simple question guys: what's the newest model of Becker that can successfully be put on a w123 without super custom wiring, and still be able to take advantage of all the features on it that are music related (not phone or nav)?

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Your original radio is probably a Model 612 (orange backlight, small display, kinda wonky to use). You will probably be very happy with a Model 780. I just put one of these in my 84 300SD, which originally came with a 612. I haven't had alot of time with it yet, but it is basically an upgraded version of the 612. Better display, better controls, cassette, same basic layout, connections and operation. 25Wx2. I think the later models - 1480/1432 - require an external amp. I think the 780 has outputs for an amp, but are not required. The only issue might be the fader built into the console. Not sure how it will handle this amount of wattage.

Check out Becker's website for info on what models were used in what year. http://www.beckerautosound.com/mercedes_year_model.html

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mjk

'84 300SD 119KMi (Liesl der Diesel)
'84 300D 326KMi when the oil left (former parts car)
'82 300SD 253KMi (new parts car)

nice site, thanks for hte link. i'm going to compare the wiring harness on the back of my 612 to the 754, the 780 and also the 1432--all of which i have in a box somehwere and see what i can get to fit without hacking up the wiring harness.

has anyone ever installed a 1432 or newer becker unit on their w123?

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Are you going for looks or audio quality or both?

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

it's a compromise between the two--i'm kinda trying to preserve a stock mercedes look that becker has, while secretly having an ipod jack in the glove box or even coming through a hole in the console under the armrest, all without hacking up the stock wiring harness. I got this idea from bmwpower's thread where he made an output jack for his ipod.

actually my friend glen from this site just got back to me on this. he said i could even go as new as a becker 1492, and use a BLitzsafe iPod adapter, and that i'd just have to build an adapter pigtail plug that would plug into the radio on one end and into the stock car wiring on the other end, and no wire cutting/hacking using this method.

i might go this route since the 1492 is still in the cassette era, and doesn't look too out of place in a w123 center console. here's a pic of my lame attempt at photoshopping chad300tdT's car:

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Send your unit to Becker and they will add what you need for a jack in the glovebox. It's on their website.

Thread should be in the audio forum anyway.

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-cars-sale/296386-fs-1-owner-83-mb-300d-turbo-rebuild-parts.html

The 4602 Becker CD radio is plug and play into the W123, W126 and early single unit W124 and W201 cars.

Nice radio, writes "Mercedes" across the display when awakend.

Have one in my 90 560SEL.

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

oh, wow. good call jim.

http://web.mac.com/dakota/Becker/4602.html

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Where can I get a 4602? None on ebay...