I took my '84 300D to a professional shop looking into a new radio/cd/speakers system and after some head scratching they said they needed to do a little more research having not done any similar installations. Rather than "reinvent the wheel", can someone simplify this agonizing process by recommending a radio/cd/speaker system? We basically need to be pointed in the right direction. I understand that the fader wheel will likely have to be bypassed, but are there any other issues to be concerned with? I'm not looking for one of those mega-sound systems, just something of quality that is not a nightmare to have the shop install. Thanks!!

The radio can be swapped out for anything in a regular 1 DIN package. I have installed several Pioneer radios, there are so many choices its mindboggling, the KEH-P8600R is an older model that has a lot of features, newer radios accept a CD, or minidisc (MD) etc. You could probably do the work yourself if you have experience and a crimp lug tool. Figuring out the fader is a little more challenging but is very important - get rid of the fader by connecting the radio directly to the speakers. Modern radios have a fader feature inbuilt to the controls using solid state (digital) means, no scratchy power wasting resistors like the fader in the center console.
Search for info, I thinks its in the Forum already.

As for speakers, your car is a bit picky when it comes to finding ones that fit.
You could contact La Jolla Audio (CA) to see if they can supply the right speaker for the 123.
There is a lot of talk about speakers here:
Comparison of MB Quart vs Rainbow -- Comments???
Personally I believe a set of Pioneer, Infinity or Polk Audio speakers in the rear will go a long way to getting decent sound at minimal cost, MB Quart are expensive and Rainbow very expensive for the application you have.
The front speakers need to be low profile 3" speakers to retain the stock covers, installing a speaker with a nice looking tweeter in the center is going to lead to problems if the wrong speaker is chosen (BTDT). Alpine makes a suitable speaker for the front, I believe its a mm sized speaker.
The rear speakers are not so critical except for depth, the fuel tank is just below the rear deck. One individual took their car to Circuit City for a complete speaker install, and wound up with a perforated fuel tank where they drilled too deep, so a word to the wise!

Just about anything you install will sound better than the OEM system, MB radios in the W123 chassis are poor in terms of sound quality.

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'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

I appreciate dieseldiehard's comments. There is also recent discussion of speakers for these cars on another thread on this forum, "W123 front speaker removal". I'm also in the process of deciding on a replacement system for my W123.

Marshall Welch
Seattle, WA
1982 300D Turbodiesel

I replaced my stock piece of junk with a cheap CD player. The wire leads are simple. Make sure to watch the power lead on the ashtray. I didn't have enough wire to rewire around the fader so I wired the front leads from the stereo to the leads off of the fader. Don't try to wire front and rear leads together. Like I said I did this to just get by for now. I installed 5.25" 'sony explodes' in the rear deck. Once the rear speakers are removed you can see the depth of the cavity for replacement. Too far and you get the gas tank. A good intstall shop should be able to see that. Its always a good Idea about your dimensions though to start. Good luck!

marciano77
1978 300D