Hello,

I just wanted to give a little background to the problem discussed here. Becker has three different types of coded radios. The model 754 ('86-'87) displays the four dashes when in code mode and has an internal battery to back up the code. They can only be reset by a Dealership, and if the internal battery is dead (about 5 year life), will need reseting any time the cars battery is disconnected. The model 780 ('88-'89) uses an EPROM to store the code. It does not need the internal or car's battery to remember the code. It also has dashes to indicate an in code mode, and also needs to be reset via a Dealer. However, if the radio is reset and the alarm system does not trigger the code, the radio will not need to be recoded when the battery is disconnected. After 1990, Becker finally was able to talk Mercedes out of the tool reset models and were allowed to produce a user codeable radio. The will show CODE in the display when in code mode. It is true that Mercedes Beckers are not a very good radio, but to be fair to Becker, this was Mercedes fault. Becker makes a very good aftermarker radio that stands up to the best radios on the market. However, Mercedes did not want to spend much money on an item they did not feel was very important to the vehicle. So they mandated design limits that Becker had to implement if they wanted the contract.

Since we sell Blaupunkt and Becker audio equipment, you could say that I am biased toward them. However, I do have a large clientele from around the world that have backed up my faith in these brands. I have also heard that Alpine and the other brands mentions in the other posts, are quite good as well. I agree with the person who said that it comes down to personal taste.

If I can be any help, please e-mail me or call.

Sincerely,

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Scott Brotherton
Continental Imports
1219 S. Main St.
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 377-6604