While driving to work Friday ('87 300E w/ 215k miles) there was a buzz through the radio (FM and AM) that pitched low to high according to the rpm's of the motor. Never heard that before. After work there was no juice at all.

New jumper cables and another car's batteryhad no effect. Oh yeah, the battery is 11 months old.

Detail: the antenna has not been retracting all the way upon shut off. Could it have been drawing power trying to lower?

All the fuses in the box on the left side look fine. Are there other fuses to check?

Any suggestions before I have AAA tow it to a shop? Thanks!!!

 

I believe that the antenna not retracting all the way is not an issue as it is probably just stuck and needs to be cleaned. I would start with the voltage regulator then the alterntor which can drain a new batery in a few days.

 

Problem solved:

AAA came out and checked the battery. It was fine. Checked the fuses. Fine. Main fuse. Fine.

The car started with jumper to POS and NEG to chassis. Otherwise nothing. Two guys went over the inside and then I leaned over and noticed that the NEG battery cable was broken at the chassis.

He cleaned up the end, stripped of some covering and put in the chassis hole. Started up fine and all lights worked fine.

So a trip to an autoparts store for a 10-inch 4-gauge battery cable and I'm setto replace the cable tomorrow while the Benz sits safe in the parking garage at work. Gotta remember to disconnect the POS first.

 

My 1990 300SL just lost ALL power. no dash ligts, buzzers, nothing. Newer battery was checked out by AAA and said it was fully charged. Wherev should I start? Thanks for ny help!