Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class Aerial

The C-Class has run across several generations: W202 (1993–2000), W203 (2000–2007), W204 (2007–2014, facelift 2011), and W205 (2014–2021), so aerials from within the same generation are generally the most straightforward swap as the mounting points and fittings tend to match. Crossing a generation boundary — for example, using a W204 aerial on a W205 — is less certain due to potential differences in base fitting, cable connector, and roof profile, so confirm compatibility with the breaker against your registration before buying. Within a generation, minor year differences are unlikely to cause problems, but it's always worth double-checking with the breaker.

Yes, this is one of the most important things to get right: later W205 models commonly used a shark fin aerial, while older generations such as the W202 and W203 typically used a traditional screw-in mast aerial, and the W204 sits in between depending on specification. The two types are not interchangeable — the mounting, wiring, and roof aperture are completely different — so make sure the aerial you're buying matches the style fitted to your car. Confirm the correct type with the breaker against your registration to avoid buying the wrong part.

Trim level — whether your car is an SE, Sport, AMG Line, or Avantgarde — does not affect aerial fitment in terms of function or mounting; the aerial fitted depends on the generation and body style rather than the trim. You may find minor cosmetic differences such as colour or finish between aerials pulled from different trim cars, but these won't affect whether the part fits or works. As long as the aerial is from the same generation and the same aerial type (mast or shark fin), trim is not something to worry about.

This is a direct generation-boundary question: the W204 ran until 2014 and the W205 began in 2014, so a 2013 aerial is from a different generation to a 2015 car. These two generations differ in roof profile and connector design, meaning a straight swap is not guaranteed even if the aerial style looks similar on the outside. Confirm with the breaker against both registrations before purchasing, as this is exactly the kind of cross-generation question they're best placed to answer.

Body style can affect aerial fitment, particularly with shark fin aerials where the roof angle and mounting recess may differ between a Saloon, Estate (S204/S205), and Coupe (C204/C205). For traditional mast aerials the differences are less likely to be significant, but it's not something that can be guaranteed without checking. Tell the breaker both the body style and registration of your car and the donor car so they can advise before you commit.

Give the breaker your full registration number, which lets them confirm the exact generation, body style, and whether your car left the factory with a mast or shark fin aerial. It's also helpful to note whether your aerial is integrated with other functions such as DAB or GPS, as some shark fin units on later W205 cars combine multiple antennas in one housing and need a matching replacement. The more detail you can provide, the better the breaker can match the correct part from their stock.