I have a very nice 74 240D with the factory radio. Im thinking of getting a sattelite radio to suplement the lack of either a cassette or CD player and I really want to keep the factory radio. What are my options on instalation? Would I just have to have all these wires across the dash?

Father-inlaw had Best Buy install his XM head in his 2003 Grand Marquis (sp?). They did a nice job and it plays thru the factory radio. Talk to them about it. His is hard wired and a peal and stick mounting bracket was used so he can remove the unit at home. I thought the instalation was nice and it did not destroy anything. so removing it later will not leave any "modifications"

dave

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car

You could install an FM Modulated XM in your car however you would be limited to the frequency response and fidelity of your present unit. You do not say if it is stereo or mono but if it is stereo the Becker units of that era are actually superior to what was available say in the standard General Motors product. XM offers superior fidelity and I can't say you would be taking advantage of it all but you would be looking very stock.

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83 300CDTurbo 307,000
2005 Honda Element 266,000
56 Nash Ambassador Country Club Special 34,000(under restoration presently)

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/car-audio-multimedia/125099-123-install-extreme-dynamat.html

Both Sirius and XM have fm modulator units, but most are pretty ugly and don't fit the "decor" of an older Mercedes, since the LCD has to be visible for tuning purposes. Then, there's the hockey puck sat antenna . . .