Pbglas

When I bought my '04 E55, satellite radio equipment were not in stock. I decided to add it later since it was a dealer installed option. It was around 500+ then and is a 500 dollar option now (MB site). I am being quoted around 1.5K as an estimate now.

Anyone know how this is happening? I live in Chicago. Anyone know of a dealer here or near here who charges a 'fair' price? What have people been paying lately? 500 to 900 seems to be the range in another thread on this site.

Vic55

I dont know of any dealer in your area but I used my local radio shop to get the satellite unit from a MBZ dealer for cost and he did the install. The labor was way cheaper and actually the install is probably cleaner too. I paid 536.00 for the unit back in August of 2004. I did also buy a twin to single wire adapter so I could use the Terk mini antenna.

Pbglas

When did you have it done?
I am being told the equipment itself is about 1.5K.

xraymd

I had mine done by the dealer (with hole drilled in trunk lid) last March for about 1K installed. I think the parts were about $550. I'd be asking around if I were you.

ERINIC

I bought an XM Commander for about 150.00 and had a high end shop install and hide the antenna under the deck behind the rear seats for about 100.00. When the dealer quoted me 1,000.00 to install the factory model and told me there would be drilling into my trunk deck and a fist sized antenna sitting there, I thought this was the best thing for me. I was right. Reception is perfect and the little command module fits perfectly over the ash tray cover (which goes unused anyway).

Vic55

I had it done in August of 2004... you can go aftermarket but its nice to have the display on the Nav screen. No way should the module be 1500???

Pbglas

Thanks all. I will ask around. Anyone recommend a place within reasonable distance?

Good you confirmed my feelings the estimates are outrageous.

BigSis

MBenzNL can also offer a SAT radio kit - including installation during one of the Chicago trips, and for less than quoted by your dealer. The antenna will be stealth installed, and won't be mounted on the trunk. The stealth installed antenna may cause occasional drop outs, but beats the trunk mounted antenna... IMO.

If interested - and if you don't mind waiting for Steve to drop by - mail us at MBenzNL.

greetingz,

BigSis

Pbglas

I tried sending a PM to MBenzNL and to you -- with no luck. How does one contact you to ask questions -- timing, cost, etc.

houston

Just send an email to Steve@MBenzNL.com . They receive alot of emails but they will get back to you as soon as they can.

BigSis

Thanks, Houston... you beat me to it.

Pbglass, just a FYI: I disabled the PM feature, because I ended up getting quite some requests for price quotes through it. And since we save all our price quotes in Steve's mailbox... well, guess it will be obvious why I did that.

Anyways, you can reach us by sending a mail to Steve@MBenzNL.com, info@MBenzNL.com, or sales@MBenzNL.com. Plenty of choices. :p

greetingz,

BigSis

Pbglas

Email sent. Thanks Houston and BigSis.