AM Radio reception
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 265
Likes: 89
From: Seattle
Currently ‘2015 S550 4matic. Previously 03 E320, ‘06 S430, ‘08 S550 4matic
AM Radio reception
Over the air AM radio reception has never been “acceptable” in my ‘15 W222. The static, even with strong signal local stations, is mind numbing.
I was out this morning and wanted to listen to the NFL game on a local AM sports station. All I get now is what sounds like a Honda portable generator!
engine running out not running…I also know that atmospheric conditions affect AM but it is totally wiped out.
Any ideas?
I know that AM radio is way down the list of audio sources, but it’s like my 77 year old “man part”: I don’t use it for fun much anymore but it’s still there and I want it to work when the mood strikes😏
Thanks!
I was out this morning and wanted to listen to the NFL game on a local AM sports station. All I get now is what sounds like a Honda portable generator!
engine running out not running…I also know that atmospheric conditions affect AM but it is totally wiped out.
Any ideas?
I know that AM radio is way down the list of audio sources, but it’s like my 77 year old “man part”: I don’t use it for fun much anymore but it’s still there and I want it to work when the mood strikes😏
Thanks!
Last edited by SSBN629 Seattle; Nov 16, 2025 at 04:57 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 573
Likes: 179
From: Half Moon Bay, CA
2016 S550e, 2005 Nissan Xterra 4x4, 1984 300ZX
Funny but I found my 16's to be the best AM reception of any car I have owned either with stock radio or aftermarket addition, but I usually stream iHeart vs. local AM. I live in a tough area for any radio reception, wondering if something is up with yours as I get more stations in the MB than any others I have used.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 265
Likes: 89
From: Seattle
Currently ‘2015 S550 4matic. Previously 03 E320, ‘06 S430, ‘08 S550 4matic
Thanks.
I live just north of the Seattle city limits and there are numerous local AM stations with signals strong enough to come through better than what I get
I live just north of the Seattle city limits and there are numerous local AM stations with signals strong enough to come through better than what I get
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 798
From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 743
Likes: 228
From: Santa Barbara, CA
S550C4, Porsche Cayenne
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 265
Likes: 89
From: Seattle
Currently ‘2015 S550 4matic. Previously 03 E320, ‘06 S430, ‘08 S550 4matic
the command head had been replaced just before getting the car..maybe the antenna has worked loose.
thanks
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 798
From: Pacific Northwest
2001 S600 V12 Sold, 2011 Jaguar XFR Sold, 2017 S550 4-Matic, 2018 S63 AMG Sedan
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 431
S600
Last year the "fin" at the back roof of my GLS 450 got smashed by an incomplete garage door opening.
After bonk, radio reception was crap, both FM and AM,
After being fixed, both now work as expected.
After bonk, radio reception was crap, both FM and AM,
After being fixed, both now work as expected.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 784
Likes: 249
From: USA
Over the air AM radio reception has never been “acceptable” in my ‘15 W222. The static, even with strong signal local stations, is mind numbing.
I was out this morning and wanted to listen to the NFL game on a local AM sports station. All I get now is what sounds like a Honda portable generator!
engine running out not running…I also know that atmospheric conditions affect AM but it is totally wiped out.
Any ideas?
I know that AM radio is way down the list of audio sources, but it’s like my 77 year old “man part”: I don’t use it for fun much anymore but it’s still there and I want it to work when the mood strikes😏
Thanks!
I was out this morning and wanted to listen to the NFL game on a local AM sports station. All I get now is what sounds like a Honda portable generator!
engine running out not running…I also know that atmospheric conditions affect AM but it is totally wiped out.
Any ideas?
I know that AM radio is way down the list of audio sources, but it’s like my 77 year old “man part”: I don’t use it for fun much anymore but it’s still there and I want it to work when the mood strikes😏
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 265
Likes: 89
From: Seattle
Currently ‘2015 S550 4matic. Previously 03 E320, ‘06 S430, ‘08 S550 4matic
Over the air AM radio reception has never been “acceptable” in my ‘15 W222. The static, even with strong signal local stations, is mind numbing.
I was out this morning and wanted to listen to the NFL game on a local AM sports station. All I get now is what sounds like a Honda portable generator!
engine running out not running…I also know that atmospheric conditions affect AM but it is totally wiped out.
Any ideas?
I know that AM radio is way down the list of audio sources, but it’s like my 77 year old “man part”: I don’t use it for fun much anymore but it’s still there and I want it to work when the mood strikes😏
Thanks!
I was out this morning and wanted to listen to the NFL game on a local AM sports station. All I get now is what sounds like a Honda portable generator!
engine running out not running…I also know that atmospheric conditions affect AM but it is totally wiped out.
Any ideas?
I know that AM radio is way down the list of audio sources, but it’s like my 77 year old “man part”: I don’t use it for fun much anymore but it’s still there and I want it to work when the mood strikes😏
Thanks!
The problem is caused by my using the power source (2 prong outlet) at the rear of the center console to power my dash cam. I have a converter from wall outlet to “cigarette lighter” power plugs. I also have a couple USB ports on the converter with charger cords attached for phone charging.
My Indy scanned the system and figured it out right away. Unplugged the converter and the AM cleared right up.
As it stands, when I am listing to AM, the dash cam will need to
be unplugged.
Thanks again for all of your input.
Be well
Chuck
Last edited by SSBN629 Seattle; Dec 18, 2025 at 04:45 PM.
