w203 2008 coupe antenna amplifier

[Fifi01]

Guys,

After following all the advice and the instructions here I have an issue with the amplifier. How can it be replaced? Does the rear windscreen need to come off or not? Can windscreen replacement people fix it or shall I take it to the garage?
Your help is appreciated.

 

[Codger49]

My advice would be to talk to Terry at Wayne Gates in Harrow (020 8863 9233). They are an independent Mercedes specialist, very highly recommended by forum members.

The official MB instructions (WIS) for replacing the antenna amplifier on a 203.7xx do state 'remove liftgate window' and, as discussed on the other thread you posted on, it looks to be quite an awkward (i.e. expensive) job to replace this antenna.

I would think Wayne Gates could tell you if the window removal can be avoided and whether windscreen replacement people could do it. The required antenna positioning and bonding may be more than they would wish to do.


PS What a delightful username!

 

[Fifi01]

Thanx!

I just checked on eBay and the tail gate is £60-£70. Would changing the tail gate be easier and cheaper or does it involve more than physically replacing the tailgate? Has anyone taken this route before?

 

[Codger49]

It's a Merc, so nothing is as straightforward as it could be.

Swapping the tailgate does look to be a much simpler operation, but it seems the common cause of antenna amplifier failures is due to condensation penetrating the amplifier's booster module 1. As of chassis number 932724, sealing rails were fitted to prevent this. See the extract from MB's service bulletin SI82.62-P-0002A dated 26.04.07 below:

Due to condensate penetrating booster
module 1, window antenna (A2/71), (with
one or two booster modules depending on
the equipment), sealing rails (2) will be fitted
to these as of VIN 932724.
The sealing rails (2) must be installed on
vehicles where the rear window (1) or
amplifier module 1, window antenna (A2/71)
is replaced and the vehicle does not yet
have any sealing rails. The sealing rails (2)
can be ordered under the part number A
203 820 00 91.

Thus I would expect older tailgates on Ebay wouldn't be equipped with these sealing rails and their antenna amps could be liable to condensation failure. (Given you show your car as being 2008, it should already have these shields, are you absolutely sure the amp has failed and its not one of the connections?)

There may be an issue with the antenna amps being different due to the year of manufacture and/or various options fitted to the car,

 

[Chrishazle]

Fifi has been on the email to me, I was under the impression that in a W203 the aerial amp is behind the headlining over the rear window, both in the saloon and the estate (which I had). Is it different in a coupe? I was also surprised that her 2008 car has a WDB203 VIN - thought the last of the 203's was 07, maybe this is a run-out cheapie someone bought (or I'm talking through my fundamental, not unknown!!) Anyway, I've suggested she contacts comandonline with her VIN to find exactly what she has and needs, in case the amp gathering dust in my garage is suitable - it's loads cheaper than anywhere else!!

 

[Codger49]

203.0xx (and 209.3xx) have the antenna amplifier under the headlining.

203.2xx have antenna amplifier modules 1 and 4 under the headlining and modules 2 and 3 attached to the top of the window glass.

203.7 antenna amplifier modules 1 and 2 are attached to the tailgate window.

If I had Fifi01's VIN, I could be more specific.

Agree that Comandonline would be a very good source of info.