Becker stereo problems - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mbzman · #1 06-23-2009, 04:31 PM

I'm having some problems with the Becker Grand Prix stereo in my '89 300CE. When I'm not using the radio, I will often use a iPod cassette adapter to play music off an iPod. Today while I was playing music with it the cassette deck started to make funny noises almost as if it was jamming up. I tried to stop the music by ejecting the cassette adapter but it would not come out. Even after trying to turn the radio off the cassette would spool up again as it was still inside the deck thinking I wanted to continue playing the music. I eventually got it out of the deck but now the cassette lights are staying on and I can't get the two rotary motors just behind the cassette door to stop spinning. I disconnected and reconnected the battery and that worked to stop the cassette function of the stereo. It seems to work okay now but I'm afraid to use a cassette out of fear that it may jam up again. Is there anything that I might be able to do to make sure that this does not happen again or will I need to buy a new stereo? Are some cassette adapters better than others?

Cal Learner · #2 06-24-2009, 07:18 AM

I don't think the problem lies with your adapter. Cassette mechanisms get worn over time and begin doing funky things. You may already know that Becker will hard wire an iPod adapter cable to the back of your radio so it doesn't show. Then you can bring the cable into the glove box to keep it out of the way. They charge $100. Or maybe you can just buy the adapter cable from them and do the job yourself, I don't know about that.

volosong · #3 06-24-2009, 11:10 AM

One of the "best" features I love about my '89 300CE that the newer models don't have is the ability to keep the radio antenna fully retracted. I use a Monster RF transmitter to play my iPod audio files.

I gave my old Monster RF transmitter to my daughter because it wouldn't work with my new iTouch. For the iTouch, I purchased a Griffin RF adapter. Had very poor results with that one. I had to keep the iPod or iTouch on my lap to keep a good signal.

Sam's Club is currently selling a Monster RF transmitter kit that also includes a headphone splitter and a USB/AC charging block. Sixty bucks. That one is working great!

My recomendation to you is to dump the cassette adapter and use a Monster RF transmitter. Only negative is that you need to keep the ash tray open so you can plug in the RF adapter.

p.s. I also had installed an Alpine six CD changer in the trunk that is also works via RF transmission. Again, with the ability to keep the antenna down, RF works fine. I removed my ash tray and had the Alpine controller installed into that space. Tight fit, but out of sight when not in use.

mbzman · #4 06-24-2009, 02:34 PM

I'm contemplating taking the Becker out and replacing it with something newer. Any suggestions on a replacement deck that will look good in the car and is not too fancy looking? Any good brands to go with?

volosong · #5 06-24-2009, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbzman

I'm contemplating taking the Becker out and replacing it with something newer. Any suggestions on a replacement deck that will look good in the car and is not too fancy looking? Any good brands to go with?

Since my (new to me) '84 190D Becker doesn't have balance control, (left to right), I was looking to replace it with a newer Becker. Consensus was that it couldn't be, so I did a little bit of looking yesterday to see what would be nice, but not look gaudy like a lot of modern radios do.

My first thought was Blaupunkt, which I've used in the very distant past and was very happy with. Found one that I totally wanted to get. It featured a SD card slot on the side, and since it is so easy to put audio files on a SD card, it would suit me perfectly. The model I liked the best is the Blaupunkt Brisbane SD48. What I liked the best is that in addition to the SD slot on the front, there is a mini-USB port and the capability to add a Bluetooth and iPod conection. What more could I use? Best of all, it is fairly inexpensive...less than two bills with all the adapters.

Alas, right when I was ready to press the "add to shoping cart" button, I noticed that it said "discontinued". I wrote to Crutchfield and a day later they confirmed that it was discontinued. A search of the internet shows that "nobody" has any in stock.

Since Blaupunkt corporate doesn't have a "contact us" page or info, I couldn't ask them what is going to replace the SD48, but some deep hunting on the internet gave some indication that something is coming. What is not known is exactly what and when.

The other manufactures that I trust and have good luck with are Clarion and Pioneer. I purchased a Clarion in the orient during my Navy days in the very early 70's and that radio lasted me for many a car for many a year. Very minimilistic in style. I just need to find what of their current offerings would suit what I want. Good luck with Pioneer too, but my first choice is Blaupunkt, then Clarion, and finally Pioneer.

I'm thinking that I'd really like Bluetooth, since we cannot use cellular telephones while driving anymore in California. My wife's new Lexux hybrid SUV has bluetooth and it is really "cool". I really like the idea of having a SD slot too, and failing that, a USB port. That way, I can just hook up one of my 2.5" USB winchesters that have every album I've went throught the trouble of ripping into MP3 files...and that is a lot of music/novels/etc.

Too long winded, sorry. For me, wait to see what Blaupunkt comes out with and decide if I want to wait...or get a Clarion now. Prices have really come down since the last time I purchased a car radio.

volosong · #6 06-24-2009, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbzman

I'm contemplating taking the Becker out and replacing it with something newer. Any suggestions on a replacement deck that will look good in the car and is not too fancy looking? Any good brands to go with?

Forgot to notice that you are the OP. When I purchased my '89 300CE, the seller had an aftermarket radio in it. Not sure what it was except that it was a CD unit and looked awful. Besides, I have a pretty large library of Louis L'Amour Western audio cassettes that I still listen to frequently. Thinking that the coupes would always be more desirable than the sedans, I wanted to keep the car as OEM as possible. I found a Becker on eBay from a 1990 (or 1991) coupe from a local seller. Since he sold the car a long time ago, he didn't have the VIN, I had to pay for a new circuit board to be installed so I would know the code and put the unit into the CE. Perhaps you can find an eBay Becker?

mbzman · #7 06-24-2009, 10:59 PM

I agree with you on the fact of keeping things as original as possible. I still have full radio capabilities but I'm a bit concerned of trying to use the cassette player and risk getting it jammed. I suppose the adapter itself could be faulty as well. I was thinking of removing the Becker and keeping it while replacing it with a new deck. I've heard good things about Alpine and I'm looking into their line of equipment.