W211 Bad Radio Reception

[Bakili]

I noticed, couple days now, if I switch rear screen heating, radio reception very poor. As soon as turning it off, back to normal. What could it be?

Car 2003 e320cdi saloon

Thanks in advance

 

[E270 Owner]

I noticed, couple days now, if I switch rear screen heating, radio reception very poor. As soon as turning it off, back to normal. What could it be?

Car 2003 e320cdi saloon

Thanks in advance

Check rear screen earthing point.

 

[Bakili]

Check rear screen earthing point.

Thanks,
Can you please tell where is earthing point on rear screen?

 

[E270 Owner]

Hope this helps

 

[Bakili]

Hope this helps

Thanks a lot bud.

I hope I have issue with boot wiring, as I did mess with boot spring couple days ago, left one was noisy, remember spraying this area with white grease "stupid me".
Will investigate tomorrow
Thanks again guys

Sent from my iPhone using MBClub UK

 

[Gareth]

Hmmm, mine has always been like this and I just assumed it was the way they all are, I'd be interested to see the outcome of this.

 

[Bakili]

Had a look in boot wiring and earth a looks OK
Can see black Antenna cable, but seems to be issue not there.
Had radio on with rear windscreen heating on, one moment while messing about with wiring touched with screwdriver metal connector on antenna, reception returned 100% good, but after disappeared again This time touching with metal object did not help.

I am just wondering, if possible to wire new antenna in boot and leave it there?
Out of all station only one station works with rear windscreen heating on

 

[E270 Owner]

Check all earthing especially the antennae

 

[Bakili]

Check all earthing especially the antennae

I did check antenna earth, but not on pillars, as cant remove rear pillars, stopped before causing more damage

 

[Bakili]

Been cleaning car today, noticed this while polishing windows


Looks like issue is there.
Looks like stone chip, but it is not. Dent very smooth from outside screen but you can feel it from inside.

The bad news that looks like needs new rear screen
The good news, after scratching dent with my nail, some how reception spot on now with rear heating on.

 

[gIzzE]

You can buy a track pen to join the broken links, they work pretty well.

Your aerial is one big loop (and also the screen heater) and if the track breaks anywhere you will loose reception, it is more noticeable when the rear heater is turned on.

 

[Bakili]

You can buy a track pen to join the broken links, they work pretty well.

Your aerial is one big loop (and also the screen heater) and if the track breaks anywhere you will loose reception, it is more noticeable when the rear heater is turned on.

Thanks
Can you please give me link where can I buy a track pen.
How to use it?

Many thanks

 

[npuk]

conductive pen | eBay or Maplin electronic sell it.

You just draw a line where the track is broken.

 

[gIzzE]

Conductive Pen : PCB Pens : Maplin Electronics


You simply fill any broken tracks.

 

[wilsodg]

Conductive Pen : PCB Pens : Maplin Electronics


You simply fill any broken tracks.

Thanks for this tip. I have the same issue on my R170 - will check it out.

 

[zepe]

Who stole my radio's RF ?



Hi all.
I decided to continue with the similar issue on W211 220CDI saloon (late 2008 model, with new Command) : Suddenly radio reception became very poor.
Following things are now done :
1. Connectors are ok (cleaned), looks like no issues with lines in rear window
2. Amplifier (A2118707389) is replaced - no effect at all
3. Rear heater does not have influence
4. When Command is switched on and engine does not run, reception is better. When engine is running, reception gets worse (Xenon-lights do not influence)
(This would lead to a possible grounding issue - but where...)

I've understood, that there is a SAM located in trunk, however - dual coax-cables from amplifier in the left C-pillar looks like to lead to the front of the car -> are these leading the FM's RF-signal to the Command-unit, or are these cables used for another purpose ? (Separate GSM antenna is located on the roof.)

Or - would it be better, that I take a magnifying glass to my hand and go thru (>>10 times more) all grounding points.

I'd really appreciate all help regarding in this issue. Could someone share his/her knowledge of these cables ?

Br,
Seppo

Command

Amplifier

Lower connectors, note the coax cables is dual connector

Upper connectors

C-pillar connectors