GPS Antenna S320 CDi L

[djradicalc]

I'm new to MBCLUB.

I have a 2002 W220 with Command 2.0 (the widescreen type) and the GPS antenna does not work. I have recently bought the vehicle and the antenna has never worked since I had it. The map display shows '00SAT' and the COMMAND diagnostics show the fault code for faulty GPS Antenna.

Does anybody know whether I need to pay £160+VAT for a genuine MB replacement or can I buy an aftermarket antenna to sit on my dash saving me the hassle of removing the 'shark fin' type unit from the rear screen ?

Everything else in this car works fantastically and I am delighted with it but really want to get my GPS working..... Please Help !!!

 

[npuk]

Sure it has Comand?

From Mercupgrades:

6.6) W220/C215 S/CL Classs

In MY2003 the widescreen version of COMAND 2.0 was supplied in S/CL class vehicles. This has the same wiring as the COMAND in other vehicles. Before this date, COMAND units were very different – they had integrated tape (cassette) player, and very different wiring – these units were known as COMAND 2.5 (as they were 2.5 din units high).

However, the standard fit system (in Europe) for MY2003 does not support navigation – its seem to have all the correct connectors, and parts inside, they just seem to have Navigation disabled, and it can not be turned on with Star Diagnosis. (In fact, Star Diagnosis warns that that version of COMAND does not have Navigation). I do not know if the vehicles actually had the GPS aerial installed.

As an option (527 in Europe, 530 in USA), a COMAND with Navigation was available

See the parts list at the top of this document and on http://www.mercupgrades.com for the MY2003 COMAND units.

Enter your VIN number on the link below and see if your car has option 527.

Mercedes-Benz Club Russia | Mercedes-Benz / VIN

 

[djradicalc]

I have checked and yes my car does have 'Option 527'. I am certain that the GPS Antenna has failed - my local dealer confirmed that - I was just wondering if their was a simpler after-market option rather than the expensive genuine part.

Many thanks for your reply

 

[npuk]

There is for the newer units (has a blue fakra connection) as I use an aftermarket one with mine. The older CD based Comand uses a different connection.

Best thing to do is email Comand Online and they will confirm if their aftermarket gps antenna (1st link) can be used on your system, using an adapter like they supply with the genuine antenna (2nd link) to convert it to HRS.

Comand Online Ltd :: Mercedes SatNav/COMAND :: COMAND Retrofit parts :: Comand GPS Antenna

Comand Online Ltd :: Mercedes SatNav/COMAND :: COMAND Retrofit parts :: Genuine MB GPS Antenna and WICLIC/HRS adapter for COMAND 2.0

 

[richard]

MY2003 starts mid/late 2002, so thats why his car is 2002.

You can use a (decent) GPS antenna with a HRS connector on it - I suggest here

Comand Online Ltd :: Mercedes SatNav/COMAND :: COMAND Retrofit parts :: W203 last C Class & CLC, W209 CLK, W463 G :: Genuine MB GPS Antenna and WICLIC/HRS adapter for COMAND 2.0

Put it under the dash (it can see through plastic and glass, but not metal) - best place is on top of the instrument cluster

Richard

 

[djradicalc]

Thanks Richard - sounds exactly what I'm looking for. Is it something I can do myself and if so where can I find a step-by-step guide to taking it all apart and putting it back together, in the style of the 'Haynes Manual' ?

When you say 'place it on top of the instrument cluster' do you mean out of sight, within the housing itself ? Sorry to appear ignorant I would rather make a fool of myself asking the question than be regretful after the event !!

 

[richard]

There isnt a step by step guide really, and i've never photo'ed taking one apart

Basically, the wood above comand unclips to reveal some screws (just pulls out with a soft lever), panel below removes (there are 2 screws at the bottom hidden by the ashtray I think) - then it all comes apart.

Yes, between the cluster and top of the dash - i.e out of sight. But you may well be able to find a place above the stereo provided its not under a metal grill (theres a speaker grill in middle of the dash on many Mercedes)

Cheers

Richard

 

[djradicalc]

That's great Richard and very helpful. Watch out - I've got a few other little niggles that I'm going to dare to resolve !!!!

I'm going to order the aftermarket antenna from Command Online right now and I will take some pictures as I go along so maybe I can help some other people. I've read lots of tales of W220 GPS Antenna problems......

Thanks again.

Chris

 

[umedc]

I'm new to MBCLUB.

I have a 2002 W220 with Command 2.0 (the widescreen type) and the GPS antenna does not work. I have recently bought the vehicle and the antenna has never worked since I had it. The map display shows '00SAT' and the COMMAND diagnostics show the fault code for faulty GPS Antenna.

Does anybody know whether I need to pay £160+VAT for a genuine MB replacement or can I buy an aftermarket antenna to sit on my dash saving me the hassle of removing the 'shark fin' type unit from the rear screen ?

Everything else in this car works fantastically and I am delighted with it but really want to get my GPS working..... Please Help !!!

does anyone know how to remove shark fin ,i lost sound on mine w220 been told by the stealer it shark fin /and cable fautly