1492 - To Fix it They Break It?
 

I have a 1994 E-420 MB that has the venerable Becker 1492 radio. In the last few months, the radio developed an annoying squeal, so I pulled the radio out and sent it to Ed Ebel at Becker to check out. I had been planning in the next few months to buy the aftermarket Alpine CD player for the trunk as it is advertised as compatible with the wiring and the 1492 unit. I heard from Becker today. They advise that they can either repair the 1492 radio, but in so doing must upgrade the firmware which will destroy the units compatibility with any CD player other than the MB trunk unit($$$), or take my 1492 and give me credit for the 1492 unit and sell me an in - dash replacement with a cd player in the dash. The cost for this unit is about $400.00.

I don't know what to do. I want to be able to play CD's, but I don't really want an in-dash cd player because I don't want the CD's strewn around the inside of my car. I can't believe the firmware upgrade to the 1492 destroys it's compatability with the Alpine unit. That seems very strange to me. To fix it, they break it. I need advice or alternatives. Anyone?

Carl

Simple,

Do what I plan to do in my 94 E420. Get an alpine unit that plays MP3s. You can then burn a CD with TONS of songs. I'm getting the CDA-9815.

It's $348 here

http://www.1-877camcorder.com/cda9815.html

Oh, and if you decide to get XM radio for it, let me know first.

Also, I can let you know what I'm doing regarding rewiring.

Willy

Also, you can always get one on ebay (hoping that the seller has the code for it). Either the 1492 or 1692 will work. Same radio.. ever so slight face differences.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38639&item=2415239390

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38639&item=2415590142