I have a 1993 300D 2.5 with the Becker 1432. Before I start taking out the insulated panelling, what side would the CD pre wire be on? behind the wheel well areas or up around the gas tank floor area? Do I need to take the tailight rears off to take the paneling off?

Thanks for the help!

__________________
1993 Mercedes Benz 300D 2.5 205K (ex wife's)
1984 Mercedes Benz 300SD 320K (SOLD)
2004 Mercedes Benz C240 75K
1995 GMC Sierra 2WD 5.7L 188K
1983 Mercedes Benz 300SD 239K (SOLD)
1987 BMW 325i 220K (SOLD FOR SALVAGE)

609 Certification

They should be on the right side,you should only have to remove the right side panel. There might be a small flap for the wires to come thru the panel.
Thats the location on a C280.

John

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President Minuteman Section MBCA
www.mbca.org/minuteman

Your car is not pre-wired for CD-only phone. What is needed is that you install the factory wiring harnesses that attach to the radio brain (in the trunk) that allow you to connect a CD changer.

I just went through this with my '92 300D.

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"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

Michael

What CD changer did you go with? I have the 2-piece 1432 and do not want to run new wires or replace the head unit. I want a true plug-n-play!

I saw some type of radio brain box on the passenger side wheel well...is this what I hook the wiring harness up to?

Thanks

__________________
1993 Mercedes Benz 300D 2.5 205K (ex wife's)
1984 Mercedes Benz 300SD 320K (SOLD)
2004 Mercedes Benz C240 75K
1995 GMC Sierra 2WD 5.7L 188K
1983 Mercedes Benz 300SD 239K (SOLD)
1987 BMW 325i 220K (SOLD FOR SALVAGE)

609 Certification

the "cd pre-wire" is not what you think it is. the car-audio techs at circuit city took off all the panels in my trunk and couldn't find a cd cable. it is really just the din plug receptacle in the tuner in the back. note that this is not a "standard" changer din connection. the tuner unit+amp is on the passenger side under the trunk hinge. there is a black finned box which is the amp underneath which is the tuner. this is the aktiv bass configuration, if your car doesn't come with this option it will look different.

if you want true plug and play here are your options:

-get reman'd OEM changer from Becker for about $400. note that this kit doesn't come with mounting brackets. someone posted that they found one that fits for about $100.

-get alpine changer (about $200), + cable adapter (about $300 - see link)

http://www.pie.net/oemappl.htm#mb

i went through all of these options and decided to replace the head unit with an Alpine in-dash 3-disc changer. i used the existing wiring in the car and it sounds pretty good to me. it was not plug and play but relatively easy.

good luck with your project!

__________________
joE
1993 300e-2.8 - gone now <sigh>
"Do not adjust your mind, it's reality that's malfunctioning"
http://banners.wunderground.com/bann...L/Key_West.gif

I'm not sure if getting a reman Becker is possible unless you have a core to return, or pay the core charge.
Wasn't this the Becker Silverstone changer? I've heard alot of gripes about the Silverstone. They were pretty rare though, not alot of installations done.
Gilly

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I put in an OEM in our 1999 C280. It was plug and play and worked fine.
The only thing we didn`t like was that it was in the trunk. We loaded it once when the car was new, and never changed the CD`s in 3 years. I wouldn`t put one in the trunk again, its just not user friendly. So think about how much you`ll use it before buying it.

John

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President Minuteman Section MBCA
www.mbca.org/minuteman

The unit I installed in my D is manufactured by Alpine (it's a 6 disk changer; the Becker is 10 or 12 disk), and required 2 harnesses from MBZ to install. This changer was originally in an E class coupe, BTW.

__________________
"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

re: Becker 980 changer

call Ed Ebel at Becker http://www.beckerautosound.com
if you talk to another rep, they might tell you that they don't have any.

note that the 91-93 with the split 1432 is the problematic changer install. later models you can just plug in with one cable.

re: John and the comment about the changer in the trunk - exactly right! that's why i went with the in-dash changer.

__________________
joE
1993 300e-2.8 - gone now <sigh>
"Do not adjust your mind, it's reality that's malfunctioning"
http://banners.wunderground.com/bann...L/Key_West.gif

I went with the refurb Becker 10 disk Siverstone from Ed, includes all wiring, diagrams, pre-sets and warranty but I will have to fabricate a mounting bracket. My reasons:

1. get one while I still can since discontinued.

2. little less money than the Alpine+wiring harness(s).

3. no expensive looking in-dash unit for thieves.

4. no console work, wire running, harness hunting or bypassing of amps, faders, ect...

5. I like the factory Becker radio set up. I listen mainley to Jazz music and do not need thumping bass or a lot of watts.

The Silverstone has been problematic especiallly with the S class suspension is prone to skips.

Thanks fellow Benzers for all of your info on this post!l (esp jsmith for the hipping me to Ed Ebel at Becker!)

__________________
1993 Mercedes Benz 300D 2.5 205K (ex wife's)
1984 Mercedes Benz 300SD 320K (SOLD)
2004 Mercedes Benz C240 75K
1995 GMC Sierra 2WD 5.7L 188K
1983 Mercedes Benz 300SD 239K (SOLD)
1987 BMW 325i 220K (SOLD FOR SALVAGE)

609 Certification

james,
after you're done please post results and any problems you run into. BTW, if you have the aktiv bass there is enough low end there that i decided i don't need a sub at all! it is directed out of the door speakers and you can feel the low freq by putting your hand to it.
cheers

__________________
joE
1993 300e-2.8 - gone now <sigh>
"Do not adjust your mind, it's reality that's malfunctioning"
http://banners.wunderground.com/bann...L/Key_West.gif

I will post results when done, probably 2-3 weeks (Christmas Time). I do have the activbass in doors...at first I thought they did not work but like you say put your hand on them and you feel the vibration especilally on bass songs!

jsmith is that really you in the photo?...and how did you get the photo to your user cp?

__________________
1993 Mercedes Benz 300D 2.5 205K (ex wife's)
1984 Mercedes Benz 300SD 320K (SOLD)
2004 Mercedes Benz C240 75K
1995 GMC Sierra 2WD 5.7L 188K
1983 Mercedes Benz 300SD 239K (SOLD)
1987 BMW 325i 220K (SOLD FOR SALVAGE)

609 Certification

that's Stan Laurel - I feel like his character lately (from Laurel & Hardy). in user cp you go to "edit options", then "change avatar". i just uploaded my own and will change it again soon...

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joE
1993 300e-2.8 - gone now <sigh>
"Do not adjust your mind, it's reality that's malfunctioning"
http://banners.wunderground.com/bann...L/Key_West.gif

Hi, I have a w124 300Dī92.

I bought a Becker Exquisit radio, the cd changer and the connecting cable. However, now I have to insert the cable from the trunk through the car to get to the radio and I don't know how to do it or exactly where it goes. I understand Michael has already done this work with his car. Could you please help me with the instructions to achieve it?. Kind regards.

Good Day,

I too am seeking to add a factory CD Changer to a W124 '93 300D.
My intentions are as factory original as possible. I removed the passenger rear trunk insert and have discovered no cables. I do however see the AMP and the receiver module. So to those whom have accomplished this successfully how did you complete and with what parts? So far I have called the local dealer who referred me to MB Classic Center - who referred me back to the dealer who referred me to Becker who quickly said they are not available any longer. I see plenty of them on Ebay but need to ensure I order the correct din cables, power cables, changer and mounting hardware. Any photos would certainly be appreciated. The factory spec sheet shows BECKER RADIO GRAND PRIX 2000 - USA.

Here is what I "THINK" I need but certainly am looking for conformation from those who have been through this challenge.

Changer Power Cable
MC3191 Alpine Changer
Mounting bracket
8 Pin Din connector Male to Male

Please share your thoughts and thank you for all of your assistance.