Hi all,

I'm trying to install an aftermarket antenna with a very long cable. This new antenna has a 4 inch long black sensor on one end and the antenna connector on the other end. In between is about 10 feet long cable. I want to install the sensor right behind the center rear view mirror and then route the cable along half the length of the windshield and then disappearing into the dashboard and into the aftermarket sony headunit.

In order to do this i see no other way other than removing the entire dashboard (it looks to be a single piece).

Does anyone have experience doing something like this?

I don't know whether removing the dashboard might trigger the airbag sensor. Or if there's other way of routing that antenna cable to hid it out of sight.

Much obliged for any suggestions!

Cheers!

I haven't done it personally but I can give you a few tips. It's going to be a pretty big job so you might want to consider other routing.

No. 1 - Disconnect battery ground under credit card sized cover in the rear passenger seat footwell. Don't reconnect until airbag is back in the circuit.

OK, it starts with the side panel at the end of the dash opposite the one with the fuse panel. From there you can remove the screw which holds the plastic grill for the speaker at the end of the dash. Next is that long wood trim strip. After removing the mounting screw, it slides to the right and lifts off.

After disconnecting the wire to the airbag, set the airbag in an upright position away from being disturbed.

Also, make sure the steering wheel is extended as far as possible before cutting power. You'll have to pull the cluster so if you don't have any cluster hooks you might get some. You probably also need the radio keys to pull the radio and CC unit. Prior to that you'll need to at least loosen the center console to get at the ash tray module.

You might want to post something similar in the Car Audio/Electronics forum.

If you go ahead, consider taking some pictures to share. Good luck.

Thanks very much for the tip, richard. This does sound like a pretty hard job. I can probably take off the dashboard, but not sure about how to handle the airbag connections.

Maybe I'll just hire a car stereo specialist to do it for me.

The one thing I hate about the w126 e320 is the way the antenna is designed. It's built into the rear window panel and the reception is just horrendous.

If you're getting bad reception, especially AM, look for an amplifier or capacitor and check connections. They are usually located on the 'C' pillars under the cover. One on one side and the other on the other if that makes sense.

Good luck.

http://edsoto.com/E320.iso

the above contains all the videos and most graphics for the MB info disk which
is no longer available. once downloaded, burn to CD. it is approx 400mb+ in
size. you can see parts of the info here <-----

__________________
-- raymond~
47º 34'N 122º 18'W