New Stereo - 95 E 320

I am being forced to replace the radio in my '95 E 320 that I just bought as it can't keep an FM signal... I'd appreciate advice on good systems... I've heard good things about Eclipse and I like that it has the anti-theft code system but would like any info anyone might have. THANKS.

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RAB
Past-
1980 230
1985 250
1992 190
Present-
1995 E 320

[Michael]

As far as head units go, I love Alpine stuff and have for years...great radio reception, dependable as a Mercedes (and built like one too!) and they directly link to some very sophisticated processors (if ya ever want to upgrade). Plus, the newer models have plenty of power even without amps, and they're reasonably priced.

As to speakers, Boston Acoustics makes excellent speakers that are also very reasonable. Stay away from MBQuart (unless you add a processor), as they're BY FAR the brightest speakers out there....will make your ears bleed. I like lots of high end/treble, but even I had to dial back the MBQuarts (and they were NOT cheap by any means). Not so the BAs, and they have several models based upon what you want to spend.

Best of luck!

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Best regards, Michael
'92 500E, Almandine Red, 17x8.5" AMG Sport rims
'88 300TE, Arctic White, 16x7.5" Mille Miglia E420/430 replica rims

[DSinger]

I've got an Alpine in-dash CD unit in my car. Looks only moderately hideous compared to the rest that are ridiculous. Was like $350. Great sound with BBE (base enhancer). That upped 40W system sounds loads better than the 25W system that was standard.

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1988 Mercedes-Benz 260E (W124)
Arctic White/Grey
Debadged
Euro Headlights
Clear Turn Signals and 1994/1995 Taillights
16" x 7J 8-hole
Michelin Pilot HX MXM 205/55WR16

1997 Mercedes-Benz E420 (W210)
Pearl Black/Ash
Debadged
Michelin Pilot XGT Z4 P225/55ZR16

1997 Mercedes-Benz C280 (W202)
Polar White/Parchment
Michelin Pilot SX-GT 205/60VR15

Thank you for the advice... I was going to go with Alpine but I was worried about the theft issue and ended up being shown a new (ok, probably only new to me) thing Blaupuckt (sp) has which is a key card system... I've had detachable faceplates before and got tired of them, but with this its just removing a card the size of a credit card... very easy. The head unit itself fit perfectly in my dash and I've gotten lots of compliments on the look and I have been happy with the performance. I believe its a Munich model and I'd recomend it --- I'll have to let you know if it holds up like an Alpine, tho.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Michael:
As far as head units go, I love Alpine stuff and have for years...great radio reception, dependable as a Mercedes (and built like one too!) and they directly link to some very sophisticated processors (if ya ever want to upgrade). Plus, the newer models have plenty of power even without amps, and they're reasonably priced.

As to speakers, Boston Acoustics makes excellent speakers that are also very reasonable. Stay away from MBQuart (unless you add a processor), as they're BY FAR the brightest speakers out there....will make your ears bleed. I like lots of high end/treble, but even I had to dial back the MBQuarts (and they were NOT cheap by any means). Not so the BAs, and they have several models based upon what you want to spend.

Best of luck!

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[bdrought]

Excellent choice!

The Blaupunkts, are what the Beckers should be. Simple, easy to use, well built, hassle free, good performers.... hang on...sounds like a car brand I know!!

I had a Blaupunkt Heidelburg (first with the Keycard) in an 230E. Careful with those cards (they snap easy!) , and it'll work forever.

Bri

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

Thanks... I ended up with an in-dash CD unit from Blaupunkt, I believe its a "Munich" --- it was recommended for its 40W as well (You couldn't be more correct about the 25... why in the world do they even bother?)

I went with the Blau for three reasons (1) it sounds great (2) it fit perfectly and looks great and (3) it has a neat anit-theft device which consists of a credit card size card which you remove to disable the unit (I'd had it with detachable faceplates)

I will have to see if it lasts as well as the ALpines everyone likes, but so far I'd recomend it.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DSinger:
I've got an Alpine in-dash CD unit in my car. Looks only moderately hideous compared to the rest that are ridiculous. Was like $350. Great sound with BBE (base enhancer). That upped 40W system sounds loads better than the 25W system that was standard.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[bdrought]

Heh... yeah, most the Alpines look nasty in a Benz. Too flashy, and the wrong colour. The 7944R I've got looks sweet. I set the illumination from blue to amber. Only problem, the bottom buttons were still blue. Popped open the unit, removed the blue bulb covers, put red ones on in place. Sorted. Looks great in both my cars.



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

[FA22]

I have to agree Blaupunkt is a great German brand for Headunits. Hey becker1234 would you be willing to let go your old stock one. I am very intrested in finding one of the 94-95 stock ones (Dont listen to Radio that much), the one you replaced. Just let me know, with a Posting,

Thanks!



[This message has been edited by FA22 (edited 09-25-2000).]