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C200 Kompressor 3 dr manual coupe 20,000 miles - Mercedes antenna repair - Hoda Lacey

My central locking and radio mal-functioned. Car is 8 years old. Mercedes tell me antenna has malfunctioned and only way to check is to remove (and probably replace) rear windscreen at over £800 plus VAT. Have already paid over £90 for diagnostic and key battery replacement. I cannot believe Mercedes would design a car with an antennae that can only be reached through the rear windscreen. An antennae is not a consumable and has been placed in an almost inaccessible place. Surely this must be a design fault? Can anyone out there help me, please?

C200 Kompressor 3 dr manual coupe 20,000 miles - Mercedes antenna repair - RobJP

People used to have antennas that stuck up from the car. Then they were made electric, and then the manufacturers designed 'sleeker' antennas which are built in with the rear heated screens. Some manufacturers use 'shark-fin' antennas on the roof.

Much like with the old type, if the antenna fails it needs replacing.

However, you may well find that a Merc dealer is the most expensive way of getting the job done. I'd suggest you find a good independent merc specialist.

Oh, and a 'design fault' that lasts 8 years before a problem isn't a design fault.

C200 Kompressor 3 dr manual coupe 20,000 miles - Mercedes antenna repair - elekie&a/c doctor

Before you spend out the £800,I would get somebody to check out the fuses in the luggage compartment fusebox.There is a 7.5 amp fuse that controls these functions.