Well i have a 1992 600 SEL and it has a 10 disk Becker Silverstone 0980 cd changer in it. I was just listening to regular music, nothing unsual, so i decided to change the cd. Well after a while of loading, the stereo changed to the radio, and i noticed that the cd was not loading. I went to my trunk to check it out, pressed the eject button and it just made the winding noise and the cartridge was not comming out. I waited a while and no results, out of frustration i kind of yanked the cartridge out. Nothing has changed, when i put the cartridge back in it still does not eject or load any cds.
Would anyone know how to fix this problem? Can it be reapired somewhhere that wont charge me an arm and a leg? Any suggestions?

Thank you very much,

Check the Audio Forum. Also, search for becker 980 cd player repair. You can remove the cartridge by sliding a thin, stiff piece of card board or plastic under it near the left side( off center) and move it around. you have , most likely lost the worm gear (small white and plastic). A tedious job , but it has been done. Also google search for the "Becker Board."

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N. Hodges
1994 S350
1987 300 SDL (for sale)

I agree the likely cause is the little white worm drive that has a nasty habit of falling off. However, before diving into the thing that is build like a tank, take the cartridge out as suggested above and turn the thing over and over - you'll hear the worm rattling around - it's small - don't let it fall out and lose it!

First, try "re-booting" the thing by unplugging the power (with the power on) and then plugging it back in while holding down the eject button. Some one told me to do this once and it worked (or the intermittent failure stopped by coincidence).

BTW I have one of these units available with the worm gear taped to the top!

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1992 Black 500e
1991 Black 300te 4m
1992 Black Renntech 620sl
1979 Porsche 911sc targa

turned out that there was a cd up in the unit that was not getting pulled back into the cartridge. when you pull out the magazine...look up in the top of the unit and you might find a cd in there. if not, try pulling your discs out and reloading them. i still have the problem of like 4 out of 10 cds not being recognized...and it doesn't matter where they are in the magazine. good luck!

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Jon
'92 500E

I've been trying to help a friend and was lucky to find this thread. Just one question, I've found the loose worm gear, but I can't figure out where it goes. If anyone can point me in the right direction, that would be great. Thanks

Search the Audio Forum and go to the "Becker Board" you will find what you need.

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N. Hodges
1994 S350
1987 300 SDL (for sale)

The gear goes on the end of the little motors shaft, what a fun project that was. If you are xperienced in delicate work, it should not take more than an hour. It has been suggested to put the worm on reversed so that there is more friction on the shaft. Take it apart carefully, and take notes, there are alot of screws. I was worried about the heat sinks and crushing/ breaking wires. The motor is a bear to get out/and to.

I performed this operation at Christmass, no probs since. Unfortunately I didn't have the benefit of this post, and couldn't find any help in 'search'. I believe I removed the small screws holding on motor. pushing motor back from mount gave enough(with many delicate attempts) room to pressure fit worm gear back on chrome shaft. If your carefull you could use super glue to help ensure fit, I didn't but it could happen again. I pushed on very hard with small wire cutters. It was a pain to put motor screws back in, using small needle pliars due to lack of access.
Not easy job but very satisfying to fix, my friends were sure happy to have music again. The previous note to take notes is probably a good idea, there are several dozen screws to get down to the chassis. I believe you can also get a reconditioned unit for about $400 at Lajolla Audio. It's nice to stay stock. My 10 cd player was $1200.00 new in '92!

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Delsman
92' 400E, 107k
BMW 535i, 165k

The 980 CD changers can be very problematic.Mine has been fixed twice in the last 5 years.
Becker of NA last time told me that their parts supplier in germany no linger made some of the replacement parts for these units.

When I started having problems with mine many times I could pull the fuse and it would reset itself and be fine for about 3-4 months...then it finally died.

I sent mine to a stereo shop in Dallas that I had done business with with when I lived thee...the guy there really knows the becker CD changers as well as the bose amps that go in the 140's.
he rebuilt my 10 disc changers and updated the software for $155.00...a deal if you ask me
I also paid $450.00 for a A REBUILT BOSE AMP(EXCHANGE)


Warren
1992 300SD 175K
Columbus Ohio

I have the same problem. My cartridge will not eject no matter what I do. I tried the reset power / hold the eject button down method but it still does not. The motor just grinds and no matter how I move the cartridge it never pops up. I tried pulling it out with all my strength and it just doesn't move. What can I do? Is there a specific method to get this out? My radio does not recognize it either...

I have the little white plastic worm gear that was loose in the 10 disk CD unit in my 92 500E

Is there anyone who can put this back on for me?

RadioActive Car Audio in Largo Florida, 727-531-6301, found a repair station for the 10 disk cd changer that had the white worm gear come off.

Mine is working great now in my 92 500E!

These use a Sony mechanism, and I see the 10 disk sony units on ebay from time to time. Might not be a bad way to get spare parts.

-Jason

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

So this gear failed on my changer. I believe I have repaired it with some JB Weld (we'll see if it holds up).

Here's a video I shot, you can see the location of the gear:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV1SibAKzEY

It's actually not horrible to get to since you don't have to take the changer mechanism apart to get it out... just a bit fiddley to deal with the electrical connections and all the little screws.

I initially thought I could use parts from a "standard" 10 disk sony changer, however it's completely different inside. I believe most of the Becker changer is made by Becker.

Thanks,

-J

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.