Later Mercedes Radio & CD Changer in W123 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

riethoven · #1 01-20-2006, 03:27 PM

I have two 1985 300TD wagons with the original Becker Grand Prix radios. I love that original look, and can't seem to find it in anything but a late model Mercedes Benz CD changer/FM Tuner setup. I would like to install this into my W123s. I know it is possible because I have seen it on a German webpage. http://www.w123-turbodiesel.de/images/bildergalerie/showroom/Mercedes_Kombi-T-Modell13.JPG

Has anyone done this install? Can you walk me through it and give me an idea of cost?

Veloce300DT · #2 01-20-2006, 07:27 PM

I have looked into doing the same set up on my 300DT, as I also like the stock system in my W202 as far as aesthetics go.

To get a later MB radio to work in your W123, you need the newer style wiring harness and antenna adapter. Try Palo Alto Speedometer www.paspeedo.com or La Jolla Audio www.lajollaaudio.com for parts. They will also be able to guide you with proper wiring and set up advice.

Other than addressing these 2 points and wiring your changer through the car to the head unit, youll be set- its a fairly simple plug and play situation otherwise.

trickie · #3 01-20-2006, 08:59 PM

This radio is an option, it is a single cd in dash unit w/ aux in capability.
when you purchase it from becker it comes with the harness you need and it is just plug & play.

http://www.beckerautosound.com/4602specs.html

riethoven · #4 01-24-2006, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veloce300DT

I have looked into doing the same set up on my 300DT, as I also like the stock system in my W202 as far as aesthetics go.

To get a later MB radio to work in your W123, you need the newer style wiring harness and antenna adapter. Try Palo Alto Speedometer www.paspeedo.com or La Jolla Audio www.lajollaaudio.com for parts. They will also be able to guide you with proper wiring and set up advice.

Other than addressing these 2 points and wiring your changer through the car to the head unit, youll be set- its a fairly simple plug and play situation otherwise.

Thank you for the input and web addresses. I saw the setup on want eBay for around $200 so I know that they are reasonable. I want the cassette because I record parts of the group I am in and them I can play them back and practice singing while I am in the car, but will use the CD for the vast majority of my other listening.

riethoven · #5 01-24-2006, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickie

This radio is an option, it is a single cd in dash unit w/ aux in capability.
when you purchase it from becker it comes with the harness you need and it is just plug & play.

http://www.beckerautosound.com/4602specs.html

Thanks for the input, but I am looking for something that has cassette and CD. I also hear that the Becker units are quite expensive, and I am not crazy about the orange lights.

SHYNE · #6 02-22-2006, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickie

This radio is an option, it is a single cd in dash unit w/ aux in capability.
when you purchase it from becker it comes with the harness you need and it is just plug & play.

http://www.beckerautosound.com/4602specs.html

I'd like to put one in my 190.

Can you offer any more info please? How many have hard wired a new wiring harness for an updated deck into their factory loom?

rg2098 · #7 02-24-2006, 10:10 AM

Heres one on ebay with a CD changer. Not mine, just found it while searching myself.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Becker-Radio-STereo-Alpine-CD-CHanger_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ38640QQitemZ8039468899QQrdZ1

I feel that I am more limited by my stock size speakers (replaced with equal size Pioneers) then the stock head unit. I installed an FM modulator (hard line in through antenna cable, not a transmitter) in order to connect an iPod or CD player. I also installed a separate XM radio receiver. Everything has been done extremely cleanly with no modification to the vehicle (other then a small hole in the back of the ashtray for the input wire to come out and allows the tray to close while not in use. In total I spent about $100 on my "system" and have been completely happy, but then again I don't blast that hip hop crap at full volume.