'93 500E radio into '85 300D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

The Warden · #1 09-17-2002, 03:11 AM

Someone on this board is selling an OEM Becker head unit, OEM amp, and OEM CD changer for a '93 500E. How difficult/possible would it be to retrofit this kit into my '85 300D? The amp doesn't concern me all that much; I'd just be happy with a radio that can play CD's, sound halfway decent, and look like it belongs in my dash.

I don't know the price; actually, I think he's accepting bids on it...and it's the complete unit only. Any thoughts? Does this unit have the same wonderful

quality of my '85 radio (actually, I have to admit, if it could play CD's, my radio would meet my needs)?

Thanks in advance! Hopefully I'll get a few ideas before he sells it.

speedy300Dturbo · #2 09-18-2002, 05:11 PM

That type of radio has some extra outputs for additional speakers that the later generation W124's had. If I recall correctly, they have different connectors as well. Basically you will be "hard wiring" the system in. Might be a better (and much easier!) investment to go aftermarket though.

The Warden · #3 09-20-2002, 12:09 AM

Actually, if the wires are color-coded, I can live with hard-wiring the system in...although, to facilitate removal, I may just cut the plug off the radio that's in my 123 and solder the 123's plug onto the 124's radio wires (at least the ones I'd be using). I think the biggest thing will be to see how much he wants for it...he said he'd take the highest bidder, and, although I like the OEM look, I doubt this radio's of that much better quality than what I've got (although he says everything works, which is a big thing for me as I don't even have a working tape player in mine

)...

Any other thoughts greatly appreciated! I don't think he's sold it yet, and on the one hand, I like being able to play CD's with a radio that looks like it belongs in the car, but if it's a horribly huge project (to someone who can install a car radio from scratch but is still learning the nuts-and-bolts details of a 123 car), I don't want to wind up stuck with something that I can't get my $$ back on.

Thanks in advance!

speedy300Dturbo · #4 09-20-2002, 12:16 AM

Warden:

Check out www.mercedes.cx and search for "becker replacement tips". There are some GREAT articles as well as wiring codes.

SCLJA · #5 09-20-2002, 01:15 AM

You are much better off using a 94+ radio as it is one piece and much easier to install and does't need $250.00 worth of cables to hook it up. I have done the crossbreed before and with the 1432 it is not worth it. Look for a 1492 becker or a 2294 alpine mercedes radio this will work a lot better for you....

Scott@lajollaaudio

The Warden · #6 09-20-2002, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SCLJA
You are much better off using a 94+ radio as it is one piece and much easier to install and does't need $250.00 worth of cables to hook it up. I have done the crossbreed before and with the 1432 it is not worth it. Look for a 1492 becker or a 2294 alpine mercedes radio this will work a lot better for you....

Scott@lajollaaudio

How do you mean by one piece? That implies that this other one isn't. How is that? I was under the impression that it's a standard DIN radio...and why the need for the expensive cables?

I honestly don't know how this is set up (actually, I'm downright confused at this point); except for the changer wires, I had assumed that, were I to leave the amp out of the system, that it'd be a basic installation... I'm not trying to make a money pit out of this radio, but I've spoken with the seller and cam have the parts relatively inexpensively (I think somewhere around $130)...could a newer unit be had anywhere for somewhere around that? I don't need the changer setup; I'm okay with an in-dash CD player...but I don't especially want "just" a tape player. I can live with aftermarket if it's cheaper, but I'd prefer an OEM look...most aftermarket radios don't look like they'd belong in the interior of this car; fancy displays and whatnot...

Please keep in mind that I know next to nothing about the 124 cars...shedding some light on this situation would be greatly appreciated (tried the search on the aforementioned site for becker replacement tips; came up with some stuff but that only really served to confuse me more

). Thanks in advance!

rbn3 · #7 09-20-2002, 09:12 AM

This set up is a nightmare - I have two old 124's; a 91 te and a '92 500e. The 93 500e has an alpine cd changer, the 92 has a becker. I think the set up being sold does not include the cables => this would be $$ and a nightmare for an amateur like me. I know nothing of the '85 models. I'm sure you could install the system with the proper cables and alot of patience.

CD Changers - Parts Listing and Compatibility

REF. NO.: MBNA 82/97

TO: ALL MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS

DATE: May 1997

SUBJECT:
ALL MODELS
MODEL YEARS 1991 THROUGH 1997
INSTALLATION AND COMPATIBILITY OF CD CHANGERS

CD changer - capable radios, along with prewiring for the CD changer were introduced in Mercedes-Benz vehicles as of Model Year 1991. The first CD changer was a 10-disc unit supplied by Becker beginning in Model Year 1991. This unit was replaced by an Alpine 6-disc changer, part number Q 6 82 8600, in Model Year 1993. The Q 6 82 8600 changer was supplied under kit numbers Q 6 82 8600, Q 6 82 0110 and Q 6 82 0163.

A second generation changer, part number 002 820 42 89, was introduced in Model Year 1994 and incorporated a single 10-pole connector, replacing the original 4-pole power connector and 7-pole data/signal connector. This unit has been replaced by another, part number 002 820 59 89 as of Model Year 1996. The following describes the installation of the 6-disc changer in Model Year 1991 through 1997 vehicles, except model 124 Cabriolet and Station Wagon.

Notes:

a. When retrofitting changers into vehicles for which they were not originally specified, the trim cover may not fit correctly, or may not be available for the specific application.

b. The 10 disc changer can only interface with Becker 2-piece radio used in models 124 (except 124.090/290) and 129 in Model Years 1991 - 1993, models 140 in Model Years 1992 and 1993, and models 126 in Model Year 1991.

c. Only changers Q 6 82 8600 and 002 820 42 89 can be installed in model 124.066 (Cabriolet).

d. CD changer installation is approved for model 124.092 (Station Wagon) for model Years 1994 - 1995, using changer 002 820 42 89 only.

e. The applicable Service Information describing installation is referenced for each case. If an adaptor harness is required to mate either a pre-MY 1994 vehicle to a current version changer or a post-MY 1994 vehicle to an earlier version changer, the appropriate adaptor part number is listed. Installation is self explanatory.

f. In case of a warranty repair, upgrading to a newer CD changer version is not permitted. All such claims will be rejected.

rbn3 · #8 09-20-2002, 09:25 AM

This set up is a nightmare - I have two old 124's; a 91 te and a '92 500e. The 93 500e has an alpine cd changer, the 92 has a becker. I think the set up being sold does not include the cables => this would be $$ and a nightmare for an amateur like me. I know nothing of the '85 models. I'm sure you could install the system with the proper cables and alot of patience.

CD Changers - Parts Listing and Compatibility

REF. NO.: MBNA 82/97

TO: ALL MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS

DATE: May 1997

SUBJECT:
ALL MODELS
MODEL YEARS 1991 THROUGH 1997
INSTALLATION AND COMPATIBILITY OF CD CHANGERS

CD changer - capable radios, along with prewiring for the CD changer were introduced in Mercedes-Benz vehicles as of Model Year 1991. The first CD changer was a 10-disc unit supplied by Becker beginning in Model Year 1991. This unit was replaced by an Alpine 6-disc changer, part number Q 6 82 8600, in Model Year 1993. The Q 6 82 8600 changer was supplied under kit numbers Q 6 82 8600, Q 6 82 0110 and Q 6 82 0163.

A second generation changer, part number 002 820 42 89, was introduced in Model Year 1994 and incorporated a single 10-pole connector, replacing the original 4-pole power connector and 7-pole data/signal connector. This unit has been replaced by another, part number 002 820 59 89 as of Model Year 1996. The following describes the installation of the 6-disc changer in Model Year 1991 through 1997 vehicles, except model 124 Cabriolet and Station Wagon.

Notes:

a. When retrofitting changers into vehicles for which they were not originally specified, the trim cover may not fit correctly, or may not be available for the specific application.

b. The 10 disc changer can only interface with Becker 2-piece radio used in models 124 (except 124.090/290) and 129 in Model Years 1991 - 1993, models 140 in Model Years 1992 and 1993, and models 126 in Model Year 1991.

c. Only changers Q 6 82 8600 and 002 820 42 89 can be installed in model 124.066 (Cabriolet).

d. CD changer installation is approved for model 124.092 (Station Wagon) for model Years 1994 - 1995, using changer 002 820 42 89 only.

e. The applicable Service Information describing installation is referenced for each case. If an adaptor harness is required to mate either a pre-MY 1994 vehicle to a current version changer or a post-MY 1994 vehicle to an earlier version changer, the appropriate adaptor part number is listed. Installation is self explanatory.

f. In case of a warranty repair, upgrading to a newer CD changer version is not permitted. All such claims will be rejected.

The Warden · #9 09-20-2002, 04:25 PM

Well, it's all a moot point now anyways. Someone else offered $500 for the setup, which I honestly think is more than it's worth.

I'm still wondering, though...it sounds like the head unit is two pieces; how does all that fit in the dash? I had assumed that the 1 piece radio's a fairly tight fit.

I'm guessing that no one'd be offering a '94 or so radio anywhere near the price I'd be willing to pay, so it's back to the age-old question...is there an aftermarket radio out there that doesn't look all fancy and high-tech that I can put in the 123?

SCLJA · #10 09-21-2002, 12:55 AM

On two piece beckers model 1432 the tuner module goes in the trunk then there is a data cable that links the two. On the one piece radio it is a standard size din and it fits directly in the stock opening. If you want an in dash cd or the least expensive upgrade than a new radio would be in order. I would suggest an alpine am fm cd for $220 to $300 that would look nice in your car without too much flash.

Scott@lajollaaudio

The Warden · #11 09-21-2002, 02:25 AM

Okay, Scott, thanks! I was real confused, and was actually getting kinda frusturated there...so if I seemed a bit rude earlier, I apologize. It makes more sense now.

Do you by chance have any pics of the aforementioned Alpine units? I'll probably replace the speakers while I'm at it, but again, don't want to go too radical...no amps or subwoofers or fold-out faces (detatchable would be nice, though) or remote controls or anything like that. I actually went over to your site yesterday, but couldn't find much in the way of details...

Thanks!

SCLJA · #12 09-21-2002, 11:10 PM

Sorry about my site as it has been under construction too long! Here is a pic of an alpine in a 126...