Another W126 antenna question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BENZ-LGB · #1 06-08-2002, 08:16 PM

If you recall one of my earlier posts, I had some problems with my car antenna connection.

The antenna seemes to be in good workign order, so I tried to trace the antenna cable as far as I could. Near the bumper, where the cable goes inside a plastic housing/tunnel, I noticed that the cable was slightly pinched. I "unpinched" it and now the AM sounds fine.

This appears to have been the problem area that was causing the erratic AM reception.

My questions are:

1. Can I replace only one section of antenna? I did not trace the cabel any farther than the trunk. How far does it go (I know, to the raido, but are there "segments" of cable between the antenna and the radio, so I don't have to replace one long, single segment).

2. If replacement is a problem, how about cutting a section, where the pinch is and then splice it together?

Does Scott from La Jolla (or anyone else) has any suggestions regarding the best or easist way to splice antenna cable or to repair pinches?

Thanks....

SCLJA · #2 06-09-2002, 01:34 AM

What year is your 126? If it is not a 91 then you will have to replace the complete cable. It is better and easier than trying to splice it. The cable runs all the way to the front of the car. If it is a 91 then you only have to replace it to the tune box on the other side of the trunk @ 10 feet. Let me know what year and I can help you with the cable!

Scott@lajollaaudio

BENZ-LGB · #3 06-09-2002, 09:03 AM

Mine is a 1991 420SEL. I replaced the original Benz radio about a year ago with an Alpine h/u and 12 CD changer, so the trunk unit was removed. I'll have to check and see what the installing dealer did with the cable, I am assuming that he replaced hte entire cable, although the cable going into the antenna motor looks original. I'll check the install. The "pinch" was on the antenna side of the trunk, so I'll trace it from there.

Scott, you are a great resource here, so let me pick your brain one more time

I recently bought a 1989 300TE fro my daughter. It has the original Benz radio, which was a pretty good radio 13 years ago, but not so hot anymore. I want to get her a a better radio, with a CD changer (casettes are no longer fashionable with kids). I would prefer not to mount the changer in the glove compartment because then she would lose that compartment. The rear cargo area is a possibility, but then people can see it and may be tempted to break in her car.

I have seen some of the newer stereos, mostly from Eclipse, with the "built-in" CD changer/feeder. that can take up to 6 CDs. Alpine has an older unit, with a 3 CD cartridge that feeds into the headunit.

The Eclipse units are still expensive. I am not sure that I can find the Alpine and, in any event, the cartridge only takes 3 CDs at a time.

Any suggestions

And as long as I am asking, any suggestions for replacing the dash and door speakers?

She is a good kid and gets good grades and music is important to her (as it is to most teens nowadays), so I'd appreciate any suggestions that would not require me to get a second mortgage on the old family homestead.

Thanks

SCLJA · #4 06-09-2002, 10:39 AM

I think on you antenna most people wouldn't replace the cable all the way to the antenna because it has a fitting on it at the antenna that most shops don't carry. You should find that there is a standard male female motorola connection at the rt sight side.

As far as the 89 124 I would reccomend an alpine 6 cd changer in the right side panel( it actually fits behind it) and an alpine mp3 cd in dash. As far as speakers as I always do I suggest the rainbows for the dash as they snap in easily and sound great and for the rear I use a 4 in eclipse in the stock location. There are other possibilities depending on how big of a second you want to take out on your house...... just kidding!

Cleeve · #5 06-09-2002, 06:09 PM

Hi,

Scott and I work very closely to insure that everyone we work with, either in person or on the Internet, gets the most accurate and up-to-date information. I thought that I would also throw in one more thought to help you in your decisions. I would like to mention that though a In-Dash 3 disc CD radio sounds good there have been many mechanical issues with those types of radios that failure rates with these units is high and costly. Scott's suggestion is best with a CD/MP3 head unit. You'll be glad you did. Thanks for your trust in all of us here at La Jolla Audio and La Jolla Audio Repair.

Cleeve Morrison
La Jolla Audio Repair

BENZ-LGB · #6 06-09-2002, 07:58 PM

Scott & Cleeve:

Thank you for the input. Which Alpine model do you recommend? And I didn't quite get the explanation regarding putting the CD changer on the right side panel. Is that right side panel on the cargo area? Or right side panel (footwell)? I am confused.

If on the right side panel of the cargo area, have you done these installs before? Is it secure (no vibration or shock)? The MP3 sounds like a good idea for someone who loves music and used to spend a lot of time at Napster

Re: the antenna for the W126. I traced the cable and it is one long piece that goes all the way to the front. I decided to splice the pinched area, but I would still like to buy a replacement cable. Do you know where I can get those and the cost? Also, do you sell used or rebuilt Hirshmann antenna motors/ Mine is original and it is a little cranky.

Thanks

SCLJA · #7 06-10-2002, 01:00 AM

The cd changer goes in the spot that the stock 1st aid kit is located inside the right rear side panel, with a little bit of plastic removal. I have a photo of it but I am having problems changing its size. As far as the antenna coax cable I will check on the price tomorrow and let you know. The location has no problems with vibration and is secure. Cleeve can qoute you for a rebuilt 6000 el.

Scott@lajollaaudio