I have a 2001 ML320 and the radio cuts out every 3 seconds (sounds like a record skipping) has been doing this awhile, and would clear up when I shut the vehicle off and start it back up but now it does it all the time. The "shark fin" type antenna I have, the mast has broken off. I don't know if this is causing the problem but I can't seem to find a replacement. Anyone have any ideas or similar problem? Any help is greatly appreciated. This is the factory installed system and I have not made any modifications to system.

 

I believe your radio antenna is part of rear hatch glass and the antenna amplifier is mounted in the hatch right next to center brake light and wiper motor. You should check the ground wiring, many of them repaired by dealer under warranty because they never removed the paint coating from under wire lug. I believe there is a repair buletin in Aldata and Mercedes original W163 Star manual about it.

 

Thank you for the information I'll check the ground wire, I had no idea where to even begin.

 

Did you ever figure this out? my 2003 C230 is doing the same thing now looking for a solution. Any help would be appreciated