c28 1996 antenna

[MBD]

Can I use an after market antenna to replace a broken one. The one I have is automatic but the entire unit must be replaced. Someone said that it would be cheaper to get on from Best Buy. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[jlomon]

I just had the motor on my power antenna die about a month ago on my '94 C280. After pricing the part out at the dealer and on various internet suppliers, I just decided that I didn't need a power antenna that badly. The best price I got was from the dealer at $270 (Canadian) for the part, with labour ranging from $99 at the dealer to $50 at a local car stereo place. I went with a fixed antenna, installed, with tax, for $68. Works the same, and looks fine. If you need your car to look 100% OE, then you wont like it. If you don't mind a subtle difference, and don't need the power antenna function, then save your money.

Jonathan

[drbrandini]

If your car has the Hirschman antenna and I'm pretty sure it does... You can open it up an replace the needed parts I just put a new belt and mast on mine for less than 50$. Good Luck

[tecqboy]

Hirshman power antennas on e-bay for Mercedes. Usually around $50 plus ship. Search mercedes/parts and accessories.

[drbrandini]

Originally posted by tecqboy
Hirshman power antennas on e-bay for Mercedes. Usually around $50 plus ship. Search mercedes/parts and accessories.

Thess are actually a little different than the version that comes stock on our cars but will still work....And are better than a stationary antenna ....IMO

[AMG CE 36]

In Europe a lot of MB:s from about 93 has fixed Hirschmann antennas as OE, combined for carphone and radio. My shop claims they are superior to motor antennas for FM radio, at half the price. Eventhough they are a lot more expensive than regular fixed antennas, but such have mostly a too tiny foot for the big hole in the MB fender.
In the past I broke my motor antenna several times going out of garages before the automatic door was completely open, since it had this flat "hat" gripping to the doors...
L.

[wjm]

What exactly is wrong with it anyway? Unless there is a burnt out PCB (board) in it, then it can be fixed pretty easy.

Look, you have many good options other than putting some crappy aftermarket antenna in.

1. Buy a rebuilt used one from junk yard. Check here: www.car-parts.com

2. Buy a new original one from here: www.antennaworld.com

3. Buy a direct replacement version. Look here.: http://www.hirschmann-usa.com/aa/amfm.asp#1.4

Once you figure out what DSP version you need, do a search on the net for best pricing.

4. Open it up and see what's wrong with it. You should be able to put power to it to see if motor is fine. It may just be a belt.

And there are many other sources of info for antennas.

Also, if your antenna is "phone" capable and you are not using that capability, replace it with a non-phone version.

DON"T GIVE IN JUST YET!!!

[wjm]

From Antenna world

Hirschmann part # Replacement for Mercedes 202 820 20 75

AM/FM /cellular replacement. C class Also fits E class 124 body.

For NON-cellular version, possible to use DRP-2 or DRP-5 but on steepest angl head kits will need bottom skirt of rubber bushing trimmed.

Includes signal diplexer (separator module) short, ball top version

For Body type 202 Mercedes. Plus universal. Note it will not take semi automatic and city position controls from dash mounted switch on Benz so equipped.
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For what it's worth, I used a DRP-2 on my vehicle when I replaced it... and only because I had a burnt out board.