I pulled the antenna from the car buy cutting the quarter panel starting in the trunk opening and now have an antenna which I can't remove the sheet metal from.

I understand the mast must be removed in order to take the locking nut assembly off. I've looked through the FSM and the DYI threads and can't figure out how to raise that mast via 12 V current. I'd like to be able to remove the sheet metal and know how to install this antenna on my car

Will anyone give me some instructions on how to solve this problem?

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic

My SD is not close but what I remember is that you remove the large locking ring inside the trunk and the entire chrome dome and rubber pad just come come off the fender. The mast and motor then come down inside the fender.

By the way, if you apply power to it you can remove the Hirschman cover and bridge one of the sets of points with a screwdriver. When you find the right one the mast will go up. Another set of points will take it down again.

The assembly is laying on my bench. The locking ring on this assembly is shaped to snug the mast up to the quarter panel. I've loosened it to the limit and have yet to try just pulling the outside hardware off. Perhaps that's the solution. If that doesn't work I'll try bridging the points.

It doesn't seem right that the antenna extension would have to be removed from the antenna body to remove the antenna body from the quarter panel.

Thank you for the advise. I suspect you're correct and I just need to pull the rubber and chrome cap off the mast. I'll let you know.

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic

If I get a chance, I will go down and look at the SD.

Here's a photo of what the mess looks like.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic

Well, I remembered completely wrong. Just took mine apart and took some pics. There is no retaining ring under the fender. Just remove the first small threaded ring which fills most of the hole of the antenna, then remove the large threaded ring. The large one has about half an inch (maybe less) of threads. When it comes completely out, the chrome dome and rubber protector will come off the fender. Then the mast will pull out of the fender into the trunk.

You can imagine this when taking yours apart as if it is still attached to the fender.

Some pics.

Attached Thumbnails

     

Yep, I was supposing the mast had to be raised to get the thing to release. Now I've buggered up the chrome nut and will have to find and buy a new one.

Looking at this drawing I speculate that I'll need to apply power to both black wires and the Yellow/Green wire while grounding the unit with the brown.

Anyone with experience reading the drawings please chime in.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic

You don't need power, just pull it out. Probably broken anyway.

I tried pulling it out but I didn't pull hard enough to break it. It won't budge.

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic

Not trying to be a contrarian, but I recall trying to get a used antenna to work on my long gone ‘81 300SD without luck.

I was surprised to learn recently that new units that apparently can be installed are available at a reasonable price:

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/602433001.htm?pn=602-433-001-M253&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi7rQstjv8QIVZANlCh02jwQBEAQYASABEgJQrfD_BwE

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1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

My 126 had the Hirschmann version of that antenna, which looks identical, and I was not happy with it. Its loud, doesn't have the intermediate position, and is universal. The original Hirschmanns are extremely well built, and still have support for some parts. Fix your original!

I agree with fixing the original. I removed mine and put it on the workbench. Took my 50 year old Sears battery charger and clamped the two leads on someplace - do not remember exactly - and with a screwdriver I bridged one of the (I think) three sets of points and immediately it started working.

My original in also on the bench. I should just match the wiring to my car and hook the antenna to the switch and stop torturing everyone with stupid questions.

__________________
84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic

Just get out your battery charger, plug it in the wall, and put the two leads on the antenna. It will work. Be careful with the points; if you mess up the gap, it will not work right.

I have a charged 12v battery on my bench for testing equipment. I have a plethora of connectors with wires and will probably take the opportunity to build a portable system to switch antenna. Imo, this stuff is fun.

__________________
84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic