The AM reception in my '99 C280 is really bad and I think there must be something wrong. Also, when I turn on the rear window defogger I get static noise through the radio.

Where is the AM antenna? I've heard it's in the rear bumper. I've also heard it's in the back window.

Any ideas on why this is happening and how to fix it?

Thanks!!!

Dan

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2003 Hyundai Santa Fe, Silver
1999 C280 Sport, Black
1997 Ford Escort, Toreador Red

The antenna is in the back window , the amplifier is in the left rear pillar and sometimes has a loose fitting or a loose ground on it. Do you have tint on your window? If it is metallic it could be a problem. Is your radio a becker or a alpine oem? Check the code card be stands for becke,

Scott

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The Mercedes Specialists Since 1986

Scott, thank you so much for taking time to answer my questions.

No aftermarket window tinting has been applied. I'll check the amplifier to see if there's something wrong there. Is there a way to test the amplifier (resistance ranges, etc)?

Is the "code card" part of the owner's guide documents or is it on the car somewhere? I'm not at home to be able to look through my documents right now. The radio pictured below (not mine) is like the one in my car.

Much thanks...Dan

Attached Thumbnails

 

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2003 Hyundai Santa Fe, Silver
1999 C280 Sport, Black
1997 Ford Escort, Toreador Red

I spent the evening tearing apart my rear left panel to access the splitter/amplifier. I found nothing unusual and everything was all plugged in. Also, when I unplugged the wires back there, the AM reception did not change--the signal neither improved nor got worse.

So I pulled the radio out to see if the antenna wire was plugged in. It was. When I pulled the antenna wire out, the signal cut out altogether.

I found the radio code card. It is s/n BE 3302 W 1040648, code no. 62251. On the radio itself are the numbers A 208 820 05 86, model CM2299, s/n AL 2299 W 08 20668. The card numbers seem to indicate Becker, while the actual numbers on the radio seem to indicate Alpine. Does this mean the radio has been changed out at some point?

The quest for a good signal continues....

Dan

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2003 Hyundai Santa Fe, Silver
1999 C280 Sport, Black
1997 Ford Escort, Toreador Red

It indicates you have an alpine radio and I don't usually see the alpine with a bad tuner. I sounds to me like an antenna problem and you might go to the local stereo shop and buy a basic antenna to test with (remember you will need a euro antenna adapter and plug it in behind the radio to compare between the stock and the aftermarket antenna.
Scott

__________________
The Mercedes Specialists Since 1986

Scott --

Once again, your expert advice is sincerely appreciated. I'll continue my analysis based on your suggestions. Dan

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2003 Hyundai Santa Fe, Silver
1999 C280 Sport, Black
1997 Ford Escort, Toreador Red

Were you ever able to fix your AM problem?

Curt

I had the same thing, it was a bad amplifier. According to the Becker technician, these are a failure item. Mine was located under the rear package shelf.
Ed

I have a '98 C280 and a suspected bad antenna amplifier. Where did you buy yours? I got a quote from here for $74.00!!!! Are those things that expensive? If so, I need to start manufacturing/repairing them at home for fun and profit!

Curt

I took the car to a Becker dealer and he confirmed the amplifier. To save time I went to the MB dealer and made the purchase, I think they hit me for about $85. Next time I would certainly check around for price, I normally work with Caliber.
Out of curiosity, I opened the old amp and can now understand why the are expensive, looks like a miniture radio inside.
Ed