92 124 stereo head/amplifier to aftermarket

[Robert Nayman]

I did several searches and did not find and posts for my question. If anyone knows of info already available please direct me to it.

I am attempting to replace the stereo head unit (dash) with an aftermarket stereo. I want to run speakers and antenna control back to trunk pick up the outputs from the amplifier and run antenna signal up to new stereo. The original amplifier will no longer be used.

Has anyone done this? Is there any wiring schematics available which would help me avoid a lengthy and frustrating endeavor.

Any information provided is more than I presentlly have and will be much appreciated.

[compu_85]

You have to disconnect all the stock components, including the factory amp in the trunk. Does your car have woofers in the front doors?

-J

[Robert Nayman]

Thanks for your response... Yes it does have the base reflex speakers in the front doors. I understand that the amplifier can't be utilized with the aftermarket stereo.

[ds190]

You have the stupid 1432 Becker, one of the worst ideas for a car stereo of all time.

Here's a link to info at Becker: http://beckerautosound.com/1432-1991/index_300CE_E.html.

Also, check the Audio sections at Benzworld dot org, and mbworld dot org. Many people have replaced this pathetic radio, and some have utilized the factory wiring.

[G-Benz]

Here's a link to a post I did awhile back, documenting the install on my 93 W124.

The long-awaited W124 budget stereo install (lotsa pics)

Did an aftermarket head unit, 6' antenna cable to the rear, and spliced into the speaker output wires from the OEM amps.

[compu_85]

Originally Posted by G-Benz

Here's a link to a post I did awhile back, documenting the install on my 93 W124.

How much better was the sound quality with the different deck? I'm slightly tired of re-fixing the 1394 in my SDL.

-J

[G-Benz]

Originally Posted by compu_85

How much better was the sound quality with the different deck? I'm slightly tired of re-fixing the 1394 in my SDL.

-J

I stuck with the stock speakers, but having the ability to tailor the sound with the built-in EQ made a world of difference!

Modern head units give you the ability to customize the EQ curves for each input type...so you can tweak the bass down a bit for the tuner, but bump it up for the CD or AUX player. Some even offer a volume offset, in case your input (like an iPhone or mp3 player) doesn't impedence match the rest of the system.

Since I ran off external amps, the additional power output also helped. The stock speakers can actually tolerate far more power than the OEM system would deliver!

[hstuehmeyer2000]

I just did this last weekend. Although there are six speakers, there are two harnesses(one to each amp) that have the same wiring. The speaker wires are easy to spot in the amp wiring, they are thick. Wire up one speaker out of one of the harnesses to find out which side the harness is for. The hardest part of the whole project is running the speaker wire.

Front/Door speaker(Left and Right)= Grey and Gray/Black
Rear speaker(Left and Right)= Black and Black/Yellow

Also, the power antenna wire,battery(constant 12v),ignition power, illumination, and ground are all behind the original head unit.

Ground=Brown
Battery=Red/White
Illumination=Grey/Blue
Ignition=Black/Yellow
PWR Antenna=Blue(It's by itself)

Also, you will need an antenna extension cable, autozone has them.