The long-awaited W124 budget stereo install (lotsa pics) - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

SwampYankee · #31 07-02-2008, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee8go

You da man, Gee! Nice work.

Ditto, G!

After all is (mostly) said and done, if you had to do it over again, would you run all new wires or are you glad you went with the factory ones and connections?

iwrock · #32 07-02-2008, 01:04 PM

Dang, you are making me want to rip out my entire stereo (for the 5th time) and start out from scratch.....

Good job Gee.

Dee8go · #33 07-02-2008, 01:26 PM

I might even be inspired to try doing mine now. Thanks for the inspiration.

G-Benz · #34 07-02-2008, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwampYankee

After all is (mostly) said and done, if you had to do it over again, would you run all new wires or are you glad you went with the factory ones and connections?

The LEAST desireable part of this install was routing wires throughout the vehicle (i.e., firewall, back seat, door sills, floor and footwell as well as dash and console). I did not care to take on the additional task of running new speaker wires, as the OEM wiring was suitable for this application. Tracing the speaker leads from the OEM amp side saved me the headache.

Only the subwoofer required a larger gauge wire, and that was already supplied with the install kit.

G-Benz · #35 07-02-2008, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee8go

I might even be inspired to try doing mine now. Thanks for the inspiration.

No problem.

I hope the pictorial thread gives folks on this forum a headstart on what to expect when they tackle their own installs...especially on these little-known and rarely undocumented Becker systems.

Btw, I believe the 2000-up vehicle models have pretty standardized connectors and such...as in...aftermarket head units are designed to use the existing OEM connections...no need to splice!!

iwrock · #36 07-02-2008, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Benz

No problem.

I hope the pictorial thread gives folks on this forum a headstart on what to expect when they tackle their own installs...especially on these little-known and rarely undocumented Becker systems.

Btw, I believe the 2000-up vehicle models have pretty standardized connectors and such...as in...aftermarket head units are designed to use the existing OEM connections...no need to splice!!

Yes and no. It uses a more standardized ISO plug, which means more companies stock adapters to link stereo in without splicing wires, but all the companies (Pioneer, Alpine, etc) all still use their own individual plugs on the back of their stuff....

Sony and Pioneer used to use the same plug, but wiring was in different spots. I remember plugging a sony into my Pioneer harness, and smoke coming out....

Cliff_W140 · #37 07-02-2008, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

Sony and Pioneer used to use the same plug, but wiring was in different spots. I remember plugging a sony into my Pioneer harness, and smoke coming out....

As do I........

iwrock · #38 07-02-2008, 03:48 PM

G, what kind of speakers did you install in your W124?

G-Benz · #39 07-02-2008, 03:57 PM

Speakers are stock. There is enough capability between the head unit and the amps to tailor the sound nicely, despite retaining the marginal 15-year old drivers.

When the W124 was getting the top-end treatment, the car sat for three weeks with no battery. The Becker's internal battery died, and when everything was back together, you couldn't boot up with the security code. Becker wants around $200 to refurbish the deck, but I decided to replace it with something else.

Apparently, figuring out how to integrate an aftermarket head unit with the goofy Becker 6-speaker setup proved to be more than I expected...despite reading other threads about members attempting the same.

And there is practically ZERO diagnostic information regarding the system beyond the deck!

So I am simply adding my .02 cents worth to the cause...

BoomInTheTrunk · #40 07-02-2008, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Benz

When the W124 was getting the top-end treatment, the car sat for three weeks with no battery. The Becker's internal battery died, and when everything was back together, you couldn't boot up with the security code. Becker wants around $200 to refurbish the deck, but I decided to replace it with something else.

well if it is anything like a c-mos battery in a computer then you can change it yourself. The battery looks like a large watch battery like the size you find in key fobs. If the battery died then the code was erased. If it was erased then there would be no code to have to be put in. Give it a try you could still sell it and make some money.

G-Benz · #41 07-03-2008, 09:59 AM

I was excited to get the subwoofer cranking, so I brought tools along with me to my daughter's soccer practice...LOTS of bass, even without porting to the interior.

Decided to use these banana plugs for the speakers...they were marked down at Home Depot...spotted them while getting some other hardware...

Wires connected and routed in front of the gas tank. From there it goes up and is routed around the left rear speaker and to the amp.

Sub amp connected and ready to go!

This is my custom display when I turn on the head unit:

Discovered that the CRUNCH lettering on the 4-channel amp has backlighting...never saw it with lights on while working...COOL!

Project completed!

Still have to install the ports...

...then dial the crossover points and output levels, but for the most part, we are ready to annoy the neighbors!!!

Thank for all the kind comments and support! I'm glad this is mostly over...up next: Clean up the mess I made in the garage!!!

Mistress · #42 07-03-2008, 11:05 AM

G-man that thing is schhhhwweeeeettttt! If I decide I need a concert hall on wheels can I bring my car to you for the install?

G-Benz · #43 07-03-2008, 03:58 PM

Felt like drilling big holes somewhere...what the heck! Installed the ports right underneath the first aid kit cover.

From the trunk, they look like dual exhaust pipes...maybe I should put some AMG tips on them (LOL).

Anyway, there's nothing left to document via pics. Just tweaking the sound.

So it's off to do a little daytime cruising.

SwampYankee · #44 07-03-2008, 04:56 PM

Bravo! I don't know why I'm so leery of self-installing a decent system (have actually never had one in a vehicle). I should just sit down and figure out what I need and go to town. It's always seemed daunting but it's probably not as bad as I think.

sixto · #45 07-03-2008, 05:22 PM

How much difference did the ports make?

Sixto
87 300D