'86 W126 Power Antenna Replacement
 

Hi, I had the Hirschman antenna on my '86 420SEL repaired once, and it did not last long. now I have a new replacement radio and I need an antenna. Is there an aftermarket power antenna which is recommended?

I disassembled and cleaned the unit/motor to the power antenna from my '87 420SEL. Still not working, ariel only goes up about 25 cm. Only option is to find a used or rebuilt one but three high end auto parts stores said to forget about spending $300 and just replace it with a manual stationary antenna. Trouble now is to figure out how the end of the manual 'male' wire fits unto the existing antenna from the Mercedes radio. I don't want to have to string the antenna wire. There must be an adaptor of some kind to marry the two ends. Jamie