I have a 1991 500SL with the original radio (Becker Rand Prix BE1432). It also has a factory CD changer in the trunk (I had the Mercedes dealer add this about 4 years ago...it's a 6 disc changer (part# 002-820-42-89, if that helps).

I would like to change the radio out with the one that appeared in the SL's starting in '95 (maybe '94). I don't know the model number on it. In the SL brochures it's referred to as a BOSE system, but I believe there was a non-BOSE version in other Mercedes models. So if the BOSE version is out of the question, maybe the non-BOSE version would work (cause I don't want make a big deal out of this, such as swap the whole system out with the BOSE one...it would be great if the head units could simply be swapped). I also wonder if the specs between the non-BOSE version and the 1432 are same (in other words the new one would be an upgrade over the 1432). I assume it would physically fit just as the old, but what about the connections? And would it still work with the CD changer? Obviously, there are a lot of things to consider.

So, all that said...if there's anyone out there who has the answer to all these questions, I'd appreciate their response...thanks!

Mark,

The older Becker radios have different connectors as the newer Becker radios (the connectors are changed somewhere in 1994). The connectors for power, speakers and for the CD changer were all changed.
If you take out the radio of your car, you will probably see a round connector for the CD changer, a rectangle connector for the power (4-pins), separate connectors for the speakers (2-pin each) and an additional connector for the speed related volume.
The newer Becker radios have 3 connectors that are all three the same size and have a maximum of 8 pins. You will have to change the connectors in the car to exchange the radio for a newer model. I have changed my (1993) Becker Mexico for a (1996) Becker Exquisit after I changed the connectors.

The Bose system contains an additional amplifier and speakers with different impedance. The speakers are all connected to the amplifier and the amplifier is connected to the speaker outlets of the radio. If you do not use a Bose amplifier (and Bose speakers), you can simply connect the current speakers to the radio speaker outlets without any problem.

I hope this answers your questions and if it does not; just ask for more!

greetingz,

__________________
1990 300SL-24
1993 C250D with a minor 600+k kilometer
www.MBenzNL.com(the Netherlands)

Yup,
It's a big deal.
These radios are controlled by the speed of the car as well. There is a unit under the passengers FEET---NOT SEAT!
Be very careful in this area as this is also where the airbag control unit is located. Not to worry as long as you just do the radio unit and don't touch anything else. A din#1 fits in these cars and the original speaker units in the doors and dash are pretty good ones. The head unit is just a remote and cassette mechanism. The radio itself is in the trunk. The antennia goes directly to the trunk unit (processor) and the 'remote unit' goes to the trunk as well....This trunk unit IS NOT THE AMP. The amp is under the carpet, under the passangers FEET!
I have changed this radio out and it was a two or three day deal. Just to get the wires from the trunk (cd changer) to the front all the trim behind the seats must come out. The trim on the sides of the seats must come out. The trim in the trunk must come out. The trim under the dash as well.......DRIVERS SIDE ONLY!
I changed it to a Panasonic system which has a million options in it but I think the original is something to consider saving. It's nice but was it worth it??

Does anyone have the part number for the CD changer that will plug in to the jack in the trunk of a 1998 SL500?

The jack is rectangular in shape with 10 holes, but it looks like only 9 of them are used.

Also, does anyone know which other years/models of MB use this same CD Changer? I see many on eBay from the ML but just don't know.

Thanks...I want to play some CDs!

Doug

I'm looking for the part number for the CD changer that will plug into the jack in the trunk of a 1993 300E 2.8 (W124 with Becker 1432 system), also is there any plug and play solution that would add MP3/USB capability to the Becker 1432 system?... any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Becker Autosound Website