Benzi Box Becker option?

[jasonnewyork]

A friend of mine, Rich126, just bought a 88 420sel and it has the original Becker radio but it is a Benzi pull-out type. I would like to know if this is a factory option/kit and can it be removed and could the radio be permanently mounted in the car?

I called my local MB dealer and the parts guy said MB never made a Benzi kit for their radios. He felt it was aftermarket.

I appreciate any feedback as this "Benzi conversion" looks ugly because the radio stick out from the dask about 1.5 inches! Not to mention the fact if the radio is left in the car it can be easily stolen.

Thanks in advance.