W221 amplifier replacment
#101
so that video is an utter waste of time - it didn't fix anything - or indeed tell us anything we didn't already know
#103
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First of all I want to say **** Mercedes service. Why? To give a bit of context I replaced my w221 amplifier with a OEM one I got from ebay last year when the prices seemed reasonable ($500) so when my audio issue happened again I was a bit skeptic if it was the amplifier the problem or another piece mind you the radio part was replaced in the past 3 years also. So I did what any reasonable person would do and brought it to mercedes for a diagnosis (before bringing it I did my own diagnosis and always came with the error "open ring" which meant I couldn't detect which part was wrong) so I assumed they probably had a tool that or a way to find a way to see exactly which part was faulty. After 3 hours of waiting and 300$ they came out short and told me they couldn't find the issue because I have a aftermarket screen installed lmao they kept telling me on there computer it was open ring also. Fast forward a day later and I found this thread so I bought a fibre loop and did my own diagnosis and the issue was the amplifier which was a year old. Decided to go on ebay to find the exact one but **** was 1k so I went the hyundai route and bought this amplifier " 2013 Hyundai Genesis 5.0L Radio Amplifier ID 96370-3M360 OEM " it was plug and play and worked perfectly. Only issue that I recognized is the volume which can only be changed with pressing the mute button and I have noticed by bass is a bit louder but tbh its something I can live with for spending $200 to repair the issue. So thanks again to OP for recommending a hyundai amplifier.
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PeterJFrancoIII (04-14-2023)
#104
Junior Member
FWIW the price on a new (reman) amplifier from Mercedes has come way down. I paid around $1500 for mine about a year ago. Now it's $857 from midatlanticmercedes. Seems pretty reasonable for a brand new genuine part with warranty. Good time to buy if you need one. 221-900-81-03-80
Last edited by argon3030; 02-16-2023 at 01:44 PM.
#105
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1967 230, 2009 CL550, 2013 GL550, 2007 CLK550
This thread saved me and my recently acquired 2009 CL550. I'm hoping to help any others experiencing similar issues with the Harman Kardon Becker amplifier.
After a TON of research, I decided to take a look at midatlanticmercedes as suggested by argon3030. The Harman Becker Amplifier is now on sale for $461! Though I didn't buy it directly from them, I did contact a friend who works for a MB dealership to confirm the part number. His dealership had the part in stock at a similar price!
The part number is 221-870-77-89-80 "Amplifier - Mercedes Benz" or "Remanufactured Amplifier 7021 For W221". I can confirm it was an exact plug and play match for the Model 7021 amp. It brought the COMAND system from visual navigation only to full AM/FM, CD, MP3, Voice Command, phone, etc.
There is an additional core charge, but all in for a part with a 1 year manufacturer warranty, I feel it's a great value.
Look online. Check with your local dealerships. Now may be a great time to buy a new amp!
After a TON of research, I decided to take a look at midatlanticmercedes as suggested by argon3030. The Harman Becker Amplifier is now on sale for $461! Though I didn't buy it directly from them, I did contact a friend who works for a MB dealership to confirm the part number. His dealership had the part in stock at a similar price!
The part number is 221-870-77-89-80 "Amplifier - Mercedes Benz" or "Remanufactured Amplifier 7021 For W221". I can confirm it was an exact plug and play match for the Model 7021 amp. It brought the COMAND system from visual navigation only to full AM/FM, CD, MP3, Voice Command, phone, etc.
There is an additional core charge, but all in for a part with a 1 year manufacturer warranty, I feel it's a great value.
Look online. Check with your local dealerships. Now may be a great time to buy a new amp!
Last edited by AlohaBenz007; 12-27-2023 at 01:00 AM. Reason: typo
#106
two or so years back one regular forum contributor informed us - Merc had forced the OEM manu to make re-man units available sensible cost - as the stock one is such an unreliable bit of junk - seems few read his post ?
I think he went on to say its a used casing - with entire new internals
I think he went on to say its a used casing - with entire new internals