1988 560SL needs new sound system...suggestion?
 

This is a mint condition (35K miles) and I hate to ruin the original package...but the sound system is horible.

Please educate me on the type of stereo system/speakers and who I should let do the work...Pittsburgh, PA
Thanks, Grant

I also have 560sl. I bought Nakamichi cd-500. It has a classic stereo design with few buttons and no "flying dolphins on scren", the background illumination is yellow color the same as on control pannel...it has a remote control and reads MP3. I have put 3.5 front Infinity Kappa speakers and 6x9 inches Infity Kappa on rear banch. The quality of the sound and stereo design are very classsy and high quality.

Since I am in Europe I cannot advice on the place were to install. The set up above is very expensive but you can shop around in states and find a very good deal.

Regards,

Balsa

Keep the old radio for future sale but I've been fairly happy with a Blaupunkt Monte Carlo MP3/CD player, speakers mounted in the rear shelf (some would keep the original shelf and make a new one and carpet it). The Blau has an optional steering wheel mounted remote, which I really like. There is a really expensive shelf with speakers built in at Performance Products.

That having been said, I got myself a 70's Europa II with a chrome front and have modified it/amplified it/added MP3 functionality. I didn't like the stereo being so digital in an "analog" gauged car. I haven't installed it yet.

I use an Alpine CDA-9847 CD-MP3 with 2 Alpine SPS-100A 4" speakers. It looks and sounds good in the car and works well. It is not overly cluttered with a graphic display as someone said (flying Dolphins). The SPS-100A speakers need a slight modification for installation. The the speaker mounting frame needs to be trimed with a set of sheet metal shears to match the contour of the original speakers (a 10 job).

I got it all from HookedonTronics.com. I do not use rear speakers nor do I feel I need them.

John Roncallo

"Sounds" like i have 3 good suggestions!
 

Thank you for your help, my preference is to go with the 2 4" speakers and add a new Radio/CD. i'll let you know how it goes! Grant:cool:

Julie

I'm interested in your stearing wheel mounted remote. Can you give us a picture.

John Roncallo

OK...it has a battery, and is held on with a strap that is tightened with a supplied tool. I haven't replaced the battery in a few years. There is a receiver with a wire and jack that plugs into the back of the radio. This is mounted above my ignition switch and is about the diameter of a nickel.

Interesting. I have a 1985 380SE that I mounted a Blaupunkt HU with 5 disc DIN sized CD player, and I'm 90% sure I'll be getting an '88 560SL in about a month or so. I'll be transferring the entire setup to my 'new' car. I'm using the Blaupunkt 'thummer' steering wheel unit too, and love it!
That said, does anyone know what's behind that huge expanse of wood panel under the radio? Can whatever is there be moved and the space used to mount a double-DIN unit?

Had I known that option was available, I probably would have bought a Blaupunkt.

John Roncallo