Becker 1432 300E
 

I hope that someone can shed some light on the Becker 1432 unit installed in a 1993 300E. As I understand, I have the two piece unit with the amp, antenna and speakers all wired in the truck setup. What was the advantage of such a setup, if any? What is the easy way to install a late model Mercedes Becker unit that would have the dash unit self contained unit with a cd player. I understand that I can retrofit the Alpine 634 changer unit in the truck with several cable adapters. This is an option but would a in dash upgrade be better? Also, why did MB use a 2ohm system instead of the 4ohm standard and what does this mean?

Thanks,

Bill

I can't recall if it's the 1480 or 1432 that comes in two pieces. :confused: It's been a while since I had one apart. Only advantage I can think of was the ability for more power and an easier install from MB for all the speakers.

There are some later ones that should just hook up, I've never looked into it due to the cost. You can have better electronics for less cash now. Most aftermarkets looks like they came from 2001 A Space Odyssey with all the blinking/flashing crap but you can sift through them to find nice ones. Older Pioneer Premier are nice, new Alpines with the Biolite display, some older Kenwood eXcelon stuff, etc.

If you're only trying to obtain CD, a changer is a viable option. Less work and probably less cost. The 400E I almost purchased had every option including CD changer as well as heated seats.

Why did they use 2ohm stuff? Same reason they used a common ground for the speakers and used that center fader... we will never know. :D

Here's what I'd do:

$150 quality used headunit
$75 small external amplifier with install kit
$150 speakers

You'll have a modern head unit with better FM reception, XM capacity, CDR capacity, MP3 perhaps, etc.

Head unit power sux, a lil external amp is WONDERFUL. I stole a lil 35x4 Precision Power for $45 shipped, an install kit shouldn't be too spendy for 8awg wire and RCAs. Then you have clean power, use the headunit for crossovers.

Speakers, this is debated for the W124s but I'd just replace the dash and rear fill. Rainbow makes some direct swaps so they'll cost a bit more, but are a great speaker. Aside from that, most others will fit with some dirty talk. :D

It's the 1432 that came with two pieces, and I found this schematic very helpful (from becker official site):

http://www.beckerautosound.com/1432-...figuration.png

I have a 1432 system in my SDL, with the 10 disk changer. IMHO if you aren't going for a super stock look just dump all the Becker stuff and go aftermarket. It will probably perform better.

-J