Battery died Radio displays Dashes. I suspect security feature is activated Car was serviced by non- mercedes dealer who told the owner of the car, MY MOTHER Radio was dead buy one at Wallmart as they are cheaper. Any suggestions as to is this is a Security Code issue and how do I go about reprograming if required.

Go to the dealer, dashes mean a code is in order. I have a Grand Prix, takes a tool, not all dealers have, so call first.

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83 SD

84 CD

Check out Becker's website for information.

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1987 W201 190D

Not worth from them, previous post was correct "- - - -" means has to be set via the dealer. Unless it's free, it's not worth it

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

I think you are incorrect. I do not believe the 1987 Becker radios (and similar models -- 745 I think, is one) have codes. When they display dashes something internal has been triggered or damaged. It is possible that there is a reset tool and it is possible that some dealers may still have this capability. But I am pretty certain there is no code. I have found Becker to be quite reasonable and helpful even if they are a little slow to respond to phone messages and emails. I think they are now a very small operation in the US.

While it may not be "worth it" to send the radio to Becker, it is certainly worth it to visit their website and perhaps give them a call to find out the real deal.

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1987 W201 190D

Just had this problem in my 87 SDL where radio displays 4 dashes. Becker says send $150 good old American dollars and they will fix the radio. There is the word from the horses mouth. In my opinion, they are crazy when you can buy an aftermarket unit for less that that and not have a 22 year old fixed radio. The dealers cant find the tool nor if they could, would anybody there understand how to use it.

First, where did I state in my post about a code? The 'dash out' happens most often when the alarm is triggered. Been there, done that on my SDL. It never used a code to be used.

612 has no code and 81-85 in the US
754 dashes out, '86-7 model
780 uses the code, 88-89
1480 uses code, 1990 only
1432 uses code, 1991-1993 or so

I used to buy these radios used, clean them, test them, and sell them, once they are at that point. Just get another if you want the look. The 780 has the most power next to the 1480, best cassette option, preouts for the factory amps, etc.

They are certainly not worth having rebuilt unless you must absolutely have the vintage look in a vehicle (or a rewire is a real PITA)... in a $2k car like most of these car, who cares? You can buy a $200 Eclipse or Alpine that'll out perform it in all aspects and look decent in the dash.



Did you know my 1985 BMW 745i came with an in dash Becker 752 that has a rear radio in its arm rest? This I see worth rebuilding. One for an ECE 280SL or 300SL, a very low mile 560SL, etc.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]