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WANTED WTB: Hirschmann Antenna
- Thread starter maduell
- Start date
If your car is a long-term keeper... I would strongly suggest buying a brand new Hirschmann. Yes, I know that is painful at ~$180 from Amazon. I've messed around with trying to fix old/used antennas as the success rate is not good. Old ones often need new masts at $60+ and the control boards are frequent failures ($25-ish used on eBay), and in some cases internal parts break which are not fixable. Unless you have access to a local Pick-n-pull to raid cheap parts to repair old ones, just buy new and sleep better. BT, DT.
http://www.amazon.com/Hirschmann-W0133-1601556-HIR-Power-Antenna/dp/B001G68E4Q/
Photos here... note this is for 1992, 1993, and early 1994 only with the threaded-top antennas:
http://www.w124performance.com/images/W124_stereo/Hirschmann/1992-1993/
Click here for a photo of the grommet, which is only available from MB as part of a rather expensive ($94 MSRP) kit. Hopefully you can re-use your existing grommet(s).
http://www.amazon.com/Hirschmann-W0133-1601556-HIR-Power-Antenna/dp/B001G68E4Q/
Photos here... note this is for 1992, 1993, and early 1994 only with the threaded-top antennas:
http://www.w124performance.com/images/W124_stereo/Hirschmann/1992-1993/
Click here for a photo of the grommet, which is only available from MB as part of a rather expensive ($94 MSRP) kit. Hopefully you can re-use your existing grommet(s).
You don't need the whole kit, you can just replace the outer plastic piece. Its the only thing that you could really break unless you're just trying to hard....
Paul plans on keeping this car, I think Dave's link to Amazon is good. $179 & free shipping
http://www.amazon.com/Hirschmann-W0...automotive&vehicleId=1&vehicleType=automotive
http://www.amazon.com/Hirschmann-W0...automotive&vehicleId=1&vehicleType=automotive
Just don't use Armor-All, tire shine, 303 or hair spray to lubricate your new antenna's mast. Use the special Hirschmann lube packets....
The universal models are NOT plug & play... I would not recommend one. As I mentioned previously, used 20-year-old antennas at $50-$100 each (eBay) or $25-$50 (local wrecker) are a crapshoot, and may only last a year or two, if you're lucky.
I'd rather not admit how much money I wasted trying not to spend $175 for a new antenna. If I could go back in time, I'd not spend one penny nor one minute dinking with used stuff, and I'd shell out for the new custom-fit unit, and not think about it again. 20/20 hindsight and all that jazz. Learn from my mistakes, folks! ~$60 used unit + $80 new mast = probable failure of board or mechanism followed by $175 expenditure for a new one anyway. They can and do wear out. Believe me, I'm all for pinching pennies and ballin' on a budget, but antennas are one area where I learned a hard lesson in false economy.
Related rant: I don't think I have EVER found a good used antenna in a 124 chassis at any Pick+Pull. They are either original and junk, or have the masts ripped out, or both. On eBay, I once scored an MB remanufactured unit, and IIRC even then I ended up having to replace the board or mast.
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FYI - the replacement mast (MB # 140-827-00-01) is up to $179 MSRP now from the dealer. Yes, for the mast only. I'm not finding them anywhere via aftermarket for less than about $75 for genuine Hirschmann. The dealer wants $985 (list) for a new antenna, or $368 (list) for a rebuilt with $78 core.
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+1. I'd like to know what the active ingredient is in those packets.
It's a citrus-based lubricant that is designed not to attract dust and dirt. I use them on my cars about twice per year. About 15 years ago, Ed Ebel at Becker game me a huge bag of about 100 of those cleaning packets.
Because I'm a cool guy, naturally.
Masts are cheaper for the older models, i.e. 126 chassis. the USA-spec 124.034/036 all have the integrated cellular antenna mast, which apparently is a relative of the orange koala-claw stuff.
Example: 560SEC mast is B6-682-8035, only $54 MSRP from the dealer... if still available. Less than 1/3 the cost of the late 124 mast!
Example: 560SEC mast is B6-682-8035, only $54 MSRP from the dealer... if still available. Less than 1/3 the cost of the late 124 mast!
The universal models are NOT plug & play... I would not recommend one. As I mentioned previously, used 20-year-old antennas at $50-$100 each (eBay) or $25-$50 (local wrecker) are a crapshoot, and may only last a year or two, if you're lucky.
I'd rather not admit how much money I wasted trying not to spend $175 for a new antenna. If I could go back in time, I'd not spend one penny nor one minute dinking with used stuff, and I'd shell out for the new custom-fit unit, and not think about it again. 20/20 hindsight and all that jazz. Learn from my mistakes, folks! ~$60 used unit + $80 new mast = probable failure of board or mechanism followed by $175 expenditure for a new one anyway. They can and do wear out. Believe me, I'm all for pinching pennies and ballin' on a budget, but antennas are one area where I learned a hard lesson in false economy.
Related rant: I don't think I have EVER found a good used antenna in a 124 chassis at any Pick+Pull. They are either original and junk, or have the masts ripped out, or both. On eBay, I once scored an MB remanufactured unit, and IIRC even then I ended up having to replace the board or mast.
Another
X a billion. Every word Gixxer says there is dead on. If you get about 10 of them at the pick and pull you might be able to make one good one. If one is mechanically and electrically inclined, replacement parts are available on the inter-webs. A couple of places on fleabay used to have a lot of the parts available, but by the time you get everything you might need, and pay shipping you might want to just replace it. I would not put a "universal" in my car unless it was a seriously crappy clunker/beater. Ugly, clunky, usually flaccid and loose fitting once installed, and most definitely not plug-and-play.
Damn, I might've just described myself...
I've had MUCH better luck on the Hirschmanns. I'd say I bat .500 or .600 on the antennae, but then again I only pick the very best condition ones, out of cars that have been obviously cared-for. That probably helps my batting average a bit.
Then again, I have yet to replace one (other than connecting them to test). I'm still on the original units in my SEC and my Efiver.
Then again, I have yet to replace one (other than connecting them to test). I'm still on the original units in my SEC and my Efiver.
Yet another reason to get yourself into the wonderful W/C126 chassis and experience the goodness...... live a little, man !!
Here's a few examples of these bad-boys....
The 140 part number mast is for facelift cars...
Bummer that it didn't find its way into the back of the E320 wagon with all of the other spares....
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140-827-00-01 is the correct mast for all years of USA-spec 124.034/036... not just facelift. I believe this may fit all USA-spec 124's (including wagens, coupé, and cabby) from 1992 model year through end of production. There was a definite break point between 1991 and 1992 in USA, the antennas are different as well.
European models are different... above info is for USA only...
European models are different... above info is for USA only...
Ahh, interesting. I saw the notation in the EPC and (my failing eyes) thought it said from model year 1993, but you are correct. Closer inspection says from model year 1992. 
I bought that mast not very long after we moved here, so probably early in 2009.
By the way, URO makes a mast with this part number/application for under $11.00. Good savings....NOT!
I bought that mast not very long after we moved here, so probably early in 2009.By the way, URO makes a mast with this part number/application for under $11.00. Good savings....NOT!
After about a half day of research and considering options, I followed Dave's advice and bought the correct Hirschmann replacement from Amazon and the grommet kit from MB (though I don't remember it being so expensive). A year later, I am quite happy with the advice and how my antenna works.
Thanks Dave!!!
Thanks Dave!!!
140-827-00-01 is the correct mast for all years of USA-spec 124.034/036... not just facelift. I believe this may fit all USA-spec 124's (including wagens, coupé, and cabby) from 1992 model year through end of production. There was a definite break point between 1991 and 1992 in USA, the antennas are different as well.
European models are different... above info is for USA only...
Indeed, there was a significant change along with a greatly increased antenna price.
USA version 124s as of '92 had telephone prewiring as standard equipment. This enabled a dealer installed integrated cell phone kit to be plug-and-play. As a part of this prewiring package, the conventional AM/FM radio antenna was replaced by a so-called "tri-band" antenna that also transmitted and received cellular signals. The additional silver box that is attached to the mast tube is a combination RF amplifier and signal splitter, that along with the modified antenna internals and dual section mast enabled the single antenna assembly to perform both roles. The ground plane requirement for cellular operation was the reason for the different upper mounting arrangement.
more
It was a really nice set up, and if analog cell service was still available, you could still be using them if you had one. One can convert to the previous conventional antenna set up as known from the '91, but alas, that is not plug-and-play either. The easiest thing to do is just get another tri-band unit at the best price you can find and install it. If they are truly the genuine Hirschmann article, and they are really available for 200 bucks or less, I'd be on that like a melanoma...
And yes, everybody. go to www.beckerautosound.com and buy the Hirschmann mast maintenance wipes that Gerry is talking about in post #16.
Or find them wherever you can find them, but do find them. Your antenna and you will appreciate them, because you can keep your mast cleaned and lubed (and who doesn't like that?), but you won't be subjecting your hideously priced antenna to substances that disintegrate or swell the plastic upper section, nor contribute to the disintegration of the plastic gear rope of the mast and the other various plastic bits inside the drive unit. Maintenance with incompatible chemicals kills these things far quicker than even a complete lack of maintenance...
Or find them wherever you can find them, but do find them. Your antenna and you will appreciate them, because you can keep your mast cleaned and lubed (and who doesn't like that?), but you won't be subjecting your hideously priced antenna to substances that disintegrate or swell the plastic upper section, nor contribute to the disintegration of the plastic gear rope of the mast and the other various plastic bits inside the drive unit. Maintenance with incompatible chemicals kills these things far quicker than even a complete lack of maintenance...
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Thanks to all for the input. After talking to Lionel Rutter today I am unwilling to pay $700 ($965 list) for a dealer unit. I bought the one suggested above, along with some 303 Aerospace protectant (per the thread on Gerry's engine cleanliness) through my Amazon Prime account. I think the top grommet is good but will check it thoroughly when I do install. May get a new one anyway.
Also will source the correct lubricant...that may have contributed because I recall cleaning an lub' get it in the past with some of the above mentioned "bad" stuff.
My mast was replaced a few years ago so should be fine. I will keep my unit for parts...and keep an eye out for others in the future to put in my stock pile.
Cheers!
Also will source the correct lubricant...that may have contributed because I recall cleaning an lub' get it in the past with some of the above mentioned "bad" stuff.
My mast was replaced a few years ago so should be fine. I will keep my unit for parts...and keep an eye out for others in the future to put in my stock pile.
Cheers!
Follow Up:
Becker AutoSound (beckerautosound.com) will Repair/Rebuild a Hirschmann Antenna for $175.00. Includes new mast and any other parts needed. He told me that the mast cleaning was not the problem...mine was definitely the board because mast goes up when radio tells it to but does not retract.
Cleaning wipes are $1.00 each
They rebuilt my Stereo Head Unit and Receiver and added Aux Input in May 2013 ($364.00 incl. shipping) and I have been very satisfied.
I am happy to be getting the new one from Amazon...will look out for a used one to replace board in mine and have a backup.
Becker AutoSound (beckerautosound.com) will Repair/Rebuild a Hirschmann Antenna for $175.00. Includes new mast and any other parts needed. He told me that the mast cleaning was not the problem...mine was definitely the board because mast goes up when radio tells it to but does not retract.
Cleaning wipes are $1.00 each
They rebuilt my Stereo Head Unit and Receiver and added Aux Input in May 2013 ($364.00 incl. shipping) and I have been very satisfied.
I am happy to be getting the new one from Amazon...will look out for a used one to replace board in mine and have a backup.
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MSRP is actually $985 now. Crazy
Great deal, considering JUST a new mast from MB (same part) is $179 MSRP and at best $125 online.
I just e-mailed Becker AutoSound for a price on just the mast.
Since a full rebuild is only $175 I figured a mast would be cheaper the MB.
$99 plus shipping, WTF
So I started looking around online, RM European. $78.57 and free shipping for a genuine Hirschmann
http://www.rmeuropean.com/Part-Numb...neItemId=fbba3d88-d2fd-4213-a94d-f8995f47bdbc
Since a full rebuild is only $175 I figured a mast would be cheaper the MB.
$99 plus shipping, WTF
So I started looking around online, RM European. $78.57 and free shipping for a genuine Hirschmann
http://www.rmeuropean.com/Part-Numb...neItemId=fbba3d88-d2fd-4213-a94d-f8995f47bdbc
There are 2 styles of Pre-cell phone antenna mast's
Very early, the plastic cord is smooth
Later they changed it to the "teeth" on one side. The early smooth cords
would slip if the antenna was even slightly dirty.
Of course the "teeth" version didn't slip, they break the cord when the mast gets stuck.
I would think 86-91 W126 would work, I'll check on that.
Very early, the plastic cord is smooth
Later they changed it to the "teeth" on one side. The early smooth cords
would slip if the antenna was even slightly dirty.
Of course the "teeth" version didn't slip, they break the cord when the mast gets stuck.
I would think 86-91 W126 would work, I'll check on that.
European version, without phone, I think. Possibly vertical instead of angled...? Or, it's some aftermarket thingy. Doesn't look quite right, would like to see a better photo.
My wagon was missing the antenna mast and the motor was unplugged. When I plug it in I can hear the motor running and it does not shut off. Trying to determine if I need to replace the entire unit or just the mast.
If someone has a good used Hirschman I would e interested.
If someone has a good used Hirschman I would e interested.
Sounds like a bad control board, Ken. Hard to say without additional information though. Appears the 94-95 wagon uses a rather unique unit. (Note to Gerry... the facelift wagon antenna is specific to 1994-1995 124.092 and 1994 W140 only).
Might be worth contacting Hirschmann/Becker to see if they will repair/refurbish your unit, or maybe seeing if you can convert to the Euro-style antenna instead...? The Euro setup lacks the phone connection stuff, not sure if the antenna cable will connect or not. Guess I should keep an eye out for spares since I've got an 092 now...
Might be worth contacting Hirschmann/Becker to see if they will repair/refurbish your unit, or maybe seeing if you can convert to the Euro-style antenna instead...? The Euro setup lacks the phone connection stuff, not sure if the antenna cable will connect or not. Guess I should keep an eye out for spares since I've got an 092 now...
On that particular antenna motor, the circuit is nothing more than a 14 second timer. It does not have the concentric switches that shut the motor off once the mast bottoms out, as is familiar from older designs. So, if you put a mast in and it "works" you can think you are home free and come out to a dead battery in the morning. Just plug the electrical plug in. If you still hear the motor running 30 seconds later, the circuit board inside the unit is defective. They are repairable and replaceable. If the motor shuts off within 30 seconds, go ahead and put a mast and it. If it won't take a mast, one of the driving lugs on the large double gear with internal damping spring is broken. I haven't checked lately, but as little as a couple of months ago those were readily available also, plus those can be repaired with a little bit of imagination, etc...
The really cheap aftermarket ones don't last very long. Fine for testing but if want it to last get a Hirschmann.
For $10 it will tell me if it works.
Looks like that was the original number, supercedes to 124-820-72-75 per the EPC (after some reverse lookups and whatnot). Don't look at the MSRP without having a stiff drink first. Hopefully it's fixable as Klink describes above.
Yep, it leaves a mark. I have bought Hirschmann parts from this guy a few times: http://www.ebay.com/sch/laynlow1/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=
They should attach a car to the antenna for that kind of money. The antenna is almost twice what I paid for the car.
Any ideas on what kind of antenna this is:
I don't believe this is a European antenna , more like aftermarket , seeing that the car in the photo is possibly ex Japan by the looks of the license plate holder (or maybe even US) .
Nonetheless, Euro ones are much the same as US appearance wise.
Ones with phone prep are like this , which are not retractable :
Ugly as hell !!
Stubby one on R230s looks good but doubt that it can retrofitted though :
All, I am bit confused as to what I need... Currently my antenna is stuck in the UP position... I do hear the motor run when turning the radio on and off. I have a 94 E500 and my antenna grommet is the funky special one that the forum has indicated is only available from MBZ as an antenna head kit part # 124 820 56 75. Rumoured to be almost $100 dealer only. Since mine seems to be the 94-95 facelift antenna, can I not install the earlier version (124 820 58 75) and then use the $3 grommet/seal? Will that be a plug and play install?? Autohauz says I need the 202 820 20 75 unit...thx!
If your current antenna has the threaded top, yes you can replace the entire antenna with the later style that uses the cheaper grommets. However, you also need additional parts to make this work. More info here:
http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5592
If you gotta replace it anyway... I'd do the upgrade, but that's just me...
http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5592
If you gotta replace it anyway... I'd do the upgrade, but that's just me...
gsxr, I am having trouble loading a pic, but my current antenna is the threaded top, IF that means after you place the grommet onto the mast, there is a funky nut that screws on and fits into the groove (?) of the grommet, to hold grommet against the fender... Then of course the mast once inserted also threads into the antenna.
By your post do you mean you would upgrade to the newer style antenna (which does not have the splitter?) and takes the $3 snap on grommet? And then that antenna (whatever the part number?) requires a wiring adapter?
thx!!!
By your post do you mean you would upgrade to the newer style antenna (which does not have the splitter?) and takes the $3 snap on grommet? And then that antenna (whatever the part number?) requires a wiring adapter?
thx!!!