sl antenna

V8SLK · 09-03-2006

i've seen in some of your vehicle descriptions that people are running sl antennas on their cars. they look so much better than those fishing poles that come stock on the car. i asked my dealer about using an sl antenna and they said that the stereo and smart key performance decrease radically, to the point that they are almost unusable. were they just giving me the company line? how is it working out for those of you that are using them?

thx...

**DansSlk** · 09-03-2006

I think they are exaggerating a bit the performance will decrease but not to the point stuff becomes unusable.

**etyu** · 09-04-2006

I have three antennae.

I have the original whip antenna, the R170 and the R280 type antennae.

With the non-171 antennae, the range of the SmartKey is reduced to around 10 meters or 30 feet, instead of 30 meters or 100 feet with the original antenna. Taroliw did a test on these (this is without installing an aux ant in the rear bumper). The R280 has the most pleasing appearance and is even more so if the antenna base is painted a matching body color.

B55 (SL antenna) had the aux ant in the bumper fitted when he did his mods with Brabus, but states he's about 30% less on radio reception. I don't listen to CD or radio while driving, but when my son is in the car with me and uses the radio with the shorter antenna, the reception is quite dependent on location. Some stations are okay and others fade in and out.

ssoji · 09-04-2006

I have the SL antenna (without the aux bumper antenna). I dont use the radio, always listening to my ipod, so cant comment on reception. There is a reduction in range with locking and unlocking, but this isn't a practical issue as i dont unlock my car untill i'm near it anyway. I also have a SonyEricsson phone cradle, which if it also uses the antenna, has not been affected.
The appearance is much improved.

**-1-** · 09-04-2006

I think MB could have given us a more stylish antenna suitable for the SLK than the cheap black whip antenna you find on most cheaper cars. I would have considered changing to the shorter, body color matched antenna so many have switched to. Two issues deter me from changing. My wife must be on the only person left who listens to AM radio. I'd be in trouble if I switched to a shorter antenna with less reception. Also, with the installation of the Piecha Komfort Variodach Modul, I wouldn't want to reduce the range of that product one bit. As a result, I can live with the factory antenna for the benefits and not the appearance.

**etyu** · 09-04-2006

Is there a way to disassemble the SL antenna and modify it with a correct length of wire inside the cone? or is this just wild thinking?

**DansSlk** · 09-04-2006

I think it is a sealed unit mate but saying that there is no harm in trying i will remove mine from the SL later on and have a look

**DansSlk** · 09-04-2006

Just checked and mine is a sealed unit

**etyu** · 09-04-2006

Thanks for checking Dan. I looked at mine and was tempted to disassemble it, as the blue plastic that surrounds the central pin has two round depressions in it but they look too shallow and probably needs a special tool. It probably is not worth the effort.

Thanks again for checking. We'll just have to wait if MB develops a shorter and better looking one for the R171.

**DansSlk** · 09-04-2006

I did not have those things on mine mate must be that we have different antennas i guess.

Anyways sorry about that mate

Corkscrew · 09-04-2006

You guys just gave me a brilliant idea: by removing the SLK aerial I could drastically cut down the ability of my radio to receive FM stations. Why would I want to do that, you ask? In Bangkok our FM stations have a lot of wattage and they tend to bleed into adjoining frequencies. Since my Bangkok SLK has a Belkin FM transmitter for use with my i-Pod (see picture) it is sometimes hard to find the right frequency that lacks commercial FM noise. By unscrewing the aerial (see picture of tool) I can give the car a clean look and improve the performance of my i-Pod. But, will I be able to unlock my car from afar?

bejak · 09-04-2006

Is it possible to connect the radio to the wires in the rear window? The W203 is using it with good result. No extra aerial needed.
/Bengt

**DansSlk** · 09-04-2006

I am not sure about that one to be honest but what happens when the roof is down?

**reallife** · 09-04-2006

I installed the SL antenna including the inside the bumper antenna available from For My Mercedes at http://www.formymercedes.com/mb_resu...ae+%2D+SL+Look

It took a few hours to remove the bumper, install the antenna and reinstall the bumper. The antenna matches my pewter car perfectly and suprisingly, the FM reception has actually improved. I have found that the range of my local NPR station has actually increased about 5-10 miles since I switched to the new antenna. Every few weeks I have to drive out to the limit of the local radio staion. I used to lose the station just as I entered Freeport, IL and would have to switch stations. Since installing the new antenna I get the same station loud and clear all through town, no problem.

I also installed the remote roof control available from Piecha at http://shop.piecha.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=29. I did this install a few months after I installed the SL antenna.

I have never had any issues with either product. Both work flawlessly. The roof module is great to have. Just this morning, I drove down to Home Depot for some polyurethane wood finish with the top down. I love to park the car, get out, and activate the roof remote as I walk away. I wait about 15-20 seconds, then turn to glance back at the car to double check to be sure the roof is fully closed. MAny times I see other people in the lot standing and staring at my car as the roof locks into place. Likewise, I love to open the roof as I walk toward my car. By the time I get up to the car there is usually at least one other car stopped in the lot, watching the top go down and into the trunk.

If you are wondering about how well the roof remote and the antenna work together, they work great. Forget all the naysayers who have neither product but are full of warnings. Get rid of your crappy looking whip antenna and get the remote roof unit. spend a weekend installing them and get on with your enjoyment of this great little car.......

**-1-** · 09-04-2006

This is a solid first hand assessment of the SL style antenna. I really do like the look. I feel the $349 price is high. Coupled with the requirement to remove the rear bumper cover to install. I'm willing to spend whatever the cost for things that I truly want and can justify the price. I would prefer the SL style antenna, but can't justify the cost and hassle of installation for an item that will physically function equivalent to what I already have. For that reason, I'll keep the factory style antenna.

**etyu** · 09-04-2006

reallife, Is removing the rear bumper (or is it the rear bumper cover) something one can do by himself/herself on a weekend? What tools do you need? and which bolts to remove? What about realigning the bumper upon reassembly? Any specific torque nos. when reassembling the rear bumper?

I'd appreciate any information.

**reallife** · 09-06-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

reallife, Is removing the rear bumper (or is it the rear bumper cover) something one can do by himself/herself on a weekend? What tools do you need? and which bolts to remove? What about realigning the bumper upon reassembly? Any specific torque nos. when reassembling the rear bumper?

I'd appreciate any information.

Yes, it is really just the bumper cover. The heaviest piece weighs less than 10 pounds. On the other website, Benzworld, there are some fairly good instructions for removing the 'bumper' but I never got around to finding them myself. I just had at it. You need a small thin screwdriver to pry out the clips that hold the trunk liner in place, a couple torq screwdriver tips (numbers 20 and 15) and a metric socket or two. It took about an hour to remove and an hour to reassemble. I did it all by myself. It was really easy once I got started.

Wash your car first to avoid transferring dirt and grit to your finish. Put all the parts on a clean blanket to protect them and keep the screws sorted with the pieces they go with.

The antenna electrical pieces were increadibly simple. Be sure to route them through the holes so that they don't chafe and wear through the insulation over time.

The remote roof control was also easy. It took about 45 minutes because you need to be a contortionist to get down into the electrical cables under the carpeting. It works great and I wouldn't want to do without it....

**etyu** · 09-07-2006

Thank you for the info and tips, reallife.

Ynot · 09-07-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by -1-

This is a solid first hand assessment of the SL style antenna. I really do like the look. I feel the $349 price is high. Coupled with the requirement to remove the rear bumper cover to install. I'm willing to spend whatever the cost for things that I truly want and can justify the price. I would prefer the SL style antenna, but can't justify the cost and hassle of installation for an item that will physically function equivalent to what I already have. For that reason, I'll keep the factory style antenna.

I would try the cheap route first before going expensive route. I purchased my r170 short antenna for $55 at a local dealer, if it didn't work then I'll just return it and get my refund. I was going to purchase the SL one at formymercedes if it doesn't work but fortunatley it works fine. I can't stand the look of the whip antenna. Radio reception didn't change on FM stations for me, don't know about AM, I haven't tried it. I've been listening to Sirius alot more these days and hardly missed FM reception even if it was a problem. Remote range is considerably less, good enough for sitting at a stree cafe and second floor's of most buildings. But that doesn't bother me as I am usually next to my SLK when the key fob is pressed.

09-03-2006	#1 (permalink)
V8SLK Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Home of the brave Vehicle: 05 SLK55 AMG Posts: 1,071 Country: Thanks: 40 Thanked 48 Times in 26 Posts	sl antenna i've seen in some of your vehicle descriptions that people are running sl antennas on their cars. they look so much better than those fishing poles that come stock on the car. i asked my dealer about using an sl antenna and they said that the stereo and smart key performance decrease radically, to the point that they are almost unusable. were they just giving me the company line? how is it working out for those of you that are using them? thx...

09-03-2006	#2 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,797 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 227 Times in 179 Posts	I think they are exaggerating a bit the performance will decrease but not to the point stuff becomes unusable. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

09-04-2006	#3 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,306 Country: Thanks: 381 Thanked 283 Times in 174 Posts	I have three antennae. I have the original whip antenna, the R170 and the R280 type antennae. With the non-171 antennae, the range of the SmartKey is reduced to around 10 meters or 30 feet, instead of 30 meters or 100 feet with the original antenna. Taroliw did a test on these (this is without installing an aux ant in the rear bumper). The R280 has the most pleasing appearance and is even more so if the antenna base is painted a matching body color. B55 (SL antenna) had the aux ant in the bumper fitted when he did his mods with Brabus, but states he's about 30% less on radio reception. I don't listen to CD or radio while driving, but when my son is in the car with me and uses the radio with the shorter antenna, the reception is quite dependent on location. Some stations are okay and others fade in and out. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

09-04-2006	#5 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,231 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	I think MB could have given us a more stylish antenna suitable for the SLK than the cheap black whip antenna you find on most cheaper cars. I would have considered changing to the shorter, body color matched antenna so many have switched to. Two issues deter me from changing. My wife must be on the only person left who listens to AM radio. I'd be in trouble if I switched to a shorter antenna with less reception. Also, with the installation of the Piecha Komfort Variodach Modul, I wouldn't want to reduce the range of that product one bit. As a result, I can live with the factory antenna for the benefits and not the appearance. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

09-04-2006	#6 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,306 Country: Thanks: 381 Thanked 283 Times in 174 Posts	Is there a way to disassemble the SL antenna and modify it with a correct length of wire inside the cone? or is this just wild thinking? __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

09-04-2006	#4 (permalink)
ssoji SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Perth Vehicle: 05 SLK350 Posts: 6 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have the SL antenna (without the aux bumper antenna). I dont use the radio, always listening to my ipod, so cant comment on reception. There is a reduction in range with locking and unlocking, but this isn't a practical issue as i dont unlock my car untill i'm near it anyway. I also have a SonyEricsson phone cradle, which if it also uses the antenna, has not been affected. The appearance is much improved.

09-04-2006	#7 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,797 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 227 Times in 179 Posts	I think it is a sealed unit mate but saying that there is no harm in trying i will remove mine from the SL later on and have a look __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

09-04-2006	#8 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,797 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 227 Times in 179 Posts	Just checked and mine is a sealed unit __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

09-04-2006	#9 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,306 Country: Thanks: 381 Thanked 283 Times in 174 Posts	Thanks for checking Dan. I looked at mine and was tempted to disassemble it, as the blue plastic that surrounds the central pin has two round depressions in it but they look too shallow and probably needs a special tool. It probably is not worth the effort. Thanks again for checking. We'll just have to wait if MB develops a shorter and better looking one for the R171. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

09-04-2006	#10 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,797 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 227 Times in 179 Posts	I did not have those things on mine mate must be that we have different antennas i guess. Anyways sorry about that mate __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

09-04-2006	#12 (permalink)
bejak Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sweden, West Coast Vehicle: 2004 SLK200K R171, aut, Iridium Posts: 145 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Is it possible to connect the radio to the wires in the rear window? The W203 is using it with good result. No extra aerial needed. /Bengt

09-04-2006	#13 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,797 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 227 Times in 179 Posts	I am not sure about that one to be honest but what happens when the roof is down? __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

09-04-2006	#14 (permalink)
reallife Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Gig Harbor, WA Vehicle: 2006 SLK 55 Posts: 154 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	SL antenna and Piecha roof remote function I installed the SL antenna including the inside the bumper antenna available from For My Mercedes at http://www.formymercedes.com/mb_resu...ae+%2D+SL+Look It took a few hours to remove the bumper, install the antenna and reinstall the bumper. The antenna matches my pewter car perfectly and suprisingly, the FM reception has actually improved. I have found that the range of my local NPR station has actually increased about 5-10 miles since I switched to the new antenna. Every few weeks I have to drive out to the limit of the local radio staion. I used to lose the station just as I entered Freeport, IL and would have to switch stations. Since installing the new antenna I get the same station loud and clear all through town, no problem. I also installed the remote roof control available from Piecha at http://shop.piecha.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=29. I did this install a few months after I installed the SL antenna. I have never had any issues with either product. Both work flawlessly. The roof module is great to have. Just this morning, I drove down to Home Depot for some polyurethane wood finish with the top down. I love to park the car, get out, and activate the roof remote as I walk away. I wait about 15-20 seconds, then turn to glance back at the car to double check to be sure the roof is fully closed. MAny times I see other people in the lot standing and staring at my car as the roof locks into place. Likewise, I love to open the roof as I walk toward my car. By the time I get up to the car there is usually at least one other car stopped in the lot, watching the top go down and into the trunk. If you are wondering about how well the roof remote and the antenna work together, they work great. Forget all the naysayers who have neither product but are full of warnings. Get rid of your crappy looking whip antenna and get the remote roof unit. spend a weekend installing them and get on with your enjoyment of this great little car.......

09-04-2006	#15 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,231 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	This is a solid first hand assessment of the SL style antenna. I really do like the look. I feel the $349 price is high. Coupled with the requirement to remove the rear bumper cover to install. I'm willing to spend whatever the cost for things that I truly want and can justify the price. I would prefer the SL style antenna, but can't justify the cost and hassle of installation for an item that will physically function equivalent to what I already have. For that reason, I'll keep the factory style antenna. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

09-04-2006	#16 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,306 Country: Thanks: 381 Thanked 283 Times in 174 Posts	reallife, Is removing the rear bumper (or is it the rear bumper cover) something one can do by himself/herself on a weekend? What tools do you need? and which bolts to remove? What about realigning the bumper upon reassembly? Any specific torque nos. when reassembling the rear bumper? I'd appreciate any information. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

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09-07-2006	#18 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,306 Country: Thanks: 381 Thanked 283 Times in 174 Posts	Thank you for the info and tips, reallife. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

09-07-2006	#20 (permalink)
noregret4life Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NJ