Someone broke the GPS antenna on my ML430. I took it to the dealer and he said it was going to run $600 to replace ($300 for parts, $300 for installation). Apparently, they cannot replace just the little rubber antenna part, they have to replace the whole unit. Does anyone know of an after market replacement option? $600 is a little steep for a GPS system that only worked part of time.

thanks,

Jerome

 

I have the same problem, I refuse to pay $600. so what I did was I bought a tube of black caulk and used the tip as my new ant. mask. It works great. good luck.

 

I had the same problem too and black caulk worked great for me. keep a little water on the side to dip your finger to smooth it out.

 

I copied this from Ken Kee's M-Class Outpost site. He copied my posting from another forum. This is W163 specific.

Replace GPS Antenna w/ 3rd Party Solution

From Mark Costello:


Symptoms: GPS loses location when driving. Frequency increases until eventually no satellites can
be found.

Cause:
Cheapest - corroded connectors on antenna. Remove connector and clean up.
More expensive - antenna failure. Unit contains active electronics, so beyond checking voltage to unit and resistance between pins, there is not much you can do without RF test gear.
Most expensive - water down the cable and into your car.

In my case, I figured antenna failure and tried salvage yards and Mercedes parts dealers on internet. Nothing below $150.

A gentleman on another forum gave me the following link:

www.pacparts.com
(800) 421 5080

Part is actually made by Alpine for NVEN852A unit.
Part number is A-01T85385W04
Cost was $27.01.

Tiger Direct now have it for $25.

Installation - easy! Buy keys from eBay to remove MCS. Make sure you have security code before removing power to your MCS.

Place mag mount antenna in convenient location - I put mine next to Sirius antenna, between front of sunroof and top of windscreen. Cable fits neatly behind weather stripping on windshield.

Lift weather strip on A-pillar, route cable behind dash and refit weather strip. Plug GT-5 connector into back of MCS and refit unit.

Dial in security code and you should start finding satellites straight away. Other postings said 20-30 minutes were needed but I was good to go in about two.