Replacement Radio/CD w/o it Looking Like Midnight in Hong Kong
 

1984 300Dt with stock Becker Grand Prix...........We are know and like the looks of the factory radios. However after 20 years they are out of date technologically. Any suggestions as to a replacement brand or specific model that will maintain the classic German looks of our cars. I'm not interested in all the lights and stuff that would make it look like midnight in Hong Kong or Vegas. CD and radio features would work just fine.

Have you thought of the Audio 10 in dash CD player? No matter what you end up doing, you're most probably going to need to do some re-wiring, at least to the harness connections and bypass the fader control. There's one on ebay now...http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=38641&item=2457938212&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWA%3AIT

I had the same problem when I went radio hunting, though it was not in a Mercedes, I just don't like lots of busy lights and crud. I found a reasonable compromise in Kenwood headunits, the display color is infinantly variable, button illumination switchable from red to green, and you can turn off the pointless little moveing crap. Price was right too. MPV-619 is the one I have I believe.

i have the blaupunkt DAB 53 - quite understated

UK version here

I have a nakamichi cd45z that, I think, looks fine. Unfortunately, I can't recommend it as it plays cdr's poorly

Just got my 89 300SE back from local audio shop and the Eclipse was installed with fader still functioning (which is what I wanted). IT is the 3413 and it is awesome. Not bad looking sitting in the 300SE either.

Becker makes a beautiful replacement radio for Mercedes that says Mercedes on the unit itself.

http://www.shop.edirectory.co.uk/car_audio_direct/static/918/ca14487.html

I just noticed you are in So. Cal.

The link I posted above shows the Becker radio with the words "Becker Mexico" on the face plate, but they do sell it with the words "Mercedes" on the unit, and when you turn it on, it scrolls the words "Mercedes" on the digital display.

I recommend a shop in Mission Viejo that is an authorized Becker dealer. They sell the unit I mentioned above.

http://www.carstereoalarm.com/index.htm

I know how you feel. Midnight in Hong Kong--- love that

You must be over 40 to have that philosophy. I'm 49 and know how you feel.

I bought the Sony CDX-M630 in dash CD unit for my 88 560SL. The "light show" can be turned off when the face is close and the radio playing.

Heres a picture of the unit.

Dave

Yeah a bit over 40. The Blaupunkt DAB53 mentioned by guydewdney is too flashy, but that is why we have choices.

BTW if you have ever opened an older Becker Grand Prix from a 82 to 85 300D you'll see quickly why they cost what they do. Quality manufacturing.

I was contemplating "midnight in Vegas" but thought better than to trash our next door neighbhor. How about "Midnight in Bangkok"?

The flashy stuff goes much better with the lowered Honda crowd etc.

http://www.technikservice24.de/80256...unkt-dab53.jpg

dont forget that pic is of all the lights lit - half of those are never on..

i dont find it distracting, and with contrast lower than in this pic its pretty dim.

but it is the most technologically advanced headunit around - mp3, cdr, dab, CF player and recorder (record off dab radio) and only 300 quid

Amen. I just don't see moving TFT video as a good match for my *classic* W124. :)

39 here. and I fully agree. Midnight in Hong Kong. (or Tokyo for that matter).. yick! I saw that Sony with the blackout screen.. seemed interesting but I've had REALLY bad luck with EVERY Sony HU I've ever owned and so has everyone I know. I *want* to love sony (I think thier laptops are awesome) but I just can't..

If you don't like the Becker units, I also recommend Nakamichi, which are very classic designs.

I have the MB-100, which is unbelievably expensive. It used to retail for $2199, but I've seen prices come down a lot, especially on the internet.

They also sell an MB-80, which is the same basic unit as mine, but it doesn't have the pre-amp / DAC converter.

I might check out Nakamichi, their USA headquarters are located around the corner from my office (ok 2 miles). Like to find a used Becker unit from one of the wrecking yards.

Before you choose to soil your Merc with a non Becker radio, check out this front CD/MP3/radio that goes for ~USD250
I like the two round dials that give it retro look
http://www.becker.de/beckerCC21/www_..._450x140_1.jpg