Late Model Head Unit/Changer in Early W124?? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Adenauer · #1 07-09-2007, 08:03 AM

Just wondering if anyone has had any success with installing a late model Becker or Apline head unit along with its CD changer into a 1987 300D?

I would like to have the convenience of several CDs on demand while still, retaining a stock appearance - albeit, a decade or so newer.

A friend has a deck and changer from a CLK just taking up shelf space.

Can anyone advise as to wiring this unit up into an early 124?

Thanks in advance.

Tom

Hit Man X · #2 07-26-2007, 04:11 AM

It can be done, the question becomes then... is the effort worth the return for another factory headunit?

Jeremy5848 · #3 02-04-2009, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

It can be done, the question becomes then... is the effort worth the return for another factory headunit?

The factory head/changer in my '96 E300D has not been troublesome. Have you have a different experience? I'd be interested in doing something like Tom is suggesting with my '87.

Jeremy

Jeremy5848 · #4 08-13-2009, 12:15 PM

bump

iwrock · #5 08-13-2009, 07:34 PM

Jeremy, do you want to put a 94-95 W124 stereo with CD changer into your 87?

Jeremy5848 · #6 08-14-2009, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

Jeremy, do you want to put a 94-95 W124 stereo with CD changer into your 87?

Yes, if possible. Car has an aftermarket (JVC) single-CD "changer" (I do the changing) with a separate amp unit under the passenger footrest, installed by a PO. I would remove that and install the later Mercedes unit. I assume the CD changer goes in the trunk like in my '96 E300D?

Jeremy

matthias08 · #7 08-15-2009, 01:53 AM

I've been thinking of any way to get the becker out of my '87, delete the fader switch, etc.....

Jeremy5848 · #8 08-15-2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthias08

I've been thinking of any way to get the becker out of my '87, delete the fader switch, etc.....

I assume the original '87 Becker was a simple cassette unit? I've never seen one. When did they start making a CD option?

iwrock · #9 08-15-2009, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

Yes, if possible. Car has an aftermarket (JVC) single-CD "changer" (I do the changing) with a separate amp unit under the passenger footrest, installed by a PO. I would remove that and install the later Mercedes unit. I assume the CD changer goes in the trunk like in my '96 E300D?

Jeremy

Yeah, you can install a newer MB headunit into it. Do you know if they hacked up the wiring to install the JVC or if they had used an adapter kit?

Anyways, if you find a stereo/changer combo thats compatible, you can make it work. The hardest part will be finding the changer cable, but IIRC all 94-95s came with CD changer prewire.

Hopefully this helps...

Also - these guys used to carry the wireharness you would need to get your idea rolling. They dont have it on their site, but try giving them a call to see if they can get you it.

http://www.perfectmarketaudio.com/

neanderthal · #10 08-15-2009, 11:50 PM

My car has the original tape deck with cd changer in the trunk.

What I want to know is, would it be possible to use a later model head unit with a in dash cd player, hopefully one that was available with a cd changer option and a mobile phone option.

This way I could play a cd if I wanted to, I could use the cd changer input for an ipod, and use the phone input for a bluetooth connection. Even better would be one that would also let me use a digital receiver (sirius, XM etc) for the radio as well.

Possible?

Jeremy5848 · #11 08-16-2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

Yeah, you can install a newer MB headunit into it. Do you know if they hacked up the wiring to install the JVC or if they had used an adapter kit?

I suspect it was hacked, given what was done to other parts of the car. I can unhack it, given time. My main concern is finding all of the correct parts and pieces. My luck, I'd find what I though was the perfect head unit only to discover it wasn't available with a CD changer. The CD cable I might be able to get from a '94-95 junker, if one will ever turn up in my Pick and Pull.

Jeremy5848 · #12 08-16-2009, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

Yeah, you can install a newer MB headunit into it. . . .

I've got an opportunity to pick up a '95 head unit from a C-class. It looks like the same thing that's in the E-class cars but there's always the risk that something is different. Opinions?

Jeremy5848 · #13 08-16-2009, 09:50 PM

Anyone know the Mercedes part number for the '94-95 W124 CD changer? EPC shows the radio and all the related speakers, amplifiers, etc., but does not list the CD changer. All of the parts numbers I've fed into EPC (from various eBay auctions) have come up belonging to other models.

I've seen one CD changer for sale where the buyer claims it is for a W124 (and I have no reason to doubt him) and says it is model MC3194 and part number A0028204289. But when I put the part number into EPC, it comes up with several W140s and a W129.

Jeremy

Jeremy5848 · #14 08-17-2009, 08:22 PM

I found the following service information bulletin that might be of help in adapting later-124 radio/CD systems to earlier 124s.

Jeremy

Jeremy5848 · #15 08-20-2009, 01:30 AM

Sixto and I spent the afternoon at San Jose (North) Pick and Pull and I came away with a nice Becker BE-1492 (s/n R1044140), the pair of trunk-mounted 1912 amplifiers, and the complete wiring harness from front to back. This prize leaves me with some questions to answer:

1. I have the ID number from the radio (1492CQ0R1044140) and the VIN (WDBEA32E0RC125474) for the 1994 E320 out of which it came. What would be the best source for the radio's code -- Becker, Mercedes, or some on-line database? I've tried the Lithuanian site here but they want the "name" of the radio (Europa, Mexico, Grand Prix, Le Mans, etc.) and I can't find anything in the way of a name on the radio. Many of the "I need a code for my Becker" threads on this forum suggest checking with a dealer so I think I will try that in the morning.

2. The E320 has six speakers (dash, front doors, package shelf). My '87 300D lacks the door speakers. Has any one had any experience with either adding speakers or rewiring the Becker's harness to delete the door speakers?

3. Does anyone know the model of CD changer that goes with this radio? The wiring harness has a 10-pin plug (9 pins used) with Mercedes part number 202 545 37 28. The plug is shown in the following pictures.

Jeremy