[cmorosco]

I bought one of these short antennas off ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&tc=photo&item=7950138614&category=33639

It looks great as you see from the picture below but I do not beleive it could technicaly work. The part that actually connects to the radio (center post) is missing (see the pictures below) and I beleive the threads are simply holding it on. My reception with it is pretty much the same as if I had no antenna so be warned if you are thinking of buying one.

Since this one doesn't work I was wondering if a standard SL500 antenna cap would fit and work on an SLK. The connection looks identical. Has anyone tried it? Does the SL500 have the center post just like the SLK antenna?

Thanks.

 

[Palmateer]

This question was addressed in previous posts (you should be able to search for them).

I believe the answer was that the SLK radio does not have enough gain to work with an SL antenna mast, and needs the stronger signal from the longer SLK antenna mast. In other words, it'll look nicer but pick up fewer stations.

 

[cmorosco]

Palmateer, thanks. I found lots of information doing the search. So I know it will fit and reception will reduce.

The only thing I'm wondering now is if the SL antenna has the same post as the in the third picture above or is the post missing like in the second picture? I'm mainly curious if the reception will be better with the SL antenna instead of the one I'm currently using. The one I'm currently using is the same as no antenna at all.

Thanks.

 

[charris]

I recently purchased a MB SL500 stubby from someone on the site. It fits perfectly and most importantly since it is only a cellphone antenna, my teleaid still works perfectly. FM radio reception works with local stations, but not as good as the stock antenna. The SL500 antenna also has a glossy finish and the antenna is somewhat dull, however it does not clash. I would highly recommend. My car is a 2004 SLK230 Special Edition. I think it was the perfect addition. Note: I keep my stock antenna under the drivers seat just in case I need it for some reason. A new SL500 antenna is about $60.

 

[cmorosco]

charris, thanks for the info. So here's the critical question. Is the reception better with the SL antenna versus no antenna or is it the same?

My current antenna is the same as having nothing and I'm wondering if it is worth the $90 Smythe quoted to order one.

A good way to test it is to tune in a station that you get but with static without the antenna. Then while listening to the music screw on the antenna. If the reception improves the antenna is doing something. If there is no difference it isn't helping and is just for looks.

Thanks.

 

[charris]

The very test you describe is one I did and yes the antenna does provide gain to the FM radio. I too made the mistake or ordering the null antenna and was quite disappointed. You will not be disapointed. Before spending the money, ask around to see if anyone has the SL500 OEM antenna for sale. I bought mine off this site and it was in new condition for $60. Something to be mindful of: I accidently unscrewed the antenna cable from inside the fender. I was able to put it back, it is just a little tough. There is a hex type bolt on the top of the antenna base; make sure that stay tight.

 

[cmorosco]

Great, thank you very much. That was exactly the information I was looking for.

If anyone has an obsidian black one I'd be happy to take it off your hands, othrwise I'll order one from the dealer.

 

[mrfu]

I don't even have an antenna on the back and mine sounds great. I pick up plenty of stations.

 

[cmorosco]

That's probably because your antenna is in the rear bumper instead.