Becker 780 mangled - buy new or rebuild?
 

I have a 1988 420sel and it had the original Becker Grand Prix 780 in it but it was destroyed (along with the wood paneling) by the idiots who removed it to install the new stereo I bought recently. I am of course demanding that they cover all costs to repair the damages.

So I am trying to get an estimate on the value of the Becker and am a bit confused. I have found some on ebay for around $100 but have also found sites charging $300 - 500 for "rebuilt" beckers. What is the reason for such a difference in prices?

Basically, I need to figure out the fair market value of the Becker. I was planning to sell it on ebay before they ruined it but now it is damaged beyond repair. Any advice?

Here are a couple pics of the damage.

I wonder how good the install was if they did that to remove it, I dont think Becker will rebuild it, why didnt you go that route in the first place.
That radio did not have a user reset "theft" code, so it needs to be reset by the dealer or Becker. The cost of the wood will be "interesting" if you can find it, I guess you went price rather than experience on this project.

1. They never completed the installation because after I saw the damage I did not let them near my car again.

2. I didnt go "that route" because I wanted a stereo that plays MP3 CDs and which was adaptable to my Ipod

3. The cost of the wood panels was easily ascertained by calling my local Mercedes dealership and I got an itemized estimate of the cost of labor to repair the damage by a local specialty body shop.

So, the cost of parts and labor has been calculated - except for the cost of the Becker.

I'm not sure what you mean by me going "price rather than experience" - but thanks for kicking me while I'm down :)

Get them to cut you a check for full value then decide what you want to do.

If you simply want to listen to the MP3, get in contact with Becker of NA or the other radio places. They can modify these units (basically all cassette units) to have an aux in so you can play this. Cost I have seen is ~$70-120.

The cost to get the radio reset probably isn't going to be worth it unless the place that modifies the radio will do this.

'88s were the first year to get factor amps so a quality rewire will be a PITA. Again, decide what you want to do first for sound quality.

I purchased an excellent 780 Becker from Potomac German Auto for $135.Good Luck.