I'm about to buy a car with SAT radio on it. Do all E55's w/ Satellite have that bulge installed on the trunk?
And if so, are they painted the body color?

The reason I ask is that I looked at a black car this weekend that had it, and it looked pretty ugly. It was black plastic and looked aftermarket even though they said it's a MB item.

I thought satellite would utilize the little antenna on top of the rear glass and wouldn't need a seperate deal.

Almost all Satellite radios installed by the dealers have that bulge.

There are only a few that don't have the bulge and that is either because MBenzNL did the install or a service guy that has a good relationship with the owner did the install.

However, there was some debate as to the quality of the reception when the antenna was not installed on the trunk. But I think the quality was not diminished too much. At least you didn't have the ugly wart.

What's the "ulgy wart"? The thing I saw saturday wasn't too attractive.

Also, does the trunk bulge have the same paint color as the car it's on? (silver or gray or whatever?) It's hard to tell in the pictures I see of cars online.

The ugly wart/trunk bulge is the satellite radio antenna. The antenna on the roof isn't available for satellite radio.

I think the later generation antenna's were painted the same color as the car. The first round of antennas were usually black.

Thanks! I appreciate the info. I think the car I'm getting has it and is painted the same color as the car.

Scott they have a smaller one now, you can switch out. The new one is L2"XW2"XH.75" Is the Sirius working in the car now? I have the old double thick hockey puck satenna and the reception is poor. I heard a rumor that Sirius is not turning off radios any more, so some folks are getting it for free.

I found a better picture... I think it's the smaller better looking one...

Yeah thats the new one. Its not as bad as the pics make it look.

My SAT antenna was hidden under the rear shelf by Steve. The reception is not great, but good enough. I compare the reception to my other car which has a roof antenna, and the E55 is about 80% as good. Overhanging trees seem to be the worst culprit. I'm now wondering if anyone makes a SAT antenna amplifier, becuase no matter where the antenna is placed, you will have some cutouts (at least where I live in relation to the satellite).

I think Sirius in general has reception issues even under conducive conditions. But if you do find an amp that works please post your finding.

I have satellite on my '04 and it has the black ugly antenna. On my silver car I just try to ignore it. Reception is excellent - although our trees have fronds instead of leaves.

I've thought about painting the antenna, since it looks like it unscrews but I don't want to do anything that will mess up the reception.

Barry

Scott,

It is the smaller antenna and it is ordered to match the color of the car. Regarding reception, I have not had any problems with Sirius. By the way, the service is prepaid through Oct 07. I should know....that is my car (but not for long!)

Oh hey Todd. I didn't know you frequented here.

I'm excited about the car man.


And cool about the service! That's sweet.

I'll be calling you about picking it up. It will be Fri or Sat as we discussed. Not sure which yet, but am working to find out ASAP.

For the E63, it is incorporated on the roof. Looks good and is body colored.

Definitely not sitting in the middle of my trunk hood.