Hello,

I got my car back from the mechanic. He said he fixed the fuel gauge,
although it makes me nervous. The radio is Very old and the buttons
don't work right, and when I got the car back, for whatever reason,
the lights on the radio don't work. Can't see where I manually tune.
on the dial I'd like to get a new radio. Nothing Fancy. Would this be
something that I could install myself?...my expertise is limited to
changing fuel filters..Any brands of radio that are solid?
Anyone know why the lights would not work on the radio dial anymore?
Thanks much
Lindajane

Is this an original Becker? What features do you need besides radio - tape player, CD player?

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

Hi
Thanks, Just a radio...I'd have to run and look.
But I believe it's the original that came in the car.

I see ads for Bluetooth Radios...is this the type.
Nothing just says car radio anymore...
12V In-Dash Car Bluetooth Stereo Audio MP3 Player FM Radio WMA USB/SD/AUX 1131B (Fits: 1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D Base 3.0L)

What is a Bluetooth radio?

Bluetooth is a technology that among other things allows you to play audio from your Bluetooth capable mobile phone to the car’s stereo. It’s like an auxiliary input without a wire. In most cases the stereo is also a speakerphone.

You can get a “mechless” media player for as little as $20 or one with Bluetooth for closer to $50. Mechless means there’s no mechanism for cassettes or CDs. Consequently they’re 2-3” deep. At those prices some are FM only and reception is iffy.

An option is a Becker 1492 or 1692 from a mid- to late ‘90s MB. It uses a VW style ISO connector and has a proper volume dial. It’ll look in place in your car if that matters.



Note that the original stereo has a pair of speaker outputs that split to front and rear at the fader thumbwheel by the shift lever. You can use half the outputs of the new stereo or wire into speakers downstream of that fader.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

Hi Linda, might help if you mention what year and model car you have.

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Hmmmm....Well I don't want a lousy FM radio...but I don't need cassette or DVD.
No long commutes anymore.
So you think that a Becker is a good bet?...I saw both those models on Ebay.

Linda

Oh, Sorry,
I've got a 1983 Diesel 300D named Cupcake.

OH Geeze... I just spoke to my mechanic. He has Such a heavy Thai accent,
It is just Impossible to understand him. He said the Radios now are not like
the Old ones, they no longer make them. He kept saying it's like an apple you ate last
week, it is gone. I asked about the light in the radio and he thinks the bulb burnt
out and it has nothing to do with his service. I had noticed the light in the radio
was out after I picked up my car. Honestly, it's painful and comical to try and
have any kind of conversation with him...

They’ll fit and look good but you’ll need to adapt wires. Those models need a 4- or 5-digit security code whenever power is cut.

I think your original stereo would be a Becker 612.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

Get a radio that can accept either USB or has bluetooth so you can play music from your phone. You can fit something like 2,000 songs on an 16gb USB. Get new speakers if yours are toast.

If you get a new radio, you might need to get a new wiring harness etc., so ask Becker radio if they can upgrade yours to the new level. The price they charge (something like $500) is less than buying another radio and having it all wired in.

I'm in a similar boat with my '91 300d... the lights and radio work, but I can't adjust the volume. Fortunately, it's stuck at a listenable level (for NPR anyway). I'm going to get a Digital Media unit from Crutchfield. They supply a harness that is more or less compatible (the only caveat is that pesky fader wheel in the console). If yours doesn't have it, installation will be a breeze. If you do have the fader wheel, it can be worked around.

The nice part about Crutchfield is that you can get the harness and a mounting kit at a decent discount if you buy the radio from them. They also have first class support and installation assistance. They are in Virginia so the only accent you will have to deal with is a Southern drawl.

As much as I like the look of the stock Becker unit, I can't justify the $175 to repair it plus whatever the cost is to install a bluetooth module. You can buy a respected brand digital media radio plus the mounting kit/harness for less than $100 shipped.

I have Pioneer digital media units in my Golf TDI and our Honda Pilot... for 2 and 3 years respectively. Never had a problem or failure with either. Kenwood and JVC also make quality units.

__________________
1991 300D 2.5 "Rocinante"
2002 Golf TDI "Teen Spirit"
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1984 300D
1966 Mustang I6 3sp
1985 Mazda RX-7 GSLSE
1982 Toyota Supra
1977 Datsun 280z
1971 Datsun 240z

My Becker just stopped working after messing around with some lights in the dash too... Its sad. I loved having the original unit . I'm still hoping I can find some unplugged wire or something that will fix it

__________________

How much does it cost to rebuild or buy a new becker? Mine doesn't work either.

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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.

I went with a modern head unit for my Ads. I like being able to answer the phone. All speakers were shot although technically not cracked and still working.

Space for the fronts is tight. I cut the guts out of the frame and cut a piece of 1/8" wood ot fit the frame and mounted smaller round speakers. TTC holds the wood to the frame. Paint to color of your choice before mounting.

Sound is much better but could use amp and more speakers.