How to strengthen signal with the R170 Antenna - Page 14

cousjcc · 07-21-2008

The 2009 SLK's have gone back to the "shorty" antenna like the R170 had. I'm not sure if it's exactly the same size, but it's only about 8" tall so definately superior in looks to the "whip" antenna the R171 has had pre-facelift. This is outward appearances only as I havent seen the insides of one. Can anyone with an '09 chime in if they've taken off the outter portion of the antenna to see if a signal reception boost mod via copper wire may be beneficial like it is with the R170 antenna??

**etyu** · 07-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by cousjcc

The 2009 SLK's have gone back to the "shorty" antenna like the R170 had. I'm not sure if it's exactly the same size, but it's only about 8" tall so definately superior in looks to the "whip" antenna the R171 has had pre-facelift. This is outward appearances only as I havent seen the insides of one. Can anyone with an '09 chime in if they've taken off the outter portion of the antenna to see if a signal reception boost mod via copper wire may be beneficial like it is with the R170 antenna??

The 09 antenna has 3 segments (base, small middle piece, flexible end piece). The small middle piece is supposed to have some circuitry to boost reception. The mod in this thread does not apply to the facelift models.

cousjcc · 07-22-2008

Outstanding, glad they improved the antenna both in looks and in functionality for the facelift!

Ikarus · 07-22-2008

In my view, the face-sag antenna's looks aren't improved. It's shorter, alright, but also thicker. R170 mod FTW!

**SLKman** · 07-22-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfb1977

Fantastic thread - thank you guys.

The wire I've used which is perfect is from Halfords. It's their own brand 5 amp cable which they sell on 7 metre rolls for £2.99. For some reason I decided to buy a red roll and and black roll and it wasn't till I'd got home and unwrapped them both that I thought "Why the hell did I do that?" as obviously the colour is irrelevant!!

Happy days - thanks SLK World!

ROFLOL

I did the same thing!!!

DOH!!!

SLKman

**Dang** · 08-02-2008

Just did this mod. Works great!

Many thanks to the pioneers who figured out the parts, length of wire, etc.

Personal preference of course, but I prefer the 170 antenna to the SL.

Thanks again!

Dang

**SodaJeff** · 08-22-2008

I was just at the dealership looking at new 2009 cars. The new ones come with a different short antenna. It's not as short as the R170 version shown in this thread, but it's much nicer than the whip on my stock 05 350.

The parts guy at the dealership "thought" I could just swap out without any issue. He quoted MSRP of ~$79 for the 09 antenna.

Does anyone have any clarifying information? or opinions?

editor58 · 08-22-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by SodaJeff

I was just at the dealership looking at new 2009 cars. The new ones come with a different short antenna. It's not as short as the R170 version shown in this thread, but it's much nicer than the whip on my stock 05 350.

The parts guy at the dealership "thought" I could just swap out without any issue. He quoted MSRP of ~$79 for the 09 antenna.

Does anyone have any clarifying information? or opinions?

Yes, I'd love to know too!! Do you have a part Number for the 2009 Antenna?

**WhiteRabbit** · 08-22-2008

One nice thing about the 09 antenna is that with it removed you can still remote access the car some ways away from the car. On my 06 if the antenna was off I had to touch the antenna base with the key to get it to work.

Ikarus · 08-23-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by SodaJeff

Does anyone have any clarifying information? or opinions?

Yes, you can just swap them out.

cousjcc · 08-23-2008

Does anyone know if you can use the SL class antenna quarter panel base and mast instead of the R170 one? It looks about the same size but I can't be 100% sure unless I buy one and try to put it on. I like it cause I can order it color-matched. If not, I'm still hoping the R170 shorty antenna mod will work on the '09 if you take out that middle "signal boosting" piece. I'm fairly certain the base is still the same size/diameter.

**SodaJeff** · 08-29-2008

I was speaking to a tech at the dealership about this. I'm not an expert, but here's how I understood it...

The SL receives radio (AM & FM) via antenna's based in the front and rear window of the car. It has a separate receiver for satellite radio. The color-coded shorty at the rear of the car is for KEY ONLY. It handles no other signals.

If I'm wrong, someone please correct me. However - that is what I was told. I suspect it's true, otherwise everyone would just buy those color-coded pieces and swap them out on the R171s.

**cruising n coasting** · 09-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ikarus

Yes, you can just swap them out.

I wonder how the 09 antenna compares to the R170 mod? Not only in size, but more importantly - reception.

617SLK350 · 10-02-2008

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts...=p4506.c0.m245

DanSLK....would this work on my 05' SLK 350? Would this be all that I need to have my phone, FM, Nav and Satellite work in my car?

I figure to ask you, I kind of see you as the miracle worker on this site!

I just went to the dealer to get the R170 antenna to mod and they quoted me at 93 bucks. I thought that it wasn't so bad compared to some of the quotes here on the forum. They didn't have it in stock and before I could make it to the other dealership that had it they closed. Maybe that is trying to tell me something!?

None-the-less, does anyone here feel as though they wouldn't mind parting with their 'non-whip' antenna for me!? If you do, I would love you forever! - I had to take it back to high school!

If you do, just send me a PM!

**etyu** · 10-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by 617SLK350

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts...=p4506.c0.m245

DanSLK....would this work on my 05' SLK 350? Would this be all that I need to have my phone, FM, Nav and Satellite work in my car?

I figure to ask you, I kind of see you as the miracle worker on this site!

I just went to the dealer to get the R170 antenna to mod and they quoted me at 93 bucks. I thought that it wasn't so bad compared to some of the quotes here on the forum. They didn't have it in stock and before I could make it to the other dealership that had it they closed. Maybe that is trying to tell me something!?

None-the-less, does anyone here feel as though they wouldn't mind parting with their 'non-whip' antenna for me!? If you do, I would love you forever! - I had to take it back to high school!

If you do, just send me a PM!

GPS antenna is near the cockpit rear-view mirror. $45 (shipping extra)on my direct parts.
Use the part no. search A 170 820 06 75 (part no. w/no letters and no space between numbers)

617SLK350 · 10-02-2008

I knew that they were trying to hose me. Good grief! MB dealers are relentless!

eddyther · 10-02-2008

I just finish the mod on a SL antenna and I have to say that the reception (AM/FM) is very good in most situations.Only in tunnels or garages I can feel that th reception decreased in comparison to the original antenna.
I also can open the car from 17 m (I don't know in feets !!!)

So I´m very happy with the results!!!

Thanks a lot

**Zeiser50** · 10-03-2008

Happy to see that this mod is appreciated a lot !!

eddyther · 10-03-2008

This is what I did, thanks to all of you:
I used the SL's antenna:

Before:

After:

And how ...

Here I left too much cable outside:

So I started again:

08-02-2008	#266 (permalink)
Dang SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Calgary, AB, Canada Vehicle: 2005 SLK 350 Posts: 49 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 13 Times in 10 Posts	Just did this mod. Works great! Many thanks to the pioneers who figured out the parts, length of wire, etc. Personal preference of course, but I prefer the 170 antenna to the SL. Thanks again! Dang __________________ 2005 SLK350 6 Speed Manual, Air Scarf, Comand, Nav. OEM Bluetooth Phone, iPod interface and Sat Radio. Orion Blue Metallic

08-22-2008	#267 (permalink)
SodaJeff SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Kirkland, WA Vehicle: '05 SLK 350 & '98 SLK 230 Posts: 25 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 13 Times in 6 Posts	What about the 2009 Short SLK Antenna? I was just at the dealership looking at new 2009 cars. The new ones come with a different short antenna. It's not as short as the R170 version shown in this thread, but it's much nicer than the whip on my stock 05 350. The parts guy at the dealership "thought" I could just swap out without any issue. He quoted MSRP of ~$79 for the 09 antenna. Does anyone have any clarifying information? or opinions? __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 2005 SLK 350 Sport 1998 SLK 230 Kompressor To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

08-22-2008	#269 (permalink)
WhiteRabbit Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Arlington, VA Vehicle: 2009 SLK 350 Posts: 368 Country: Thanks: 80 Thanked 35 Times in 23 Posts	One nice thing about the 09 antenna is that with it removed you can still remote access the car some ways away from the car. On my 06 if the antenna was off I had to touch the antenna base with the key to get it to work. __________________ 2009 SLK 350, Arctic White, Gullwing Red, 7G Automatic, Premium PKG I, Lighting, Heating packages, Auto Climate Control, smartTop roof module v3.22, Clear side-marker lenses.

08-29-2008	#272 (permalink)
SodaJeff SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Kirkland, WA Vehicle: '05 SLK 350 & '98 SLK 230 Posts: 25 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 13 Times in 6 Posts	SL antenna NOT compatible I was speaking to a tech at the dealership about this. I'm not an expert, but here's how I understood it... The SL receives radio (AM & FM) via antenna's based in the front and rear window of the car. It has a separate receiver for satellite radio. The color-coded shorty at the rear of the car is for KEY ONLY. It handles no other signals. If I'm wrong, someone please correct me. However - that is what I was told. I suspect it's true, otherwise everyone would just buy those color-coded pieces and swap them out on the R171s. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 2005 SLK 350 Sport 1998 SLK 230 Kompressor To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

10-03-2008	#278 (permalink)
Zeiser50 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Paris Vehicle: SLK 55 AMG Other Toys: Bike : '84 Z1300-6 Posts: 506 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 18 Times in 14 Posts	Happy to see that this mod is appreciated a lot !! __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ------Michel------ -SLK 55 AMG 2005-

07-21-2008	#261 (permalink)
cousjcc Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Vehicle: '09 SLK 350, Capri Blue/Black interior, Premium, Heating, AMG hood fins, window tint (a must in TX) Other Toys: Sold my motorcycle /cry Posts: 162 Country: Thanks: 10 Thanked 39 Times in 20 Posts	The 2009 SLK's have gone back to the "shorty" antenna like the R170 had. I'm not sure if it's exactly the same size, but it's only about 8" tall so definately superior in looks to the "whip" antenna the R171 has had pre-facelift. This is outward appearances only as I havent seen the insides of one. Can anyone with an '09 chime in if they've taken off the outter portion of the antenna to see if a signal reception boost mod via copper wire may be beneficial like it is with the R170 antenna??

07-22-2008	#263 (permalink)
cousjcc Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Vehicle: '09 SLK 350, Capri Blue/Black interior, Premium, Heating, AMG hood fins, window tint (a must in TX) Other Toys: Sold my motorcycle /cry Posts: 162 Country: Thanks: 10 Thanked 39 Times in 20 Posts	Outstanding, glad they improved the antenna both in looks and in functionality for the facelift!

07-22-2008	#264 (permalink)
Ikarus Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: 2006 SLK 280 w. 6M Other Toys: 2000 New Beetle GLS w. 5M Posts: 596 Country: Thanks: 18 Thanked 40 Times in 20 Posts	In my view, the face-sag antenna's looks aren't improved. It's shorter, alright, but also thicker. R170 mod FTW!

08-23-2008	#271 (permalink)
cousjcc Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Vehicle: '09 SLK 350, Capri Blue/Black interior, Premium, Heating, AMG hood fins, window tint (a must in TX) Other Toys: Sold my motorcycle /cry Posts: 162 Country: Thanks: 10 Thanked 39 Times in 20 Posts	Does anyone know if you can use the SL class antenna quarter panel base and mast instead of the R170 one? It looks about the same size but I can't be 100% sure unless I buy one and try to put it on. I like it cause I can order it color-matched. If not, I'm still hoping the R170 shorty antenna mod will work on the '09 if you take out that middle "signal boosting" piece. I'm fairly certain the base is still the same size/diameter.

10-02-2008	#274 (permalink)
617SLK350 SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Boston Vehicle: 2005 SLK 350 Posts: 49 Country: Thanks: 9 Thanked 5 Times in 2 Posts	http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts...=p4506.c0.m245 DanSLK....would this work on my 05' SLK 350? Would this be all that I need to have my phone, FM, Nav and Satellite work in my car? I figure to ask you, I kind of see you as the miracle worker on this site! I just went to the dealer to get the R170 antenna to mod and they quoted me at 93 bucks. I thought that it wasn't so bad compared to some of the quotes here on the forum. They didn't have it in stock and before I could make it to the other dealership that had it they closed. Maybe that is trying to tell me something!? None-the-less, does anyone here feel as though they wouldn't mind parting with their 'non-whip' antenna for me!? If you do, I would love you forever! - I had to take it back to high school! If you do, just send me a PM!

10-02-2008	#276 (permalink)
617SLK350 SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Boston Vehicle: 2005 SLK 350 Posts: 49 Country: Thanks: 9 Thanked 5 Times in 2 Posts	I knew that they were trying to hose me. Good grief! MB dealers are relentless!

10-02-2008	#277 (permalink)
eddyther SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Madrid (Spain) Vehicle: SLK 200 (R171) Posts: 14 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	I just finish the mod on a SL antenna and I have to say that the reception (AM/FM) is very good in most situations.Only in tunnels or garages I can feel that th reception decreased in comparison to the original antenna. I also can open the car from 17 m (I don't know in feets !!!) So I´m very happy with the results!!! Thanks a lot

10-03-2008	#279 (permalink)
eddyther SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Madrid (Spain) Vehicle: SLK 200 (R171) Posts: 14 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	This is what I did, thanks to all of you: I used the SL's antenna: Before: After: And how ... Here I left too much cable outside: So I started again: