OEM R171 stubby antenna (arial) - is it available?

Goldfish11 · 09-24-2007

I have seen on the Benz World forum and a few other places the mention that a new MB OEM stubby antenna specifically designed for the R171 that was being released in September or October this year (2007).

Does anyone know anything about this and do we have an MB part number for this yet?

Ikarus · 09-24-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goldfish11

Does anyone know anything about this and do we have an Mercedes Benz part number for this yet?

It seems that a shortened antenna will be part of the R172 facelift. See pictures here.

Addicted2Speed · 09-25-2007

Just get an SL antenna, its a direct replacement you can do it yourself in 30 seconds.

**etyu** · 09-26-2007

If one decides on the SL antenna (they come pre-painted), just be aware that the radio reception would diminish noticeably and the range for using the SmartKey is reduced from 100 ft to 30 ft approximately.

**ghostdunks** · 09-26-2007

I'm still waiting eagerly in anticipation for the new stubby antenna designed specially for the R171. From initial reports of it, was supposed to be similar to the SL-style antenna, but the one in the facelift pictures looks more like the R170 style ones, which while shorter than the current whip, is IMHO no match for the SL-style ones.

Hopefully Mercedes will confirm soon what it looks like....if it ends up looking like the R170 style, might end up going for the SL short antenna, and then just adding the bumper extension as per one of the guides here.

**-1-** · 09-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghostdunks

....if it ends up looking like the R170 style, might end up going for the SL short antenna, and then just adding the bumper extension as per one of the guides here.

I went with the R170 antenna which is a big appearance improvement over stock. I plan to add an aftermarket amplified antenna in the rear bumper cover per Zeiser50 guide. If I didn't have to work, I could get more "fun" things accomplished.

**nevets** · 09-26-2007

Has anyone tried modifying the existing whip? ie: cutting off the rod above the taper point? It probably doesn't look as good as the smooth SL option but maybe a compromise in looks vs performance...thoughts?

**-1-** · 09-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by nevets

Has anyone tried modifying the existing whip? ie: cutting off the rod above the taper point? It probably doesn't look as good as the smooth SL option but maybe a compromise in looks vs performance...thoughts?

It's been done before by at least one SLK owner and reported on one of the MB forums. I believe he reported less reception which makes sense. Nothing wrong with keeping the factory antenna if you want performance. I don't use AM-FM so I could care less, but I don't like the reduced range on my SmartTop module. I plan to add another "stealth" antenna to improve range.

ellimb · 09-28-2007

R U sure? I thought that a SL antenna is used. Well mine is a SL antenna. Reception is not as good as original.

Goldfish11 · 09-28-2007

I went to my dealership today and picked up a R170 stubby antenna. I have put it on the car when the vehicle was in my garage so reception is not as if I am out doors but have found no real difference in FM reception on BBC Radio 1 and 2 and no difference in mobile phone reception (the signal reading is the same for the whip and this unit (not sure if the integrated phone system shares this antenna)). I am not sure about the range of the remote but I always stand next to the vehicle to open it anyway, and no difference was detected. I will do some further tests and let you know how it goes.

This effectively is a cut off R171 standard whip antenna. It is black and plastic but about the same length as the thick bit on the original Antenna. The connection is just the same as the original whip so it is plug and play. It also looks as if it was designed for the car as it matches perfectly. Not as sophisticated as a colour coded SL antenna but a nice upgrade and on my dark Bentoniote Blue car it blends in nicely.

I have put the original whip antenna in the boot so if I go to Scotland touring and reception did become a problem I can easily swap them in a couple of seconds.

My dealership tried to identify the new R171 stubby antenna but can not find it.

The part number is A170 820 06 75.

EDIT

I have been testing the antenna this week end. Sadly it is not as good as the standard antenna. Telephone is fine, locking is fine but what does seem to happen is that it takes a while to find the RDS stations if you decide to listen to a different station.

So for example: You listen to radio 1, then listen to the CD, you then switch back to the radio and try to listen to say Radio 2. Sometimes all you get is a faint hiss and then after about 40 seconds it finds the station, which is a pain.

So in summary, if you turn the car on and listen to the same radio station all the time it is fine but if you decide to change station you may have issues. I am also not sure whether the RDS traffic system would work effectively.

Ikarus · 12-04-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goldfish11

I have been testing the antenna this week end. Sadly it is not as good as the standard antenna. Telephone is fine, locking is fine but what does seem to happen is that it takes a while to find the RDS stations if you decide to listen to a different station.

I did some research on mbslk.de and found that people have discovered a way to greatly improve reception with this antenna. They claim it is about 80%-90% of reception strength compared to stock. Basically, they're taking it apart and solder two wires of length 75cm each (quarter of the wavelength @ 100MHz) to the little stub that's in there. You'll find pretty self-explanatory pictures here, when you click on the links below the headline "Nachtrag (26.06.2007)". I'm planning on doing the same and got a quote from the dealership, but they're asking 86$ for this antenna. Sounds a little high to me (I remember reading it's less than 40 Euros in Germany). Where did you get yours and how much did you pay?

**dsb** · 12-04-2007

Ikarus,

Thanks for the post above. It is very helpful and I plan to give it a go. In the meantime, here is the babelfish translation and pics:

Meanwhile there is a possibility, on use of the 170er short blade antenna (Part No. A170 820 06 75), of improving by a small modification, the receipt quality the same substantially. The stub can be warmed up, with something fate and a hair dryer, through and takes off at the separation edge to open. To the appearance coming short cables (which is appropriate for the telephone receipt only), becomes then approx. above. 5-6 mm strips. Then one takes two, long pieces "bell wire" (Ø 0.5 mm/Ø 0.9 mm with isolation) to at least 75 cm (for expert Lambda/4) and wickle these as parallel as possible to a spiral. As starting I took in addition a small female hexagon box spanner (Allen key). In the further process a ball-point pen had to hold. The wire is then so to windings and by right too "friemeln" that it fits into the inside hollow flagpole antenna. Admitted, it is already a little "Gefummel". Subsequently, the two wire ends with the upper end of the existing antenna wire are soldered. After that the spiral will isolate in such a way over the Drahtstumpen inverted that one can plug everything together again beautifully and "is finished the summerhouse; -) . Wireless reception and range of the radio locking are absolutely everyday life suited and might approx.. 75-80% of the achievement of the series antenna correspond. The telephone receipt is invariably good after my subjective impression (D1-Netz). Great a Kompromis between good optics, expenditure, achievement and price. These data are natural without guarantee and under exclusion of any adhesion.

Pictures:

**etyu** · 12-04-2007

DSB, please post your tutorial when you do this mod to the R170 antenna. Let us know the type of wire that you use also.

Ikarus · 12-05-2007

Thanks dsb for extracting those pics! That Babelfish translation is not too bad, I've seen a lot worse.

So can anybody say whether 86$ plus tax is an ok price for this thing?

**dsb** · 12-05-2007

Ikarus,

I think I paid around $70US. However, it was such a long time ago that I don't remember exactly. I am working on 'fixing' my antenna right now. Until I'm complete, here's a link with previous antenna discussion:
http://www.mbworld.org/forums/showth...t=r170+antenna

**dsb** · 12-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

DSB, please post your tutorial when you do this mod to the R170 antenna. Let us know the type of wire that you use also.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ikarus

Thanks dsb for extracting those pics! That Babelfish translation is not too bad, I've seen a lot worse.

It's done guys and it works great. Here's the link:
http://www.slkworld.com/general-modi...0-antenna.html

N4PWJ · 12-05-2007

i got the SL antennae, and reception on FM is lost drastically, but then inner city it is still good, but in rural areas its is poor, but i just listn to a cd then. the visual impact is massive i think and an essential addition to the r171.

Wimbledon_SLK · 12-05-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by N4PWJ

i got the SL antennae, and reception on FM is lost drastically, but then inner city it is still good, but in rural areas its is poor, but i just listn to a cd then. the visual impact is massive i think and an essential addition to the r171.

I have the same experience. I also think that the short antenna is a nice addition to the face lift.

P

09-24-2007	#1 (permalink)
Goldfish11 SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Vehicle: SLK200 2007 model year. Posts: 8 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	OEM R171 stubby antenna (arial) - is it available? I have seen on the Benz World forum and a few other places the mention that a new MB OEM stubby antenna specifically designed for the R171 that was being released in September or October this year (2007). Does anyone know anything about this and do we have an MB part number for this yet?

09-26-2007	#4 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,279 Country: Thanks: 376 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	If one decides on the SL antenna (they come pre-painted), just be aware that the radio reception would diminish noticeably and the range for using the SmartKey is reduced from 100 ft to 30 ft approximately. __________________ *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.

09-26-2007	#7 (permalink)
nevets Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: New York Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Iridium Silver Other Toys: 08 BMW 535xi, 08 Infinity QX56, 2002 Honda Shadow ACE 750, Maxum SR 1800, Posts: 440 Country: Thanks: 29 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Has anyone tried modifying the existing whip? ie: cutting off the rod above the taper point? It probably doesn't look as good as the smooth SL option but maybe a compromise in looks vs performance...thoughts? __________________ Steven *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.* 06 SLK 350, Iridium Silver, Blk Int, Chrome Trims, AMG Body, Aerowings,Wide Base Tire Flares (Thx CDRN) Green Filters, Filled Sidemarkers, Painted Ant, Komfort Module (Thks NR4L) Rear Spoiler - Piecha, Brabus springs, R170Moded Ant, 19" TSW Bremma, Mich PS2

09-28-2007	#10 (permalink)
Goldfish11 SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Vehicle: SLK200 2007 model year. Posts: 8 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I went to my dealership today and picked up a R170 stubby antenna. I have put it on the car when the vehicle was in my garage so reception is not as if I am out doors but have found no real difference in FM reception on BBC Radio 1 and 2 and no difference in mobile phone reception (the signal reading is the same for the whip and this unit (not sure if the integrated phone system shares this antenna)). I am not sure about the range of the remote but I always stand next to the vehicle to open it anyway, and no difference was detected. I will do some further tests and let you know how it goes. This effectively is a cut off R171 standard whip antenna. It is black and plastic but about the same length as the thick bit on the original Antenna. The connection is just the same as the original whip so it is plug and play. It also looks as if it was designed for the car as it matches perfectly. Not as sophisticated as a colour coded SL antenna but a nice upgrade and on my dark Bentoniote Blue car it blends in nicely. I have put the original whip antenna in the boot so if I go to Scotland touring and reception did become a problem I can easily swap them in a couple of seconds. My dealership tried to identify the new R171 stubby antenna but can not find it. The part number is A170 820 06 75. EDIT I have been testing the antenna this week end. Sadly it is not as good as the standard antenna. Telephone is fine, locking is fine but what does seem to happen is that it takes a while to find the RDS stations if you decide to listen to a different station. So for example: You listen to radio 1, then listen to the CD, you then switch back to the radio and try to listen to say Radio 2. Sometimes all you get is a faint hiss and then after about 40 seconds it finds the station, which is a pain. So in summary, if you turn the car on and listen to the same radio station all the time it is fine but if you decide to change station you may have issues. I am also not sure whether the RDS traffic system would work effectively. Last edited by Goldfish11; 09-30-2007 at 03:28 PM. Reason: testing

12-04-2007	#13 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,279 Country: Thanks: 376 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	DSB, please post your tutorial when you do this mod to the R170 antenna. Let us know the type of wire that you use also. __________________ *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.

09-25-2007	#3 (permalink)
Addicted2Speed Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 225 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 17 Times in 5 Posts	Just get an SL antenna, its a direct replacement you can do it yourself in 30 seconds.

09-26-2007	#5 (permalink)
ghostdunks Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Vehicle: SLK280 Posts: 211 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	I'm still waiting eagerly in anticipation for the new stubby antenna designed specially for the R171. From initial reports of it, was supposed to be similar to the SL-style antenna, but the one in the facelift pictures looks more like the R170 style ones, which while shorter than the current whip, is IMHO no match for the SL-style ones. Hopefully Mercedes will confirm soon what it looks like....if it ends up looking like the R170 style, might end up going for the SL short antenna, and then just adding the bumper extension as per one of the guides here.

09-28-2007	#9 (permalink)
ellimb Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Vehicle: A200, SLK R171 350 Posts: 138 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	R U sure? I thought that a SL antenna is used. Well mine is a SL antenna. Reception is not as good as original.

12-05-2007	#14 (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	Thanks dsb for extracting those pics! That Babelfish translation is not too bad, I've seen a lot worse. So can anybody say whether 86$ plus tax is an ok price for this thing?

12-05-2007	#15 (permalink)
dsb Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: '06 slk55 Posts: 1,176 Country: Thanks: 67 Thanked 120 Times in 42 Posts	Ikarus, I think I paid around $70US. However, it was such a long time ago that I don't remember exactly. I am working on 'fixing' my antenna right now. Until I'm complete, here's a link with previous antenna discussion: http://www.mbworld.org/forums/showth...t=r170+antenna __________________ SOLD! 06 Mercedes Benz SLK55 Caspian Blue / Black & Ash *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.*

12-05-2007	#17 (permalink)
N4PWJ Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Belfast,N.Ireland Vehicle: 2006,slk280,carlsson Other Toys: Caterham Posts: 1,417 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	i got the SL antennae, and reception on FM is lost drastically, but then inner city it is still good, but in rural areas its is poor, but i just listn to a cd then. the visual impact is massive i think and an essential addition to the r171.