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I had an issue with my navigation. It would show no satelites and my location was somewhere in the middle of Lake Erie (God forbid these cars are not submarines). Problem started last November when the weather started getting cold. At first I was able to get it to work by cleaning the corroded splitter contact (located on inside of left rear quarte panel). It looked like there was water intrusion. After good cleaning the navigation worked for a while. When the weather turned really cold this winter the navigation stopped working again.
2 weeks ago I installed a new splitter. I thught for sure this was the problem. Well this did not fix it. I tried disconnecting the battery for a while and this didn't work either. My next step was to purchase a cheap GPS antenna with Fakra connector (it fits on back of our navigation unit).
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SAT-NAV-GPS-ANTENNA-FAKRA-MFD2-RNS2-RNS-E-MFD-2-VW-0295-/220817231611?pt=GPS_Antennas&hash=item3369bb8efb#ht_3372wt_981
I connected the new antenna directly to the navigation unit. Bypassed the splitter since the Fakra connector will not fit on the splitter anyways. Navigation works now. I experimented with different locations for the antenna since I didn't want to remove the existing OEM antenna. I ended up placing the GPS antenna inside the car on the rear shelf behind rear head rest under the windshield. This way antenna was able to locate satelites. It's not as efficient as being on top of the roof but it's located inside out of the elements and it was cleaner wire routing.
Something I didn't know.
New GPS antenna has magnet on the bottom. When I was experimenting with antenna locations I placed it on top of the trunk and it didn't stick. Is the trunk on these cars plastic?
Anyways I routed the wire from top shelf by partially unsaping the left speaker cover then I was able to route Fakra connector trough one of the large snap holes and down the left side of the trunk wall towards the navigation unit. Sorry but I don't have photos. Anyways I was able to fix the navigation for $30. I am sure you can find cheaper antennas form China but I didn't feel like dealing with overseas sellers. I hope this helps if you have navigation issues.
Please advise where spiltter is located.Should I remove panel where DVD player is or is it the actual trunk hood.I am having the same problem.Thanks so much.
Something I didn't know.
New GPS antenna has magnet on the bottom. When I was experimenting with antenna locations I placed it on top of the trunk and it didn't stick. Is the trunk on these cars plastic?
Timely thread resurrection. Over the weekend I noticed my wagon thinks it's parked in the middle of White Rock Lake. Does anyone know where this mythical splitter lives in a wagon? Car is still under CPO warranty so I'll likely just throw it at the dealer.
No longer stock '06 E55, A3 3.2 Quattro, GLE 400d, R107 280SL, Golf Polo
Gosh mine just gone AWOL as well I'll try the battery disconnect first ... Also I can't set the time in the car by increments smaller than 30 mins... Which implies I should be getting a sat signal. Let's see.
I did the same thing and mounted mine inside of the rear window. It works great, and at times I can even pick up 9 satellites. Just wanted to say thanks to the OP for posting this, if not I would have pulled my hair out trying to figure out how to fix this. Cheers!
I pulled my splitter out and yep... holy crap the thing was corroded. I cleaned it with electrical connector spray and a pick to get all of the gunk out... and it hasn't found any sats yet.
So... instead of getting an aftermarket antenna, I found a splitter on ebay for $30 and am going to try that first.
The shark fin antennas are only about $130 (not cheap...but not too bad) on ebay as well and if the splitter doesn't fix it, I'll probably go that route to keep it stock.
Will keep you updated... splitter should be here next week.
Finally got around to doing this... I bought the Fakra antenna from amazon for like $12... and ran the wire through the window channel like 1970GSX did... and boom. In 3 minutes, back in action.
Pulling the Nav unit doesn't even take special tools or a screwdriver... I was able to press down the retaining clips (pink) with my thumb and pull it out.
I was contemplating replacing the shark antenna, but honestly, the new little one placed in front of it with the wire ran through the window channel looks factory and for the price.... well... winner winner chicken dinner.
If this hasn't happened in your W211 yet, I guarantee it will and I totally recommend just adding the new antenna instead of even trying to replace the splitter (which I did) because that antenna line is going to be shot.
A few pics to show what I did... Normally, I'm super ****-retentive about things not looking "stock" or "OEM"... but the only thing that sticks out at all is the small cable going from the window sill through the trunk lid and that's not even bothering me. The cable fits perfectly in the window sill.
Antenna mounted in front of the shark fin:
The only thing visible:
Nothing visible in the trunk:
And here is what I bought (so I lied... it wasn't $12... it was $15):
[QUOTE=pullejo;6568080]Finally got around to doing this... I bought the Fakra antenna from amazon for like $12... and ran the wire through the window channel like 1970GSX did... and boom. In 3 minutes, back in action.
Thanks. Got the Fakra Antenna yesterday, and installed it today. Mounted it on the roof top just as you did. It's back in good working condition.
I paid ~$23 for shipping and delivery. Anyone having this problem should try this route first. Thanks once again.
I had an issue with my navigation. It would show no satelites and my location was somewhere in the middle of Lake Erie (God forbid these cars are not submarines). Problem started last November when the weather started getting cold. At first I was able to get it to work by cleaning the corroded splitter contact (located on inside of left rear quarte panel). It looked like there was water intrusion. After good cleaning the navigation worked for a while. When the weather turned really cold this winter the navigation stopped working again.
2 weeks ago I installed a new splitter. I thught for sure this was the problem. Well this did not fix it. I tried disconnecting the battery for a while and this didn't work either. My next step was to purchase a cheap GPS antenna with Fakra connector (it fits on back of our navigation unit).
I connected the new antenna directly to the navigation unit. Bypassed the splitter since the Fakra connector will not fit on the splitter anyways. Navigation works now. I experimented with different locations for the antenna since I didn't want to remove the existing OEM antenna. I ended up placing the GPS antenna inside the car on the rear shelf behind rear head rest under the windshield. This way antenna was able to locate satelites. It's not as efficient as being on top of the roof but it's located inside out of the elements and it was cleaner wire routing.
Something I didn't know.
New GPS antenna has magnet on the bottom. When I was experimenting with antenna locations I placed it on top of the trunk and it didn't stick. Is the trunk on these cars plastic?
Anyways I routed the wire from top shelf by partially unsaping the left speaker cover then I was able to route Fakra connector trough one of the large snap holes and down the left side of the trunk wall towards the navigation unit. Sorry but I don't have photos. Anyways I was able to fix the navigation for $30. I am sure you can find cheaper antennas form China but I didn't feel like dealing with overseas sellers. I hope this helps if you have navigation issues.
Why didn't you replace the OEM antenna instead of sticking this antenna on the roof? I don't wanna attack you but if you can afford an AMG then you should be able to afford this antenna. It's not that expensive in terms of parts. Just saying!
Why didn't you replace the OEM antenna instead of sticking this antenna on the roof? I don't wanna attack you but if you can afford an AMG then you should be able to afford this antenna. It's not that expensive in terms of parts. Just saying!
No one wants to pull the headliner out which is what you have to do to replace the antenna.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
