Satellite Radio Question
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 297
Likes: 2
From: Houston
2005 E55
Satellite Radio Question
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,393
Likes: 11
From: Pasadena
2004 E55
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.
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.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 297
Likes: 2
From: Houston
2005 E55
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,393
Likes: 11
From: Pasadena
2004 E55
I think the later generation antenna's were painted the same color as the car. The first round of antennas were usually black.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,642
Likes: 13
From: Caribbean/Florida/Colorado
E-ZGO 53hp., 1999 E 430 sport, 2004 E 55, 2008 Tahoe LTZ on 24"s
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.
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.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
03 E55
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).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,642
Likes: 13
From: Caribbean/Florida/Colorado
E-ZGO 53hp., 1999 E 430 sport, 2004 E 55, 2008 Tahoe LTZ on 24"s
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.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
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
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
Almost a Member!
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
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!)
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!)
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 297
Likes: 2
From: Houston
2005 E55
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.
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.
