Jason,
The Blau unit fit perfectly, as only one modification had to be done. After the unit was completely installed and I was replacing the ashtray assembly I realized the two tabs used to hold the Becker in place were now held down preventing the ashtray assembly from slipping into place. I took a pair of sidecutters and snipped the plastic pieces off. End of problem.

I researched some old postings and determined the best way to gain the full potential of the stereo was to utilize all four channels of amplification (Cars -- Moving In Stereo, wouldn't sound the same). You would also be driving 4 speakers with only the wattage from 2 ports (2 x 25) vs. (4 x 25). Therefore, I followed the instruction on a previous posting and disconnected the front speakers at the connections behind the radio. As I recall the black set of wires were the (R) and the other color (tan?) was the (L). The wire with the stripe is the (+). For the rear speakers, I connected to the existing connections which do happen to run thru the factory fader. This allows four channels of amplification instead of only using two.

The connection to the radio was easy as only one set of connections from the Becker is utilized. I do not have the wire colors here at the office, but would be glad to forward those later.

I installed the ThummerIII next to the ignition switch by removing the wood facia (2 screws bottom of facia) covering the climate control then removing the climate control screws to gain just enough room to slip the ThummerIII connection behind the CC down to the stereo. Now is an excellent opportunity to change bad bulbs ((2)located behind the silver tape) on the climate control unit. When replacing the facia you will find the wiring for the ThummerIII is well hidden.

Note: The stereo shop wanted to charge $45 to install, $15 for the installation kit, $10 for the plug??, and $10 for additional parts. Luckily it was a Saturday and 5 minutes before closing, so the install tech was friendly enough to tell me the installation was a breeze and wrote the wiring colors on a sheet of paper. Over all expense: 3ft of heat shrink tubing (used 9-12") $1.39, solder and 45 minutes of my time.

We like the unit so well I am thinking of replacing the Sony unit in my wife's 350SD with the same unit. If I don't move her to a 420SEL.

Good luck and if you have anymore questions drop me a line @ crosbo@compuvision.net.

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'89 300E 3.0
'82 350SD

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JCE:
Any thoughts on sound quality and durability of Alpine vs Nakamichi? Thanks.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Alpine and Nak both make quality head units. Their sound quality is equal when playing 2 or 4 speakers. Years ago, Nakamichi developed superior cassete deck playback/record heads, but this is a moot point since cassettes will soon be extinct now that we can record our own mix CD's on our computer. Unless there is no other choice, always use an amplifier if you want clarity. Remember: volume=louder, wattage=clearer. PK