[Digmenow]

After getting an answer from Scott about the antenna amplifier, it occurred to me that there has never been a thorough discussion as to what everyone has done (or not done) about their Hirschmann power retractable antenna.

I did a quick search for "antenna" just to cover the bases and the most complete thread on the subject out of just over 100 hits was this.

http://http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107-sl-slc-class/1353988-manual-power-antenna.html?highlight=antenna

It really dealt more with keeping the original than what may have replaced it. Also a bit of info from Scott on his two units.

So I'm asking.

Do you have a working original / replacement Hirschmann?
Did you just stay with a non working unit that you raise and lower manually?
If you replaced it with something else, what did you use?
Retractable or rigid?
Power retractable?
Where did you get it?
Are you planning to replace it with something you have found?
Why?

Details, people. Details.

 

[dugald]

The OEM antenna on my present '86 works fine.
The one on my previous '74 quit and I just left it up. (It was front fender mounted and a major PITA to access.)

 

[NormanB]

OEM still working on a 73.

 

[txag_380SL]

Dig-

Last Christmas I ended up replacing my antenna entirely. I tried to replace the old mast, but that still did not work. I bought a Hirschmann from autohausaz.com for about $50. It is a "universal" fit that ships with a couple of different plastic pieces to match the contour of your fender. I studied the wiring diagram of my car & the antenna, wired it all up and everything works just fine. The new antenna goes all the way up or down, no partial placement is possible. It should take you less than an hour to change it out.

Good luck.

 

[MBGraham]

OEM still working on a 73.

Original on my 350SL 4.5 still works, but is not retractable - Just a fixed mast on driver's side front fender.

I saw a small compact antenna at Canadian Tire today. No mast - just a little plastic box about 1.5" square. Might do that on my 300D one day - it has retractable but I just leave it up and use touchless car washes!

 

[miked56]

'86 with OEM retractable. Seems to work fine and I get good reception. Keeping it.

 

[ScottinSoCal]

It really dealt more with keeping the original than what may have replaced it. Also a bit of info from Scott on his two units.

As the thread said, two antennas, both original, both still working beautifully. The worst problem I have is with my 78 and it occasionally stays just one notch above fully retracted.

But, in the interest of full disclosure, I have an 8 GB USB thumb drive that holds a truckload of music and I listen to that most of the time. Commercials bug me. In the Toyota I do satellite radio so I don't have to listen to commercials.

 

[dugald]

Sorry but I don't have a pic but I'm going to play anyway, so there. :crybaby2:

I still remember one for the neighborhood, when we lived in Europe in the mid 80's. It was a 107 280SL with that silvery green metallic, think they called it "Thistle Green" with a bright red interior. Never could get up the nerve to ask the people "What The Hell were You Thinking".

Mike, TGIF party?
You are in the wrong thread.

 

[miked56]

What're you talking about?
Are you sure you didn't stay at the 2 Martini lunch for a few extra?

 

[MBGraham]

But, in the interest of full disclosure, I have an 8 GB USB thumb drive that holds a truckload of music

Thumb drive?? heck, I have a nice Burlwood box full of tapes.

Actually - Inaccurate - I took them out - Now just one Roger Whittaker tape that stays in the player!

For long trips in the E320, i have an iPaq that not only navigates, but also has 2Gig of tunes that will continue to play while iGuidance tells us where to go.

To be honest, I have trouble even hearing my radio in the SL. Especially with the top down. Maybe I need a new sound system?

 

[dugald]

What're you talking about?
Are you sure you didn't stay at the 2 Martini lunch for a few extra?

Martini lunches? That takes me back.
Once upon a time I was a salesman when it was okay to have liquid lunches. They'd sell something called a Businessman's Martini, which was pretty much just 5 or 6 ounces of pure gin. Two of those and you'd lurch back to the office and jam your fingers in the desk drawer to stay awake. On occasion I took telephone orders I didn't remember until the customer called back asking where his stuff was. This was custom-engineered equipment with lead times of 6 months or more. Chaos ensued. So did my dismissal.

 

[ScottinSoCal]

Now just one Roger Whittaker tape that stays in the player!

To be honest, I have trouble even hearing my radio in the SL. Especially with the top down. Maybe I need a new sound system?

Pioneer head unit, 100 wattx4 amplifier, aftermarket front speakers put in by the PO, rear parcel shelf 6x9 Infinity speakers put in by me. I have no trouble hearing my stereo. Although Nobby has less trouble than any of us since he rigged that subwoofer.

 

[smack]

OEM Hirshmann

Front left fender and still works like a charm. Now, watch, the damn thing will break tomorrow.

 

[nobby]

Although Nobby has less trouble than any of us since he rigged that subwoofer.

WHAT?

 

[nobby]

Antenna? There's an antenna?

I just wear a tin hat.
Radio Moscow...no problem.

 

[ussun]

Well since to repair mine (on nthe front fender) is so much, I!!!! was thinking of chrome capping it and getting one of those kind that stick up on the roof behind the sunroof.

ANY thoughts!
eBay Motors: Car 16"OEM Fuba Style Roof Top Antenna KIT BRAND NEW! (item 130207029111 end time May-16-08 19:25:19 PDT)

 

[flaw]

I will tell you what I did. i just got a 1989 560SL and its a charm. This is my 12th Mercedes but my first "vintage" great joy compare to the new models. I have an S450-4matic also and that thing has no charm
Anyway, back to the antenna. My came with a replacement Hirschmann which goes all the way up or downa nd the antenna switch on dash is useless. Mercedes has a bulletin in 1997(?) that all antenna will be replace as such. So I source an old original one and replace it, works great now, switch working and all. I think that one should keep the car original and this is one detail which is worthwhile and easy to do.
Also, I have my Becker 780 shipped to Becker and they put in an AUX input, so I can now play my iPOd on it, without sacrificing originality

 

[ScottinSoCal]

Well since to repair mine (on nthe front fender) is so much, I!!!! was thinking of chrome capping it and getting one of those kind that stick up on the roof behind the sunroof.

It would perfectly match the desecrated doors. I say go for it. Hell, get two of them and put one on each side. Or four and put two in the front and two in the back. Or six and add two more on the trunk lid. You can get some fencing practice in every time you open the trunk.

 

[strife2]

The one on my 560SL is original, but there was junk on the 380SL when I bought it (a $10 universal from Pep Boys or something). I found a 300E antenna cheap, plugged it right in, fashioned a bracket for it (a little different than the SL's), bought a new mast for it, and it looks and works virtually identical to the 560's. SL antenna's are expensive even used; 300E's are not.

Note: NEVER cut off the European antenna signal connector (like my PO did). It's very hard to find a replacement for this in the US when you want to go back to original.

 

[HalNineThousand]

I think I got mine with a standard antenna but it didn't raise and lower properly so I ordered a replacement from Auto Parts Warehouse. It's not much different than the original, just a slightly different shaped casing and things like that. It works fine for me.

As for alternative music, soon I'll have a 150 - 200 GB hard drive with all my music on it and it'll be synced automatically through wifi with my home music collection at night. Yep, still working on the carputer.