Has anyone found a replacement for the 980 CD Changer. They seem to be notoriously problematic.

Someone mentioned using an Alpine 620 with some MB adapter cables as one possible solution. I have spent $350 trying to keep the OEM system alive in the last 2 years. I want GREAT sound and the Simple German look and feel of the Becker.
Thanks in Advance.

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Bryan Harter
92 500E Smoke Silver

You'll NEVER get great sound with the OE system, and it's an all-or-nothing approach to an upgrade, I'm sorry to report...OE speakers are 2 ohm and it'd be tough to upgrade them properly using the extant Head Unit & tiny amps (real real tiny).

I bit the bullet and did the whole thing, and don't regret it a bit...after all, I plan to own the car until they outlaw gas!!

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Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

Thanks for the feedback.
What type of system did you install?
I am considering Alpine, Nakamichi or Eclipse. Did you install a true Sub woofer.
I have heard some people give up the rear shelf / first-aid kit and build a custom enclosure for the rear deck.
My only complaint with the current system is the vibration / rattle in the doors.
I will probably have new door pockets fabricated if I go that route.




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Bryan Harter
92 500E Smoke Silver

500Es and nice stereos... hmmmmmmm ;-)

Seriously Bryan, there is only one way to upgrade the stock sound on these cars... and thats to ditch it and start again. What sort of music do you listen to?

If you want to go the whole hog, search for the 500E Stereo Upgrade thread... Michael has done it from start to scratch... Worth reading that to get some ideas whats possible. Other than that, ask away. ;-)

Bri


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Brian Drought
1991 300CE
2000 A170-CDI
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~drought/
ICQ: 2180069

Brian, thanks for leading me to Micheal's Adventure thread. Very enlightening. I used to deal with Madisound back in 1980 when they were running it out of their garage. I did my undergrad in Madison and am originally from the Milwaukee Wisconsin area. Madisound helped me with my sound system in my 1976 SAAB 99. They were great!
After reading the 500E Stereo Thread, I am motivated to do a complete system. This is going to be fun ... Thanks again for the advice.


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Bryan Harter
92 500E Smoke Silver

Let me know if I can lend further clarification.

BTW, I know where to get reasonably cheap power, of high quality, and LOTS of it (which explains the 750 rms continuous watts emanating from the boot of MY car!)

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Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

Thanks Micheal.
I would be interested in any sources of equipment. I have access to some pretty good prices on mid range stuff, but I am open to any quality suppliers / great deals.
I have seen Autotoys.com mentioned, but companies like Alpine don't support the sale
of their products via mail/web. They are trying to protect their dealer networks I imagine. You can send any info directly to me at bharter@austin.rr.com.

Thanks again.

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Bryan Harter
92 500E Smoke Silver