I'm falsely proud of having the original radio in my 1987 560SL. But it's sounding poorly at the moment. I hate to upgrade with an overly high tech looking unit--any suggestions about the best approach would be appreciated. Thanks.

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John C
1987 560SL 109,000 miles
2001 E320 103,000 miles
2007 E350 32,000 miles

i got rid of the becker europa and am going to go with a very simple low end Blaupunkt like the San Diego. I have one of them in my wife's Explorer and I love it. Most important for the SL is the look of the head unit so high up in the console. The San Diego (and there are 2 cousins - 1 with CD changer controls) are all black and have 2 wheel looking controllers. All the other Alpine/Pioneer/JVC units that I would use all look like they belong in the dash of a 2003 Mitsubishi rice burner. No thanks!
The other option (if I had an extra $600) is a Harmon Kardon or Nakamichi head unit. Very slick and classy looking, but way too much cash. Yes, I will have a $140 head unit in the car, but it looks best for the right price.

I also replaced the speakers - Infinity 3.5 inch 2 ways in the dash and 6 inchers on the rear deck.

I think I'll be very happy when it is in. I'll post pictures.
tony

one option is the becker 4602 am fm cd indash. It is expensive but it is as stock as you can get. The front speaker size is a 4 inch with only minor modification needed to the edge of the speaker to fit the dash. I do a lot of 107's and there are many options for the rear to get some full range sound.... Here is a pic of the becker unit. Let me know if I can help you with your car.

Scott@lajollaaudio

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The Mercedes Specialists Since 1986

Here is a pic of the rear speaker install that I do on 107's without rear seat pads...

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The Mercedes Specialists Since 1986

Another option, though fairly expensive is to look at a McIntosh head unit. They are classicaly styled as well. Good luck.

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dyazdani
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'97 C230
'03 Honda CBR600RR
'92 Ford Explorer

Scott, what's the tab for that pretty Becker? I could be tempted...

There are several older Blaupunkt alternatives that had reasonable styling and amber displays; check blaupunktusa.com under their older-product archives. In particular, I found the Nevada RDM168 (if it's got a black faceplate), the Honolulu CD50, and the Madison CD127--was going to go for one of the latter on Ebay but it was withdrawn.

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Craig Bethune

'97 SL500, 40th anniversary edition

'04 Olds Bravada (SWMBO's)
'06 Lexus ES330
'89 560SL (sold)


SL--Anything else is just a Mercedes.
(Kudos to whoever said it first)

I've a Panasonic E850 in my SigOther's 560 with amber display but it's really not acceptable. The display is only visible in extremely low light environments, e.g. in the garage with the lights out, and is totally invisible in daytime ambient light even with the top up.

If anyone knows of a way to kick the display up, even in a dream world of day/night automatic compensation, I'd be very grateful.

Thank you.

The becker goes for $699.00

Scott

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The Mercedes Specialists Since 1986