I've got an `88 560 SEL with an AM/FM Cassette by Becker. This is the premium unit with the subs in the door.

I'm planning on replacing the head with a new Alpine in a week or so.

Last weekend, the Becker suddenly went on the fritz. The display looked like it was in Klingon, there was no sound and the unit would not turn off.

I don't drive it every day and this morning it wouldn't start. I'm guessing the Becker drained the battery. The car started right up after a jump. Oddly enough, the Becker works now.

If the Becker is just going south, I'm not that concerned. On the other hand, if there's an electrical problem causing this, it could end up frying the Alpine when I put it in.

Anyone experienced this before?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Bill

Hi backstage1,

You should have a Becker BE-0780 in the car. This radio was famous for draining and killing batteries. I has a internal problem that is killing the battery. You can either replace the radio or get yours repaired and that should solve the battery problem. Let me know if you need further help. Thank you for using Mercedes Shop Forum.

Cleeve Morrison
La Jolla Audio Repair

www.mercedesradiorepair.net

Hi Cleeve,

Since it drained the battery the first time and 'reset' itself, I haven't had a problem. As soon as the new Alpines come in, I'm having one installed so that should take care of it. Thanks for your help.

Bill

When it does not want to shut off pull the #2 fuse and wait a few seconds before reinstalling it. This might do the trick and keep you from having a dead battery. My display is going and every now and then it will do the same as your's. It is a Becker 1480 so I do not have the internal battery your's has.

Thanks, I'll try that if it happens again. I've just been avoiding using it since I'm going to replace the Becker with an Alpine in a few days.

Bill

I've seen these go into that "hyroglyphic" (sp?) mode due to low voltage before. If it's back to normal, I'd keep using it. If there is a "real" problem you'd know it, it wouldn't revert back to normal operation. You can also buy just the faceplate for these too if you want it original.
Gilly

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

Gilly, what do you mean 'buy the faceplate'? Is it some kind of fake that covers your aftermarket radio?

Bill

Nope, the radio you have has a removeable faceplate, has all the buttons and the LCD. You pull it off and what's left is called the radio chassis. It sounds like you just had a problem with the faceplate itself (garbled looking display and so forth).
Gilly

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

Ok, I see what you're saying now. Thanks for the clarification.

Actually, I was already planning on replacing the Becker before
this happened. The cassette deck doesn't work and the new
Alpine unit I want has both Ipod and XM controls built-in.

I like the look of the new Becker Mexico, it's not as 'Tokyo
at night' like most of the units on the market now but it's
just way overpriced.

Bill