First, did your tint shop remove trim to tint all the way tot the glass edges? If so, they might have disconnected or cut the cable that leads from the antenna amp to the RCL receiver. If not, then it sounds like the classic symptoms of the antenna amp failure, likely exacerbated by the tinting. There are two points of failure on it. One is where the amp unit fails to make good contact with the antenna leads on the windshield, and the other is where the amp itself completely fails. If it has just lost contact with the Glass, you should still have RCL functions, but you'll need to be close to the vehicle for it to work. If the amp has failed, you won't be able to use RCL at all except vis IR, so the key will need to be pointed directly at the door handle, and within a few feet of it.

Honestly, I would not blame this on the tint shop (unless they did physically disconnect or cut a wire) as the antenna amp is a very common problem, affecting most all W203's. As for your FM reception still bing acceptable, it could be that it is still making contact with those in-glass leads, or it could just be that your local reception is so good that you don't notice it. Also, the factory MBZ radios tend to have very good reception.

Unfortunately, the fix is not cheap or easy. The part is about $700 (discounted) and requires removal of the headliner to get to it. Also, I believe it requires a special adhesive to mount it to the glass. Some people have reported that it is less expensive to have the entire rear glass replaced (with the amp pre-attached).

 

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Hey thanks for your response rudeney, it really helped me out! I guess my amp Replacing the back window would probably be my last resort. Wow, If i knew tinting my windows would be this costly, I would have not done it!

Instead of going through the process of replacing the amp or the back window, what do you think about just getting an aftermarket security system? One that just unlocks/locks the door? It should come with its own reciever which has nothing to do with the back window/amps radio frequency.

Thanks
Peter

 

How bad is the reception on your RCL? On my C240, it still works, you just have to be within about 15 feet of the car, and sometimes it takes two presses. If it's not any worse than that, I'd just live with it over dealing with the hassles of an aftermarket system. In fact, I am not sure what sort of aftermarket system would work.

 

My RCL doesn't work even if im standing right beside the car. And to kick me while im down, the infrared barely works too! Sometimes it takes me up to 90 seconds to unlock the doors using infrared so I just gave up and now manually open the doors.

If I was still able to get in and out of my car keyless, I wouldn't bother going any further with this problem. But seeing that the ONLY way for me to get in and out is to use the metal key, an aftermarket system seems alternate resolution!

Its summer now and I don't mind unlocking my doors manually with the key. But I do remember using the little metal key during the winter and it really hurt my fingers.

 

Did you check the battery in the remote?

 

Yes, all batteries in both remotes have been replaced.

 

Just a quick update.

No progress with my RCL functions and im starting to realise that tampering with Mercedes electronics by going aftermarket won't be safe nor cheap. So back to the drawing board I go. After spending another few hours on my Sunday night looking for different threads, I stumbled upon a thead where the OP couldn't get his IR part of his remote to work(so he can use the to roll down all his windows). Someone amusingly told the OP to clean both the remote and the IR sensor on the door handle with rubbing alcohol. At first I didn't believe it, but this idea kept itching in the back of my mind. So i finally gave in, ran outside and tried cleaning it. To my surprise it actually worked! I am now able to use IR to unlock and lock the car all the time up to 6 feet away?

*All in all, If your IR doesn't work all the time, try cleaning it. It should significantly improve the performance of this feature*

*and on another note: you'll be able to lock up your doors and the trunk with the metal key but your gas tank will remain unlocked (this might be important for some people?)*

 

I did not know that getting your windows tinted would cause issues?
I was going to get mine done on my 240 when I had an extra couple hundred bucks but now am starting to reconsider if my radio won't work. I don't have keyless entry though so that shouldn't be an issue.
Good to know!

 

look up my thread on mbworld about this...few yrs back

plust make sure u get tintprotector moleskins, easy diy, otherwise u will scratch the tint