What have I done! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

NDP 2.6 190E · #1 08-16-2008, 12:07 AM

Acquired my 1983 300CD in Dec 2007, because after 2 years of looking, I got fed up trying to find the right E320 Cabriolet.

My 300CD is a So Cal car and in great condition with 178k on a working odometer. It has required some attention in the usual places, and I have had fun bringing her up to scratch with a rebuilt and powder coated front end, Bilstein HD's, alignment, valve adjust, all new fluids, new oil lines, mono-valve repair kit, thermostat, voltage regulator, door check (drivers side), new innards for glove box door, front disks and calipers, booster vacuum hose, kick-down solenoid, egr blocking plate, turbo drain tube, hood pad, grille, battery tray, replaced speakers without enlarging the factory holes, etc.

Now, everything works as it should, including the cruise control, windows, A/C, antenna, wiper delay and courtesy light delay. Heck, I even made an iPod adapter for the original Becker radio while waiting for the fuel tank liner to cure - no more blocked fuel filters! It now drives better than ever and returns an honest 25+ mpg.

The 300CD has really grown on me. It's a quality car that is a pleasure to work on, especially with a wonderful resource that is this forum.

BUT....., today I found my E320 Cabriolet and I wasn't even looking, honest

So unfortunately for me, the 300CD will have to go. I will miss her though.

Cheers

MBeige · #2 08-16-2008, 12:10 AM

Just get both

yellowbenz · #3 08-16-2008, 12:12 AM

So, it's for sale?

NDP 2.6 190E · #4 08-16-2008, 12:14 AM

Yes, I will place an ad this weekend.

NDP 2.6 190E · #5 08-16-2008, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

Just get both

The boss won't allow that

Graminal95 · #6 08-16-2008, 07:54 AM

Could you please tell me hoe you made an ipod adapter for the becker? I tried to figure it out but no luck.

NDP 2.6 190E · #7 08-16-2008, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graminal95

Could you please tell me how you made an ipod adapter for the becker? I tried to figure it out but no luck.

It's definately cool being able to play an iPod through the original radio. I use an 2Gb iPod shuffle. But this method will work with any iPod.

Parts list
2’ - 3' of 6 core shielded cable (thin computer peripheral type cable is a good choice)
3’ (or whatever length you prefer) of standard stereo cable with 3.5mm jack plugs at each end (from Radio shack)
2 x 0.33uF tantalum capacitors
1 x 3.5mm 4 pole stereo jack socket (Part 161-5350-E from Mouser Electronics)
2 x Lego bricks (2 x 4 size, from kids toy box). Or some other small housing for the jack socket.
1 x 2.5mm green LED (optional)
1 x 560ohm resistor (optional)

The attached diagram shows a schematic of how I did an iPod adapter mod for a stock Becker Europa radio cassette unit.

How it works; plugging the 3.5mm stereo cable into the socket (housed in the Lego brick) cuts the link between the radio/cassette pre and power amps, and instead links the iPod directly to the Becker power amp. Unplugging the the 3.5mm stereo cable returns the Becker to normal operation. The 0.33uF caps decouple the iPod from the Becker.

And a couple of pics to show the Lego brick that houses the socket. The green LED is totally optional - but makes it easier to find the Lego brick IMHO.

Graminal95 · #8 08-18-2008, 10:22 PM

Thank you soooo much, that is the info I was looking for and will try and build myself one tomorrow.

RML · #9 08-18-2008, 10:45 PM

That is a beautiful car. It looks like it belongs on a showroom floor. And nice job on the iPod adapter. You obviously have some serious electronic skills.

DeliveryValve · #10 08-18-2008, 10:57 PM

Great job on the IPOD hookup and thanks for the info!

Too bad you can't keep both cars, that CD is a nice looking ride.

MBeige · #11 08-19-2008, 12:01 AM

That coupe is a beautiful car, and judging from your iPod "upgrade" you know how to modify things without ruining them. I bet whoever gets that coupe, should you decide to sell it, would be a very happy owner.

NDP 2.6 190E · #12 08-19-2008, 03:24 PM

Thank you for the kind comments.

The coupe is just too nice to be the family run-about, we have a 190E for running errands and taking the kids to school. I just don't have the space to keep the 300CD and the cab, so it's now listed on eBay.

Cheers

TripWagner · #13 08-19-2008, 03:58 PM

I've been contemplating this Mod for a LONG time ... U've made it EZ! Thanks!

Graminal95 · #14 08-20-2008, 01:27 PM

On the radio setup, how are you numbering the DIN pins, and did you have to remove the alignment tab on the plastic DIN cap in order to get it to plug into pins 2 and 3?

[IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Graham/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.jpg[/IMG]Is it like this?

sd300td · #15 08-20-2008, 02:22 PM

what is this coutresy light delay you speak of? New feauture beginning 1983?