Mercedes R Klasse Radio Reception Problems

Radio signal MIA I'm losing my mind! My 2009 Mercedes R Klasse with a gasoline engine is driving me nuts. The car radio reception is terrible! I get an error message on the command screen, then the whole audio system cuts out. It's mostly static noise and FM signal is virtually non-existent. I scanned the error memory and there's a fault stored. I'm suspecting a defective antenna. Anyone else experience this?

4 comment(s)

Sounds familiar. I had similar audio issues with my old BMW 3 series. The car radio would cut out at random times. Have you checked the antenna ground connection? A bad ground can cause all sorts of weird static noise and poor signal problems. Also, is your antenna cable properly connected to the radio unit at the back?

Antenna ground connection...good point. Where exactly is that located on the R Klasse? And yeah, I will check the connections behind the unit. Is it easy to remove the head unit or do I need special tools?

On my BMW, the antenna ground was near the base of the antenna itself, under the headliner. I am not sure about your Mercedes. Removing the radio can be tricky. I would advise you to bring your car to a workshop. I spent hours troubleshooting, but in the end, it needed proper diagnosis. They can pinpoint the defective component, check the antenna amplifier, and signal path.

Thanks for the advice! I took it to a local shop, and you were right, the antenna was defective. They replaced it, and the FM signal is crystal clear again. The bill was 255€ including labor. I'm so relieved!

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