I just bought a 2002 c240, did anyone know how to install a cd changer in it? Please be specific......

I just wanted to pass this experience along in case it may help someone. I have a 92 300E and wanted to put a Becker 980 Silverstone CD changer in it. I found one on Ebay and when I plugged it into the tuner in the trunk the Becker head unit recognized the changer but the loading mechanism on the changer was not working. I called Becker several times and finally got a response that they may not be able to repair these anymore because they were having problems getting a power relay for them. Even if they could repair them the cost is $250.00 including shipping for a 10 year old worn out player. I checked into the Alpine 620 changer but the Becker head unit in the 92 300e requires about $300 worth of conversion cables and data converter boxes. This was 3 times the price of the Alpine CD changer I had located. I finally went with a CD changer with an FM modulated tuner. The output plugs directly into the antenna tuner in the trunk and it works like a charm. It has a digital to analog converter so the sound is not supposed to be quite as crisp but I honestly cannot tell the difference. High quality CDs sound absolutely clean to me. The best part is the late model CD changers will play all home recorded CD-R and CD-RW and the old Becker Silverstone will not. Hope this helps someone avoid all the wasted time I spent researching the Becker system.

Could use please explain where in the trunk is the antenna tuner? Is it where the changer connectors are? BTW, what model did you get? Thanks.

If your factory radio has six buttons (for control of all six CD's) and a CD button, you can install an Alpine MP3 changer in the trunk using the factory cable. You will be limited to 99 songs per CD. Only certain Alpine models work and adaptors have to be used as well.

Please do a search and you will find a lot of information. You are in the wrong section as well. Instead of Tech Help, select Car Audio.

You can e-mail Scott at Lajolla audio and he can also provide you with information. I bought mine from this place. They are expensive, but they have all the compatability research done and the customer service is pretty good.

scott@lajollaaudio

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Zafar
94 E320 58000 Miles

For a 92 model 300e the original Becker sound system is a two piece unit. The tuner for the radio is in the trunk on the passenger side. The right hand trunk liner must be removed to access the tuner. The antenna plugs into the tuner. (this is where the FM modulated output from the CD changer plugs in as well) You can plug into power for the cd changer if you have a Mercedes "L" shaped plug and power cable into the back of the tuner. (only two wires) Otherwise tap into power wires elsewhere in trunk

I bought a Pioneer FM Modulated 6 disc CD changer for $170 new. It comes with an infrared remote so you can control the changer from the front seat.

JVC makes 6 disc and 12 disc changers and Sony makes a 10 disc changer for roughly the same price. These are available at any Best Buy.

I talked to Scott at Lajolla prior to making my decision. These guys are very helpful and knowledgeable. Unfortunately the lowest cost system they could recommend was an original reconditioned Becker 980 at about $500 or an Alpine 620 (with unbelievably expensive converter cables) for around $500 as well.

Hope this helps.

I had one in my 92 500SEL, I went bad, it seems it would not eject the cartrige and the motor kept on running. This thing is hot all the time, so it would not shut off. I finally removed it and a plastic gear fell out. I am debating, if I should get it repaired or shelving it. It is a 980 Silverstone. Looking at the precious post I doubt I would pay $500 for a recon. or whatever Becker would charge to repair it. I just replaced the "Bose Amp" for $600...nuff is enuff!

Thanks RDM. I have a Becker changer unit from a 91 300e, but the unit had the stuck cartridge problem. I open the unit, retrieved the stuck disc & ejected the cartridge. Not realizing the problem was with the magazine, I put it in & it stuck again. After the second successful removal operation, when I tried to play the cd I got interference - I heard the radio. I stopped pursuing whether it was the cable or something I did when getting to the stuck cd. Subsequently I totaled the caar, but retrieved the changer unit (Had I known then what i know now from this board, I also would have taken the cables & bracket.) I got a replacement 91 300e, & am leaning toward getting an rf changer unit instead of investing money in the 11 year old becker unit. I suspect that any sound degredation in the rf unit is immaterial because of all the ambient noise from driving-it is not exactly a critical listening experience as one might do at home with headphones.
Regards & thanks.
Rich

The problem with the Silverstone jamming was with the cartridges that were supplied with the original MB dealer installed units.

Using off-the-shelf Sony cartridges seem to work fine. Mine's been working continously for two years (knock on wood).

On a 92 300E with a becker silverstone, does anyone know why it only loads 4 out of 10 cds?

It's strange cause it loads and plays #2, 3, 9, and 10. Pushing any other button shows "no disc or empty -- --" and doesn't load.

Too bad I had not found this thread earlier, I recently got a new original cd magazine as I just bought the car in July and it was missing (I would have looked for a sony magazine instead.

Any help with this problem would be a big help.

Thanks in advance,
Acky

Acky,
Just to make sure there are no problems with the CD's, try switching them around to see if the trouble follows the CD's.
Bud