SL/R230: SL55 Radio Problem
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2005 SL55 2014 E350 Wagon
SL55 Radio Problem
I own a 2005 SL 55 that I have had for nine years. I am having trouble with the radio. It is not working most of the time. If I drive the car for about an hour to 45 minutes and the turn on the radio, the radio, CD changer and GPS will generally work.
If I turn on the radio after starting the car, it will work for about ten seconds and the stop. Occasionally the radio frequency will remain on the screen, vanish within 10 seconds and the radio will shut down. Other times the screen will come up blank and then shut down. So, about 90% of the time the radio is no longer working.
I have contacted a couple of car radio places and the responses are mixed. One suggested a diagnosis and a radio replacement with a total cost of a little over $2K. Another suggested a radio replacement at $3 to $4K. Neither seemed to have seen enough of the SL’s to really give me confidence in providing a solution to my problem. The amount of money seems a bit high. The car is 12 years old and I love it. It’s in outstanding condition. I plan to continue driving it for at least two more years.
Has this happened to anyone before? If so, what did you do to fix it?
If I turn on the radio after starting the car, it will work for about ten seconds and the stop. Occasionally the radio frequency will remain on the screen, vanish within 10 seconds and the radio will shut down. Other times the screen will come up blank and then shut down. So, about 90% of the time the radio is no longer working.
I have contacted a couple of car radio places and the responses are mixed. One suggested a diagnosis and a radio replacement with a total cost of a little over $2K. Another suggested a radio replacement at $3 to $4K. Neither seemed to have seen enough of the SL’s to really give me confidence in providing a solution to my problem. The amount of money seems a bit high. The car is 12 years old and I love it. It’s in outstanding condition. I plan to continue driving it for at least two more years.
Has this happened to anyone before? If so, what did you do to fix it?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2005 SL55 2014 E350 Wagon
Thanks for the reply! I have considered that. However, it was mentioned that some fiber optic issue may be causing the problem. Would another reconditioned radio address this issue?
Also, did a Mercedes dealer have to perform any sort of computer identification procedure to make your new radio work?
Also, did a Mercedes dealer have to perform any sort of computer identification procedure to make your new radio work?
Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 99
Likes: 9
From: Florida
2004 SL55 AMG
