Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Car Audio and Multimedia

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 01-20-2008, 05:24 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 2,574
Dave -

I've had the same struggles with the schematics. If you choose a 1993 car, the wiring diagram for the active bass system is as of 1994, with the 1492 head unit. Totally different. I like the earlier format better anyways, so I select a 1992 300E as the chassis. For the wiring diagrams there are two relevent pages. First is 131/6 "Two piece radio with sound system/active bass as of MY1992." This covers the radio head unit, tuner/amp, antenna, etc. The second is page 132/1 "Active bass system: amplifier speakers as of MY1992."

I didn't care to retain the ability to reinstall the stock system. With that assumption, the easiest way to tap into the active bass amp is to cut off the connector at the tuner/amp in the trunk. I ran a multi-condutctor wire from the new head unit back to the trunk. Two wires for left channel, two wires for right channel, and a fifth for the amp on/off signal. I used 24 guage wire; with the high input impedence of the amp the wire doesn't carry any real current. (I used 14 guage everywhere else - it's what I had handy.)

I can't find a pinout for the speaker outputs on the tuner/amp so I went by color and verfied using a multimeter. The left channel inputs to the amp are black/green & black. These are pins 4&5 on the amp input connector. The right channel inputs to the amp are red/black & black. These are pins 8&9 on the amp input connector. The amp turn on signal is a solid red wire, pin #4 on the tuner/amp connector.

You'll need to use a multimeter to determine which black wire on the tuner/amp connector goes to pin 4 on the amp. Likewise with pin 9. There's only one red wire in the tuner/amp bundle, so that one's a gimme.

Hope this helps, good luck.

- JimY

Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 01-20-2008, 08:46 PM
gsxr's Avatar
Unbanned...?
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: USA
Posts: 8,101
That's definitely a big help - thanks again, Jim! I'll post here after I tackle this project, so y'all will know how it turned out. Could be a few months though. I need to get the antenna extension cable first...

__________________
Dave
Boise, ID

Check out my website photos, documents, and movies!
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 01-21-2008, 09:59 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 2,574
Antenna extension cables are easy to find. Just try your local big box electronics or small car stereo installation place. I barely had to go a mile from home. Less than $10 for a 12 foot extension, which is about the needed length.

Good luck. It's tedious, but not really all that hard. I did the entire install in one longish day.

- JimY
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 03-08-2008, 07:38 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 2
I just did this installation with an Alpine 9885 and a harness from Autotoys (pn 70-1786). The harness is expensive, but slick. It clips right into the factory harness and uses the RCA preouts on the head unit.

Everything fit perfect, and works, with 1 exception. The sound is very, very, faint. I think the Amp is not working right. However, I have checked and double checked all of the pins at the main connection, and even against the Becker website for the 1492 at http://www.beckerautosound.com/1492-1994-95/harness.html

A prior poster in this thread mentioned a black wire on the Amp for power. There are 2 black wires, and both are hot.

I'm at a loss. Any thoughts?
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 03-09-2008, 11:26 AM
gsxr's Avatar
Unbanned...?
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: USA
Posts: 8,101
Gator, what year/model is your car? I think you may have the newer radio (1994-up), while we were discussing the oddball 1991-1993 setup with the remote trunk-mounted tuner.


For future reference - here's a link to the harness Gator purchased:
http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=1468

And here's a few more interesting links from that site:

Male connector harness:
http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=1376

Antenna adapters:
http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=561
http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=562
http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=559

Antenna extension cable, 17 foot, for 1991-1993 W124's with tuner in trunk:
http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=1011

Awesome website, thank you for the link!! I've been looking for some of that stuff...



Last edited by gsxr; 03-09-2008 at 11:37 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 03-09-2008, 01:38 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 2
Solved my problem. I think the harness I had was, as you said, for the earlier model. I cut the RCA plugs off of the adapter harness and hard wired the speakers to it. Works perfect, and I was able to modify the adapter harness rather than cut the factory MB harness so it maintained the integrity of the factory plug. I couldn't have figured it out without this thread though.

Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 04-11-2008, 03:53 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 119
Quote:
Originally Posted by jephey View Post
I'm getting a Sony CDX-GT310 (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-SfJpyOXTFMG/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?i=158gt310) Sony is selling them refurbished for $69.95... I know it's not the best, but it has pre-amp outs and everything else I am looking for.. So my selection in head-unit's aside...

I ordered the necessary harness from Autoleads and the antenna adapter.

The Russian VIN decoder gives me the following audio-related output:
  • Becker Radio Mexico cassette, full stereo, electronic (с 01.04.1980 по 30.11.1990)
  • Becker Radio Grand Prix TR with remote control and automatic antenna (с 01.04.1964 по 31.05.1977)
  • radio MB-Exquisit - USA (с 01.07.1992)
  • active bass loudspeaker system (с 01.10.1989)
Does my car have 2 ohm or 4 ohm speakers?

Does it have an external/two-piece amp?

I chose the Sony based on price and the fact it has pre-outs... I figured I'd end up needing to use those but wasn't quite sure.

Switchable Preamp Outputs:
The CDX-GT310 contains one pair of RCA preamp outputs that can be set for the rear channels or for subwoofer operation. When set to subwoofer, the output becomes non-fading and a low pass filter is activated with a selectable cut-off frequency of 125Hz, 78Hz, or Off.

The Preamp voltage is 2 volts.

As for the built-in amp:
  • CEA-2006 compliant and rated at 17 watts RMS x 4 channels at 4 Ohms and 1% THD.
  • Unit is rated at 23.2 watts per channel minimum continuous average power into 4 ohms, 4 channels driven from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with no more than 5% THD.
  • Peak power is rated at 52 watts per channel.

What do I need to make this work...? Am I using the pre-outs? I'd prefer not to rewire all of my speakers...

Thanks,
Jeff

Jeff, I don't have it in front of me, but think I have the same head unit I want to put in my 90 300D. I took the old Becker out and obviously need a harness. Is this the part number for the harness: PC2-11-4? Which antenna adapter am I to get? Where did you order it from? Thanks for the help.
__________________
Meek

1977 Volkswagen Golf GTi (sold)
1981 Audi 5000S Turbo (sold)
1982 Volkswagen Rabbit LS 145k (sold)
1983 Volkswagen Rabbit GTi 150k (sold)
1984 Saab 900 150k (sold)
1984 Volkswagen Scirocco GTX 1.8T 20V
1985 Mercedes Benz 190E 2.0 160k(sold)
1986 Mercedes Benz 190E 2.3-16 188k (sold)
1988 Volkswagen Fox 161K (sold)
1990 BMW 525td (Sold)
1990 Mercedes Benz 300D 100k
1994 Saab 900 SE Turbo 55k (sold)
1996 Volvo 855R 140K
2001 VW Jetta Wolfsburg 16k (sold)
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 04-13-2008, 12:28 PM
hispassion's Avatar
I Want A 1935 500K!
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Peoria, Arizona
Posts: 112
Aux Input...

Hey guys (especially Dave) !!!

I have a new 300CE and tried to upgrade the stereo, but found myself in a swirl of confusion not long into the challenge.

Seems I have a 1432 Two Piece Radio. My path may have been a little different had I not have had "WAIT" on the screen. It seems some dufus before me decided he could guess the "CODE". So, I've never heard the radio. For the last 18 hours, the radio has been on to see if I can get the CODE to come up. If I can successfully enter the code (which I obtained from my MB dealer), I'll likely keep the system.

However, the caveat is I threw away my cassette tapes years ago (about 10 years after disposing of my 8-Tracks) and have nothing to put in the tape slot except for an adapter that would probably eject since the stereo has an auto-reverse feature.

Through my research and from links provided by others, I found this http://www.beckerautosound.com/1432-1992-93/aux_input.htm

I would rather not send the radio to Becker if possible. I could easily add the auxiliary input for my iPod if I only knew where on the circuit board to connect the leads for the 3.5mm socket.

Is there anyone out there that knows about this modification to the radio head? Guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Now it's off to (not always) the Best Buy to return the $200 Alpine.
__________________
1992 300CE - 157kMi (my white beauty)
1992 300CE - 220kMi (sold)
1990 300E - 189kMi (sold)
1990 300SL - 102kMi (salvaged parts available)
1986 300E - 230kMi (salvaged parts available)

Expert RV Generator Repair
Go To: MiGen Repair
When no one else can, I do!

We judge ourselves by our intent.
We judge others by their actions.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 04-13-2008, 06:55 PM
hispassion's Avatar
I Want A 1935 500K!
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Peoria, Arizona
Posts: 112
Still Waiting...

Seems I have the dreaded WAIT mode lock-down issue. Key has been in accessory position with the stereo on for about 28 hours straight!

I'M STILL WAITING!!!

Maybe I could put the CODE in while it's displaying WAIT because it's been longer than 24 hours, but I'm thinking that could start the clock all over again.

Or maybe it's simply broken and WAITING won't solve the problem.

I'm not at wits end, but I can see it from here.
__________________
1992 300CE - 157kMi (my white beauty)
1992 300CE - 220kMi (sold)
1990 300E - 189kMi (sold)
1990 300SL - 102kMi (salvaged parts available)
1986 300E - 230kMi (salvaged parts available)

Expert RV Generator Repair
Go To: MiGen Repair
When no one else can, I do!

We judge ourselves by our intent.
We judge others by their actions.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 04-13-2008, 07:10 PM
hispassion's Avatar
I Want A 1935 500K!
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Peoria, Arizona
Posts: 112
The WAIT is over!

Woohoo!

(insert nonsensical dancing and flailing of arms)

Seems while I was in the house posting my disdain for WAIT, the stereo displayed CODE. For the record, it was grueling 28 hour wait.

I carefully entered the CORRECT code and it sounds awesome!!!

Now, to get the Aux input accessory added.

Life is Grand! Peace Out!
__________________
1992 300CE - 157kMi (my white beauty)
1992 300CE - 220kMi (sold)
1990 300E - 189kMi (sold)
1990 300SL - 102kMi (salvaged parts available)
1986 300E - 230kMi (salvaged parts available)

Expert RV Generator Repair
Go To: MiGen Repair
When no one else can, I do!

We judge ourselves by our intent.
We judge others by their actions.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 04-25-2008, 09:20 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 140
1995 e320 (124 ) wagon, antenna extension or adapter needed?

I plan on replacing the head unit in the '95 wagon. There is an amp in the rear pass. compartment. Do you think I need to extend the antenna from there to the head unti?
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 04-26-2008, 04:32 PM
gsxr's Avatar
Unbanned...?
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: USA
Posts: 8,101
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul T View Post
I plan on replacing the head unit in the '95 wagon. There is an amp in the rear pass. compartment. Do you think I need to extend the antenna from there to the head unti?
No, I don't think so. The 1994-95 should have the radio tuner in the dash, not in the trunk. Only the funky 91-93 setups had the trunk-mounted tuner. You may need an adapter though, the OE antenna connector is a different style than the aftermarket units.

Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 04-26-2008, 08:36 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 140
Thanks

Thanks for the reply.
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 03-20-2010, 09:03 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Toronto
Posts: 78
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gatorbait View Post
Solved my problem. I think the harness I had was, as you said, for the earlier model. I cut the RCA plugs off of the adapter harness and hard wired the speakers to it. Works perfect, and I was able to modify the adapter harness rather than cut the factory MB harness so it maintained the integrity of the factory plug. I couldn't have figured it out without this thread though.

Thanks.
Hello there,

I know this thread was done a while ago... I've attached the HU with a harness however i think i'm having the same problem as Gatorbait...
Faint sound and NO bass.

I have a 94 w124 with the becker 1492...

I just needed to know how you wired the RCA line outs from the harness to the speakers.

Did you just take the wiring from the front of the harness or did u trail the wires to each speaker...

I know it sounds dumb but I am really new at this and have looked around for this detail and cannot find/ figure out some of the audio lingo...

any help would be GREAT

thanks.
__________________
94 E320 - Sold
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 03-21-2010, 10:37 AM
gsxr's Avatar
Unbanned...?
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: USA
Posts: 8,101
Quote:
Originally Posted by jm124 View Post
Faint sound and NO bass.

I have a 94 w124 with the becker 1492...

I just needed to know how you wired the RCA line outs from the harness to the speakers.
If I understand you correctly... you can't use the RCA outputs of an aftermarket deck and connect them to the speaker leads in a 1994 car (i.e., you can't connect the RCA outputs of the deck to the RCA jacks on the adapter harness Gatorbait had). You need to use the speaker-level ouputs of the head unit. Gator cut the RCA jacks off the adapter and connected the speaker level outputs of the head unit to them - I realize this doesn't make sense, but it's because that harness is NOT correct for the 94-95 cars.

The 1994-95 W124 sound systems are totally different than the 91-93 setups. You can eliminate all the hassle by obtaining a newer Becker head unit, it's plug+play for the 94-95 W124, just not cheap.



__________________
Dave
Boise, ID

Check out my website photos, documents, and movies!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:47 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page