I've read a few posts of people re-installing the original Becker radio in their cars. Well, I don't have the original Beck from my SDL, but I do have an original Beck from my 300D. Just cleaned it out and fixed the tape deck (I think) and am contemplating installing it in my SLD.

The SDL currently has a ugly and a very user-unfriendly modern stereo - I hate using it. I don't really mind a modern radio, but if you can't even figure out how to turn it on/off without reading the manual, you can just imagine... Why even manufacture such a thing!?

Label on the back of the Becker radio says: Becker "Grand Prix" Model 617. Some questions:

1) Do these Beckers have FM band as well as AM - how is the FM reception typically ok? Or not...

2) Will the radio from '85 300D be ok to install in an '87 300SDL or are they so completely differnt that they cannot be swapped?!

I need to take out the current 'radio' from SDL and check out the connections in the back to see what my chances are but wanted to ask some questions first.

Thanks
James

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1987 Mercedes 300SDL; SOLD
1985 Mercedes 300D; SOLD
2006 Honda Pilot - wife's ride; 122K;
1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - 3X locked; 182K

James,

It is highly likely that whoever installed the newer radio into your SDL simply cut off the original becker plugs and wired them into a harness pigtail that came with the newer radio.

If the original radio plugs are there the radio from the 85 300D will be plug and play.

-Jason

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

I wonder if the FM reception is any good in these - that's all I ever use it for and wonder if it's worth the hassle/effort of switching or just living with the unfriendly creature...

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1987 Mercedes 300SDL; SOLD
1985 Mercedes 300D; SOLD
2006 Honda Pilot - wife's ride; 122K;
1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - 3X locked; 182K

I have a becker in my 300se. as long as your antenna goes up, the reception in crystal clear. I only wish there was a way to install an ipod jack.

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Eugene

10 E63 AMG
93 300te 4matic
07 BMW X3
14 Ford F-150 Fx2

There are 4 Grand Prix models, the 612, 754, 780, and 1492. They run in that order oldest to newest. The first 3 are all plug and play swappable. I have the 780 in my 83 and it made a huge diff.

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Adam Lumsden
(83) 300D
Vice-President of the MBCA International Stars Section

Forgot the 1990MY only 1480.

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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]