Anyone with any questions about W124 / W126 stereo installations pls read - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ashman · #31 08-09-2010, 01:30 AM

IF one has the wiring figures out for the amp inputs for the active bass system. then with an aftermarket deck, all one would really need to do is convert the line level wires to the active bass amp to rya connections and run the output from the aftermarket decks rca wiring to send the signal to the factory amp. then use the regular powered speaker connections on the radio to power the front dash and rear speakers...

Shouldn't be too difficult.

I never had the factory amp for my door speakers in my car, but when I got it, everything wired through the fader in the console.

Of course I ripped it all out and ran aftermarket everything....

I have yet found the time to do a full rewire of my car. swapped my aftermarket stuff so many times and in such little time never bothered to truly clean it all up. one of these days I will, but at least it is all working for me.

Never had any issue with the factory alarm wire. just leave it disconnected and never use the factory alarm anyway. have an aftermarket unit.

a decent site for wiring schematics is www.the12volt.com.. you can also try signing up at http://techservices.audiovox.com which has a lot of wiring information on most cars... I have used both sites in the past and have always found some of the information useful...

tbomachines · #32 08-11-2010, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashman

IF one has the wiring figures out for the amp inputs for the active bass system. then with an aftermarket deck, all one would really need to do is convert the line level wires to the active bass amp to rya connections and run the output from the aftermarket decks rca wiring to send the signal to the factory amp. then use the regular powered speaker connections on the radio to power the front dash and rear speakers...

Shouldn't be too difficult.

I never had the factory amp for my door speakers in my car, but when I got it, everything wired through the fader in the console.

Of course I ripped it all out and ran aftermarket everything....

I have yet found the time to do a full rewire of my car.
Swapped my aftermarket stuff so many times and in such little time never bothered to truly clean it all up.
One of these days I will, but at least it is all working for me.

Never had any issue with the factory alarm wire.
Just leave it disconnected and never use the factory alarm anyway, have an aftermarket unit.

A decent site for wiring schematics is www.the12volt.com.. you can also try signing up at http://techservices.audiovox.com which has a lot of wiring information on most cars...
I have used both sites in the past and have always found some of the information useful...

I did exactly that, didn't work for me.
I could have messed something up too though, and there was a crappy bestbuy-ish installation from the PO of my car so who knows what went on there.

When I looked up in the FSM, there were literally 6 different wiring diagrams for the w124 depending on years and options

they couldn't just make it easy now, could they?

Total re-wire is the way to go for sure.
My system sounds fantastic now.

vitop · #33 09-04-2010, 10:29 PM

I wouldn't mind changing out the speakers, but I have a gen 2 W126.
The front speakers are of an odd shape and they have a low filter on them that make them work like tweeters in the system.

How would you find 4 ohm speakers to fit into that configuration and on top of that have the correct cross-over and filter?
Seems like you are pretty well stuck....

bckbrkr · #34 09-05-2010, 04:35 PM

Hi Ken, I would also like to purchase one of your custom harnesses. Thanks, let me know the details.

Oprostaj · #35 10-08-2010, 11:08 PM

Good afternoon guys, newbie here with a 1984 500SEL.
Just wanted to say thanks to everybody for the great info here.

I think I've learned more here by reading these posts then reading on-line.

Ken, I've sent you and email and am hoping you'll be able to respond.

I'll try to post and let you guys know what I am able to do and whether my story is able to help anybody in the future if this all works out.

Thanks a ton guys.

Randy · #36 11-30-2010, 10:39 PM

Hi, I had the Becker Grand Prix repaired once, and it lasted about 2 years.

My speakers and fader seem to be OK, and I just want a radio with working AM and FM, CD maybe.

Can you suggest a unit for about $200 or Less, and advise how to connect it so the power antenna works and the OEM harness is not cut up?

Thanks.

altofiddler · #37 12-15-2010, 12:23 AM

Hi, thanks for your interest in all of our stereo systems.

I have a 1990 300D.

I have already had the head unit replaced (by Crutchfield itself).
Now I need to replace or repair the dashboard speakers.
Crutchfield informs me that they have no speakers for my car, since they need to be "5 inch metric" I figure that means 120mm.
My current speakers are OK, but they turn off and on as the car goes through curves.

I actually have no intention of installing new speakers myself, but it looks like I need to track down the right speakers myself.
Do you know where to get the right speakers?
And if I do have to go with smaller speakers, will a competent installer know how to retrofit them?

I am also fascinated by the idea of switching out the fader switch with an iPod hookup.
Assuming I have a fader switch, would that same competent installer be able to make this change?

Thanks for your help and advice!

ColLonewolf · #38 12-15-2010, 09:09 AM

I bought a nice set of Boston Acoustics for the front and rear of my W126.
Got them on-line and just put them in myself.
Powering them off of a really nice Pioneer head unit, amazing sound.

My only complaint is that they do not have enough base in them as they are so small.

I am not talking about that loud thumping shat you hear going down the road.

Just that little bit of deep tone to go along with the music.

Thinking of putting in a small sub, maybe something under the rear seat.

Any suggestions?
Thanks.

Rat5 · #39 12-27-2010, 11:24 PM

I have a 1989 w124 I want I already have an aftermarket HU in my car it came with it when I bought it a couple of years ago...
I'm about to install a new one that I bought its the kenwood KDC-X494.

Last time I took out my HU was to connect some RCA's to the rear of the HU and the remote cable for the amp.
Like I said I want to replace the HU just wanted to know if you have a diagram or something that could let me know what each wire is for?
Not the ones on the HU I mean I got a diagram when I bought the HU but the wires in the car what do I connect to what?

if you could help please

-Thanks

lorenztl · #40 12-29-2010, 11:22 AM

Hi Ken, Would have been beneficial to see your post earlier.

I've been reading through stereo installations on this site for the last three days attempting to determine how to wire a new stereo after having removed the Becker Grand Prix.

Very confusing after reading all the threads.

I've pulled the wires from the fader to behind the stereo receiver, cut the power connector off the harness and returned the connector to the back of the removed Becker.

The Becker's sound had static, base and treble do not want to operate on the unit and the sound comes and goes.

From what I've read wire colors and number of wires change from year to year.

It's a amazing that some express this wiring as self explanatory or straight forward!?

I've cut the first set of three ground wires in the fader harness and located another set of three soldered nearly all the way down in the rear of the harness.

This set of two blacks and Brown wires are so far back I'll have extreme difficulty cutting and stripping this set and add length to them.

Colors in the harness from the fader are; red-brown, brown, gray-blue, red/black, gray-brown, brown-black, green-black, black-white, and yellow-black.

There a two sets of three wires soldered with two blacks, one with gray wire and the other set has a brown wire.

Do you have a wiring diagram for this model year so I can determine where each of these wires go?
Thank you, -Tom

MDBEAU · #41 12-30-2010, 11:10 AM

As a new member, I can't thank you enough. This is a great site!

I recently purchased a '95 w124 convertible and I am repairing the roof hydraulics, so while the side panels are off I want to replace the stock speakers.

Do you have a brand and size recommendation? I do not plan on upgrading the head unit.

The front speakers are all set, I replaced them with Rainbow 4" back in Oct when I first bought the car.

Thank you in advance.

oldtown · #42 01-22-2011, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W126Ken_W.Pa

Hi all fellow MBZ car audio enthusiasts.
Nothing makes me more mad and pi$$es me off more than when some car audio "pro" shop, who does not have the proper diagrams, books, or even the technical knowledge necessary to install a stereo system in our kind of unique W124 and W126 body cars, puts in an aftermarket system, and basically totally screws up the rest of the systems in the car, especially the anti-theft system (not to mention other issues).

Many car audio shops literally just "hack up" the wiring harness and , well, basically almost ruin the wiring by trying to install an upgraded car audio system.

I have had cars come in, one 1991 300E in particular, that the install shop actually ran a wire to the trunk and kept the old Becker head unit partially wired up (yes, in the trunk!) JUST TO KEEP THE ALARM FROM GOING OFF!!!!
Need I say, this shop was just horrible! I'm sure they were just fine doing an old Nova or Caddy lol.

I am a recording engineer by trade, and in the past AND present I have owned and worked on several 123's, 124's and 126's, and have done my own installs on audio as well as custom work for others.

I am here to offer my assistance to anyone who is in need , or has any questions about doing an installation by replacing your factory Becker with a newer head unit, upgrading speakers and amps.

Weather you decide to just replace your existing head unit, or decide to replace the whole system, Please shoot me an email.

I personally make some custom wiring harnesses that simply just plug into your factory harness.

No wire cutting, "tapping in" to wires, or splicing PERIOD!
And if you just have any questions, feel free to ask.
I will try my best to answer your questions. {I DO NOT charge for consultation on proper speaker sizes, recommended receivers and outboard gear, and I DO NOT sell new gear, so no worries about someone pushing you into something you may not need!} My main concern is that your Mercedes can be outfitted with a great system, without any permanent modifications, and can be returned to 100% stock if you choose to sell it so future owners are not plagued with wiring gremlins that an under-qualified stereo install shop may have caused.

The benefit of a proper install is, when you sell your car, it can be returned to 100% stock, and your original factory car harness will be UN-CUT and will simply just plug right back into your original factory Becker stereo.

I only do Mercedes W123, W124, and W126 cars.
Feel free to email me with any questions, wiring diagrams, etc to make your install go as smooth as possible.
I also have diagrams available for euro headlight conversions as well.
I am a W124 and W126 owner, and I am more than happy to help with that difficult stereo installation, or just to help by answering your questions.
Thanks !

Hello I have an original Becker stereo in my 85 and would like to be able to have bluetooth and I-pod capabilities.

what do you suggest for a HU?

mak · #43 02-21-2011, 03:02 AM

I am interested in installing a pair of front door speakers in my 300SE.
Is there a source for a set that would sit flush with the panel for an original look.

Most seem to protrude above the surface.
thanks

ZRatedDog · #44 06-10-2011, 08:36 PM

I'm changing the stereo and speakers in my 1987 300D instead of the ancient aftermarket kenwood.

I am going to rewire the speakers, but I'm not sure about the car's harness.

There are four wires that I am not sure what they are:

Red (12 switched?)

Brown (Ground?)

Black and Yellow (12 un-switched?)

Purple and Red (Dimmer control?)

I will try to figure out what they are, but I only have test light, not the multimeter

swampcop · #45 06-15-2011, 10:31 AM

Hello,

In the following days I intend to purchase an alpine HU unit from Crutchfield.

I'm trying to figure out what my options for installation are as all three of the speakers on the passenger side do not work.

I tried trouble-shooting the problem by switching the output wires in the back of the HU to no avail, those speakers were still dead.

Does this mean that the amp in the trunk is fried?

If so, will the newly installed HU need to be wired directly to each speaker and/or the fader switch?

Thanks for any input!