Hello all, I own a 76 300d, which is my pride and joy as far as cars go... Big MB fan here!
I'm not a fan of the stock sound system though... It consists of one speaker in the center of dash (which is hatched), and the AM/FM manual tuning radio...
I want to replace the speaker (which includes dash removal, right?) and the stock deck (i will be saving both in a box that will stay with the car)
Is there a head unit out there that has classic looks, but modern functions (auto tuning, cd player, and dimming?) I have searched www.crutchfield.com, and havent found anything that I think would fit the looks of my car. Anybody know of something that has classic looks, and modern functions?
Thank you very much
~Nate

Greetings Nate,

The most attractive HU I could find was the JVC AR560 at Crutchfields, and I was tempted by the model #:
www.crutchfield.com/S-GjpG0SRulQ8/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?I=257KDAR560&wm=su

but I gave up a little in the looks department and went with a Kenwood Excelon unit for better specs; It's not too terrible looking IMHO;
www.crutchfield.com/S-qeIPG9GCjxY/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=300&id=morephotos&i=113KDCX589&pi=2&display=XL#Tab

I'm new to this and just now installing; keeping my fingers crossed!

Good Luck,

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isaw1
'89 560sl, White
50k Miles!!

You might want to check out Nakamichi units as they are all black and have very little glitz.

__________________
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

I am really diggin the Blaupunkt Casablanca MP 54; it is dark european looking and great reviews. go to Blaupunkts web site and browse....
www.blaupunktusa.com
then search google HU for prices...

__________________
'87 924S
'81 280SEL

Sold ->

81 300SD -
93 300E w/ 3.2
85 300D-
79 300SD
82 300CD
83 300CD - CA
87 190E 5 spd
87 Porsche 924S

"..I'll take a simple "C" to "G" and feel brand new about it..."

I have the Casablanca in one vehicle, very nice stereo but oddly enough am looking at the same JVC for my 300CD. I used to swear by Blaupunkt but over the years quality has really dropped off. The benchmark they once were seems to be a thing of the past. I've had 2 warrenty issues over the past 3 years and both units had to be completely replaced. I do like the black look of them but I honestly don't feel like the quality is really there anymore.
I would suggest going through Crutchfield for whatever you get, customer service is unmatched and for the novice or semi-novice they can be an excellent "aide" if you run into problems.

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Jeff SE PA
1981 300 CD 85K miles "Heidi"
84 El Camino (what an SS should have been in 84)
01 Jeep Cherokee lifted 3", goes anywhere

Contact Becker for a TrafficPro. Has Mercedes Benz on the cover, compatable with ipods/accessories, has decent navigation; sells around $500. Black, looks a little like the stock BECKER that was originally in your car.

internet search Becker car audio, they are in NJ

Nothing like giving someone advice and answers and they don't respond??????????????

__________________
'87 924S
'81 280SEL

Sold ->

81 300SD -
93 300E w/ 3.2
85 300D-
79 300SD
82 300CD
83 300CD - CA
87 190E 5 spd
87 Porsche 924S

"..I'll take a simple "C" to "G" and feel brand new about it..."

Original style in-dash Mercedes/Becker cd/mp3 players:
www.perfectmarketaudio.com

I agree with the post above about Nakamichi's. I have a Nakamichi CD-400 in my 300ce, and it looks perfect. It's really simple looking and, better yet, sounds amazing. In the US, Nakamichi dealers are very difficult to find. You'll most likely have to go to a really high-end place to get one... Mine cost around $450. Kinda spendy, but you really get what you pay for. Also, since it's so simple and stock-looking, I have a hunch that thieves will generally look past it.

I just put in a Panasonic head unit and some Infinity Kappa 4" in the rear deck. It's not as classic looking as the Nak but is about the "plainest" looking head unit I could find locally. The Kappa's almost drop right in but do require a little drilling.

Sounds Ok, not much bass but what do you expect from 4" speakers. Decent sound and cheap enough that I won't cry when it gets ripped off.