Thanks guys, I called the Becker repair folks and spoke with a great guy named Ed. He said exchange /repair is $175 for my model 1492 regardless of problem with unit. Sounds very fair.

Looking at my AllData wiring diagram I see my '95 S320 should have a rear window AM antenna amplifier, an FM bumper antenna amplifier and an automatic raising antenna for the telephone/ radio with power coming from the the head unit.

Looks like 12V from anywhere should extend the antenna, (even though it should come from the radio when its on). I think I'll just send power there through a switch, since I really don't want the antenna up when listening to CD's.

Next question is this:

Didn't some of the other MB models have a switch that controlled the antenna manually. I'd like to put in a switch that looks like it belongs there with the correct markings not some generic toggle.

Any idea what years/models had these switches?

TJ