power antenna blues

mine's frozen all the way up. when i start or stop the car i hear it try to operate for about 5 seconds. are these repairable or just switch it out ($170 at MB). I notice that they want an exchange so somebody must be repairing them.

bis denn
hanns
84 300D turbo

[DieselGuy]

Sounds like your antenna mast siezed up. You don't have to replace the motor. If you hear it then it means it's ok. I just bought a mast for $26...Hirshmann. Loosen the the nut at the base of the mast with a 13mm wrench. I believe there is a 13mm wrench in the tool kit that came with the car. After you completely loosen the nut, turn on the radio and push the antenna button to max (if you have that button). It's best to have an assistant turn it on and raise the antenna so you can hold the mast as the plastic spline is released. Take note of the teeth on the spline. Insert the new mast into the hole. Make sure the teeth of the spline is in the same position as the old one and push it in until it feels seated. Have your assistant turn off the radio. The motor should catch the spline and pull the rest of it in along with the mast. Make sure the mast goes in straight. Tighten the lock nut on the new mast. Turn the radio on again to test the operation.

Good Luck,
Nolan