I recently purchased a 1979 300D. The battery had to be replaced, but when this was done, the radio stopped working (its the original Becker radio that came with the car) and now displays -- -- --. My mechanic said it has to be sent to Becker for descrambling which will cost $250. I called a local dealer and he wasnt much help either. I would really appreciate any advice on this because Id rather not replace the radio...the car has a very antique feel to it and Id like to keep it. Thank you very much.

You'll need to take it to the dealership or Becker. Might be time to get a new stereo or buy a good used one off eBay.

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1998 C43 ///AMG
1999 C230 Custom 5-Speed Manual

I've never seen a radio on a car this old which goes into the dashed-line security mode. i believe this radio type was used on 86, 87 and 88's, may be off a bit. I wonder if it has a newer radio swapped into this car?
The dealers have a spesial electronic tool which can take the radio out of dashed line mode. If the radio then goes into dashed line mode again shortly after this procedure, there is a capacitor on the radio chassis which needs replacement. i've heard if you're handy with electronics that a similar capacitor is available from electronics specialty stores and would need to be soldered into the chassis, or Becker can do the work also, and I think it's alot less than $250.
The dealer near you may or may not charge you for taking the radio out of dashd-line mode........it's about a 5 minute job, easy to do it.

Gilly

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Check out www.beckerautosound.com THey can give you an idea of the cost to repair the unit.

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Resistance is Futile.

My 83sd has the same type radio, you need to take it to your local dealer to have the code set again. I have had this done several times and they didn't charge me.