM car receivers work inside my house garage. The Sirius in the ML does not, until I raise the garage door. However, there is a parking garage I use frequently where the Sirius works well and the XM cuts out a lot.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 872
Likes: 105
From: Pacific Northwest
2022 GLE450
I don't see how that holds true. There is not obligation from MB here since all their units work like this. Over time future units will improve but your dealer will just confirm what this forum already did.
I don't get what is being specifically paid for that is not being received that a warranty visit will remedy?
I don't get what is being specifically paid for that is not being received that a warranty visit will remedy?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
2012 ML 350 BlueTec
I don't see how that holds true. There is not obligation from MB here since all their units work like this. Over time future units will improve but your dealer will just confirm what this forum already did.
I don't get what is being specifically paid for that is not being received that a warranty visit will remedy?
I don't get what is being specifically paid for that is not being received that a warranty visit will remedy?
Another example that comes to mind is what if the distronic only worked in clear weather. That would be wrong since the car was designed to operate in the rain.
That's just my opinion.
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
'15 GL350 Bluetec
As for Sirius cutting out, it has always done that, always will. It's a pretty well known fact. Now, I'm not saying that M-B's don't suffer more than other makes, but it is the nature of the technology. If there are not sufficient terrestrial repeaters, and the satellite signal is lost, without a cache or buffer of data, you will lose the signal.
Just sayin'...
