Our Sirius cuts out a lot?

Tummy · 07-28-2008

When going under brief underpasses on the highway, trees in the park, sometimes when driving in NYC, our Sirius radio cuts out. Basically whenever it doesn't have a 100% clear view of the sky.

In other cars, like rental cars, I could get a signal even within parking structures. Is this normal for the SLK, or do I have to talk to the dealer again?

Thanks!

**dltslk** · 07-28-2008

Ours does the same thing, even in the garage.

**reallife** · 07-28-2008

Some tunnels and big city, big building areas have supplemental broadcast antennas to pick up the slack when the satallite signals are blocked from direct view between the satallite and the receiver on your car. M-B is a Sirius system. The rental cars I have had have been X-M systems so the supplemental antennas are not the same. So you can't compare M-B to your past rental cars. I have X-M in one of my cars and it is almost non-functional when I drive through wooded areas. I live in NW Washington state where there are lots of big trees that block the satallite signal. My M-B with Sirius comes through in my area much better than the X-M. It seems that the X-M satallite is much lower to the horizon and more easily blocked from direct line-of-sight than the Sirius satallite. Could this explain your problem? It probably doesn't have anything to do with the car itself. Maybe after Sirius and X-M complete the merger and revamp their systems all will be better. One can only hope.

**jbanks15** · 07-28-2008

I concur with reallife. i had an xm add-on, on my 02 slk 320 and got great reception even in a parking garage due to their repeater towers. i lose my sirius in my old 05 slk 350 and my new 09 slk 55 in the same parking garage.

Tummy · 07-28-2008

Sirius doesn't have problems in our other car, an Infiniti FX45. I recently rented an Audi A8L with Sirius and it didn't have a problem maintaining signal. It even worked in a nearby parking garage.

I tend to think that there is something wrong with the radio reception in the car overall. FM/AM is also very bad, but I know that they use different antennas.

From everyone's responses so far, I guess it's normal for the cutouts in the SLK.

Here are the Sirius repeaters in my area, I don't think it's a lack of repeaters.

http://www.DogstarRadio.com/sirius_m...997007&zoom=11

HwoALanG · 07-28-2008

mine fades for little bit too...

**Dolebludger** · 07-28-2008

The Sirius radio signal in our '07 SLK 280 also cuts out when the car is under a roof or under a thick tree canopy. It does this at times when the car is parked next to a structure as tall as a two story house or taller, even though it is clear right above the antenna.

**UK-C200** · 07-28-2008

Any WiMAX installations going up around y'all? Not sure if they ever sorted the technical problems out, but WMX transmitters are known to kill SDARS repeaters...

I wonder if MB screwed up somehow and the SDARS repeaters are not being used by the MB receiver (ie they are using the satellite signal, and not the terrestrial)? I was given a Sirius hand held a year or so ago, and it worked great, even in the gym...

gknight8 · 07-28-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tummy

Sirius doesn't have problems in our other car, an Infiniti FX45. I recently rented an Audi A8L with Sirius and it didn't have a problem maintaining signal. It even worked in a nearby parking garage.

I tend to think that there is something wrong with the radio reception in the car overall. FM/AM is also very bad, but I know that they use different antennas.

From everyone's responses so far, I guess it's normal for the cutouts in the SLK.

Here are the Sirius repeaters in my area, I don't think it's a lack of repeaters.

http://www.DogstarRadio.com/sirius_m...997007&zoom=11

I called sirius and they told me they do not have any repeaters in Los Angeles but according to this map they do? They also said that any bluetooth devices will cause the radio to cut out acting like it went under a tree, etc. Sorry to say the reception kinda of sucks bigtime here in L.A.

**reallife** · 07-29-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by gknight8

I called sirius and they told me they do not have any repeaters in Los Angeles but according to this map they do? They also said that any bluetooth devices will cause the radio to cut out acting like it went under a tree, etc. Sorry to say the reception kinda of sucks bigtime here in L.A.

I have my Bluetooth phone activated and no problems with my M-B Sirius radio reception in my area (NW Washington). I do have all kinds of lost reception problems in my other car which has an XM radio. When I'm driving in nearby forested areas the XM is unlistenable. My Sirius SLK works fine on the same roads even with my Bluetooth phone activated.

cyberdrakon · 07-29-2008

the Sirius Reception is really bad in my 06 SLK as well. I didn't bother renewing.

clu1234 · 07-29-2008

Sirius reception cuts out even under clear sky with nothing between my SLK and the satellite. It's just not good. XM was much better for me when I had my Audi. Audio quality for Sirius also sounds a lot worse... (but my SLK's HK/Logic 7 always sounds muffled so I don't know for sure if it's HK or Sirius..)

**DansSlk** · 07-29-2008

Why don't those of you who want the sat radio try adding some additional antenna floor space in another part of the car, wont help you when the signal is blocked but it might help with marginal antenna's

Tslick · 07-29-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

Why don't those of you who want the sat radio try adding some additional antenna floor space in another part of the car, wont help you when the signal is blocked but it might help with marginal antenna's

Since I'm a dinosaurs, etyu fixed me up with an R170 antenna. Technology cracks me up. Next week will be telling.

**DansSlk** · 07-29-2008

Ummmm, Huh?

cyberdrakon · 07-29-2008

I read about some people with aftermarket adding the antenna in the front, where does the lead go to for the antenna, in the trunk? where is it?

**DansSlk** · 07-29-2008

Don't hold me to this since I've never been hands on with one but with an antenna on the trunk lid it makes sense it would follow the lid wiring harness down the strut and then stay with the FFU to the amp in the side of the trunk.

Should be very easy to get at

gknight8 · 08-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyberdrakon

I read about some people with aftermarket adding the antenna in the front, where does the lead go to for the antenna, in the trunk? where is it?

it goes into the truck to the left side where the sirius unit is located

**webslinger** · 08-06-2008

This comes down to being a skimpy (inexpensive) OEM unit and antenna that are installed in the SLK.

I say this because I have a Sirius Sportster ($90) radio I installed on my motorcycle and it has the ability to slowly cache about 20 seconds of audio. I can verify this by my daily commute with both vehicles. 1 semi dead spot en route via bike vs about 5 in the SLK proves antenna weakness. When I drive underground to park at the end, the signal dies almost immediately in the SLK vs that 15+ seconds of continued audio while on the bike. The distance traveled? 4 miles.

Very disappointing, but I'm glad I have it in the SLK.

07-28-2008	#1 (permalink)
Tummy Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: EWR / CLE Vehicle: 2005 SLK350, 2004 Infiniti FX45 Posts: 284 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 42 Times in 24 Posts	Our Sirius cuts out a lot? When going under brief underpasses on the highway, trees in the park, sometimes when driving in NYC, our Sirius radio cuts out. Basically whenever it doesn't have a 100% clear view of the sky. In other cars, like rental cars, I could get a signal even within parking structures. Is this normal for the SLK, or do I have to talk to the dealer again? Thanks!

07-28-2008	#2 (permalink)
dltslk Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: GA Vehicle: 2007 Mars Red/Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 1968 Pontiac GTO Posts: 677 Country: Thanks: 89 Thanked 67 Times in 52 Posts	Ours does the same thing, even in the garage. __________________ David

07-28-2008	#4 (permalink)
jbanks15 Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Valrico, Florida Vehicle: 2009 SLK 55 AMG Posts: 708 Country: Thanks: 8 Thanked 42 Times in 30 Posts	I concur with reallife. i had an xm add-on, on my 02 slk 320 and got great reception even in a parking garage due to their repeater towers. i lose my sirius in my old 05 slk 350 and my new 09 slk 55 in the same parking garage. __________________ Jeff 2009 SLK 55 AMG Black/Black Premium 1, Multimedia, Lighting packages Clearshield Protective Film OEM MB Plexiglass Windscreen Eurolight Clear Side Markers Smarttop version 3.22 Kleyman 3rd Brake Light Flashing/Strobing Module V1.5 (Noregrets Custom Works)

07-28-2008	#7 (permalink)
Dolebludger Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Yukon, OK Vehicle: '07 SLK 280; '04 C 320, '01 Honda S 2000, '98 Ford Ranger truck. Posts: 569 Country: Thanks: 40 Thanked 77 Times in 52 Posts	The Sirius radio signal in our '07 SLK 280 also cuts out when the car is under a roof or under a thick tree canopy. It does this at times when the car is parked next to a structure as tall as a two story house or taller, even though it is clear right above the antenna. __________________ The SLK -- What the SL was supposed to be.

07-29-2008	#13 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,794 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 225 Times in 177 Posts	Why don't those of you who want the sat radio try adding some additional antenna floor space in another part of the car, wont help you when the signal is blocked but it might help with marginal antenna's __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

07-28-2008	#3 (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	Some tunnels and big city, big building areas have supplemental broadcast antennas to pick up the slack when the satallite signals are blocked from direct view between the satallite and the receiver on your car. M-B is a Sirius system. The rental cars I have had have been X-M systems so the supplemental antennas are not the same. So you can't compare M-B to your past rental cars. I have X-M in one of my cars and it is almost non-functional when I drive through wooded areas. I live in NW Washington state where there are lots of big trees that block the satallite signal. My M-B with Sirius comes through in my area much better than the X-M. It seems that the X-M satallite is much lower to the horizon and more easily blocked from direct line-of-sight than the Sirius satallite. Could this explain your problem? It probably doesn't have anything to do with the car itself. Maybe after Sirius and X-M complete the merger and revamp their systems all will be better. One can only hope.

07-28-2008	#5 (permalink)
Tummy Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: EWR / CLE Vehicle: 2005 SLK350, 2004 Infiniti FX45 Posts: 284 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 42 Times in 24 Posts	Sirius doesn't have problems in our other car, an Infiniti FX45. I recently rented an Audi A8L with Sirius and it didn't have a problem maintaining signal. It even worked in a nearby parking garage. I tend to think that there is something wrong with the radio reception in the car overall. FM/AM is also very bad, but I know that they use different antennas. From everyone's responses so far, I guess it's normal for the cutouts in the SLK. Here are the Sirius repeaters in my area, I don't think it's a lack of repeaters. http://www.DogstarRadio.com/sirius_m...997007&zoom=11

07-28-2008	#6 (permalink)
HwoALanG Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ellicott City & Salisbury, MD Vehicle: 2007 SLK 280 Other Toys: COMPUTER? And1 and on Posts: 306 Country: Thanks: 4 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	mine fades for little bit too...

07-28-2008	#8 (permalink)
UK-C200 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: London, UK & Baton Rouge, Louisiana Vehicle: 04 RHD C200K Coupe, 06 LHD SLK-350 Other Toys: Nacra F18 Posts: 614 Country: Thanks: 41 Thanked 130 Times in 83 Posts	Any WiMAX installations going up around y'all? Not sure if they ever sorted the technical problems out, but WMX transmitters are known to kill SDARS repeaters... I wonder if MB screwed up somehow and the SDARS repeaters are not being used by the MB receiver (ie they are using the satellite signal, and not the terrestrial)? I was given a Sirius hand held a year or so ago, and it worked great, even in the gym...

07-29-2008	#11 (permalink)
cyberdrakon Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SoCal, USA Vehicle: SLK55 2006 Other Toys: 560SEC 1990, CLK500 2005 Posts: 1,406 Country: Thanks: 26 Thanked 63 Times in 42 Posts	the Sirius Reception is really bad in my 06 SLK as well. I didn't bother renewing.

07-29-2008	#12 (permalink)
clu1234 SLK World Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 43 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Sirius reception cuts out even under clear sky with nothing between my SLK and the satellite. It's just not good. XM was much better for me when I had my Audi. Audio quality for Sirius also sounds a lot worse... (but my SLK's HK/Logic 7 always sounds muffled so I don't know for sure if it's HK or Sirius..)

07-29-2008	#15 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,794 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 225 Times in 177 Posts	Ummmm, Huh? __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

07-29-2008	#16 (permalink)
cyberdrakon Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SoCal, USA Vehicle: SLK55 2006 Other Toys: 560SEC 1990, CLK500 2005 Posts: 1,406 Country: Thanks: 26 Thanked 63 Times in 42 Posts	I read about some people with aftermarket adding the antenna in the front, where does the lead go to for the antenna, in the trunk? where is it?

07-29-2008	#17 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,794 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 225 Times in 177 Posts	Don't hold me to this since I've never been hands on with one but with an antenna on the trunk lid it makes sense it would follow the lid wiring harness down the strut and then stay with the FFU to the amp in the side of the trunk. Should be very easy to get at __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

08-06-2008	#19 (permalink)
webslinger Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA Vehicle: '07 SLK55 AMG Other Toys: Honda motorcycle Posts: 551 Country: Thanks: 24 Thanked 22 Times in 14 Posts	This comes down to being a skimpy (inexpensive) OEM unit and antenna that are installed in the SLK. I say this because I have a Sirius Sportster ($90) radio I installed on my motorcycle and it has the ability to slowly cache about 20 seconds of audio. I can verify this by my daily commute with both vehicles. 1 semi dead spot en route via bike vs about 5 in the SLK proves antenna weakness. When I drive underground to park at the end, the signal dies almost immediately in the SLK vs that 15+ seconds of continued audio while on the bike. The distance traveled? 4 miles. Very disappointing, but I'm glad I have it in the SLK.

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)