W124 91 300D Antenna (Hirschmann 04)

[JamesDean]

Hi Guys,

The antenna on my 91' 300D got snapped off. It was a Hirschmann "04" antenna. Anyone know where I can get a replacement?

I've not had much luck finding any.

Thanks!

--Kris

[vwnate1]

Here you go :

https://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/ksearch/PEL_search_2016.cgi?command=DWsearch&description=Antenna+Mast+

[JamesDean]

I know I can get a replacement "universal" type. I was looking for a replacement mast. I've replaced them on my W126's before but never the W124. I think the 91 MY might be different too.

[Frank Reiner]

Originally Posted by JamesDean

Hi Guys,

The antenna on my 91' 300D got snapped off. It was a Hirschmann "04" antenna. Anyone know where I can get a replacement?

I've not had much luck finding any.

Thanks!

--Kris

The "04" appears to be a length code; W126 is the same.
Also see this:

Against all odds, a URO...

[vwnate1]

Originally Posted by JamesDean

I know I can get a replacement "universal" type. I was looking for a replacement mast. I've replaced them on my W126's before but never the W124. I think the 91 MY might be different too.

That's why I posted the link to the exact fit original one....

[Rick76]

I thought I might try the APA/URO mast as a low cost option to the dealer Hirchmann to see how it survived. It lasted for less than a year. The center section was not stainless like the original and didn't survive one winter of salt. It rusted badly and seized.

That was a few years ago so they might have improved since then, maybe.

I recently bought another one from a Chinese seller on eBay. The center rod was stainless but the ends of the lower sections were poorly formed. I haven't tried it yet to see how well it stands up.

Any more I disconnect the antennas in the up position on my daily drivers so they aren't going up and down ever time I make a stop.

[JamesDean]

Originally Posted by vwnate1

That's why I posted the link to the exact fit original one....

I'm sorry man. When I clicked on the link at work it took me to an entirely different search result list. At work it showed me the $96 universal antenna (complete unit) and a bunch of other things that wern't masts.

I just clicked it here at home and its exactly as you say!

My bad!

[JamesDean]

Originally Posted by Frank Reiner

The "04" appears to be a length code; W126 is the same.
Also see this:

Against all odds, a URO...

This makes sense the new Hirschmann mast I put in the 420SEL has an "03" on the top of it.

Not sure what the length difference between "04" and "03" though.

[tyl604]

Rick - not sure you have to do that. On my '81 SD you can lock the button so that it either stays down or up. Just push it all the way and it will lock. Mine is sticky going down all the way so I lock it in the down position and I still get good reception on the radio.

[vwnate1]

Corrosion is an issue with the Hirschmann mast too ~ it's important to occasionally wipe the road munge off and lubricate it, maybe every time you check the oil and have an oily rag/towel in your hand ? .

I've been experimenting with waxing/polishing the masts, IIRC they originally said to use silicone, I've tried that, ATF, engine and light machine oils.....

I no longer live in salt country, I imagine that Ohio is not where you want to fool with uro stuff .

[Rick76]

Originally Posted by tyl604

Rick - not sure you have to do that. On my '81 SD you can lock the button so that it either stays down or up. Just push it all the way and it will lock. Mine is sticky going down all the way so I lock it in the down position and I still get good reception on the radio.

The switch on the dash was eliminated in the early 90's unfortunately.

[tyl604]

Wow, am I out of date. I still have the cloth in the original package that MB included to wipe the mast. Wonder if they do that any more.

But I still love my SD.

[vwnate1]

I found several original antenna lube wipes in their packages in my 1984 300CD grey market, I saved them but the entire manuals packet was stolen by an indy Mercedes garage that went out of business shortly thereafter .

The one I recently polished and lubed seems to be working fine....