radio for 240d?

[t walgamuth]

Anybody have a recommendation for a radio with cd player to install in an 82 240d?

[t walgamuth]

Will the radio/cd player from my spare 95 Mercedes work in a 123 body?

[Air&Road]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Will the radio/cd player from my spare 95 Mercedes work in a 123 body?

If it is an MB radio, the problem will be figuring out which wire is which and you will need the theft code.

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by Air&Road

If it is an MB radio, the problem will be figuring out which wire is which and you will need the theft code.

I have the theft code.....figuring out wiring is not my strong suit.

Thanks Larry!

[tbomachines]

Originally Posted by Air&Road

If it is an MB radio, the problem will be figuring out which wire is which and you will need the theft code.

It depends. In my 300e it had an "active bass" system which had wiring going through the fader to an auxiliary amp and out to 6(!) speakers, and there was also an FM/radio amp that was in the trunk. This is optional, but there are several configurations that have aux amps in the loop. It was easiest to bypass everything and simply wire in new speakers. The speakers in my 126 also had odd impedance ratings which were not really in spec with the head unit so it was best to replace the speakers as well (my assumption is that a period w123 is similar if not identical from a tech point of view). The good thing is running wire in these cars is extremely easy and painless. Anything is possible with the right math and wiring knowledge but it may be more work than it is worth, but certainly get the point of keeping a stock look.


Edit: my 300e is a 1990, I'm not sure if it changed to 95.

[P.C.]

Crutchfield: Car Stereo, Speakers, Home Theater, Pro Audio, 4k TV

Can a CD be installed/ejected when the shift lever is in a forward position?

[t walgamuth]

Mercedes with DIN opening.

Is the 123 a DIN opening in the dash?

[Air&Road]

Do you want an MB radio or do you just need a radio that works? The opening is indeed a standard opening that most any aftermarket radio will fit into. I have a parts car in which I haven't seen the radio in a long time. Don't even remember if it has one in it, but if it does and you can use it, it's yours if you want it.

[elchivito]

Mine had a fairly new JVC in it, but was not usable in 3rd gear.

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by elchivito

Mine had a fairly new JVC in it, but was not usable in 3rd gear.

You're kidding right?

[Mölyapina]

Originally Posted by elchivito

Mine had a fairly new JVC in it, but was not usable in 3rd gear.

Did the shifter get in the way of the controls...?

[elchivito]

Originally Posted by Mölyapina

Did the shifter get in the way of the controls...?

Not the controls so much as putting in a disk. Not really an issue very often.

[pj67coll]

I've just installed a Kenwood plus four speakers in my 240D. I thought I'd get a decent unit, with an inbuilt CD (it also has a USB input which I've not used yet) and I wanted a unit with a volume wheel that you turn instead of buttons you push.

The Kenwood had good reviews and seemed to fit the bill.

But I'm not happy with it. One problem is that as in keeping with all modern radio's it seems, the damm thing is a labyrinth of mode settings just to get to something as simple as a treble of base adjustment. And if you do get down thru the menus to find what setting you want you can't get back to something as simple as volume adjustment. In addition to which the location of the radio in a W123 means it's down lown in the center console and trying to read the settings with the radio way down there while driving is almost impossible. I'm sure it would be a bit better if it were installed higher up in the dash, as modern "infotainment" systems seem to be but it's a pain way down there.

I guess what I'm saying is try to investigate as much about the thing before you buy, including just how simple or not it is to operate.

Also, be aware that if you have the antenna functioning in your car it get's it's power from the radio thru the antenna switch on the center console.

- Peter.

[tbomachines]

^ I should clarify a bit. In modern head units they often have amps built in to power speakers directly. Often OEM systems have auxiliary amps that provide amplified signals to speakers, their input being a preout (Un amplified signal) from the head unit. It's basically a way of modularizing the system to the OEMs but is a pain from a replacement standpoint. Only gotten worse since the 90s.


Sent from an abacus

[P.C.]

Sooo...Buy a $100 receiver/CD unit from Crutchfield with a built-in amp and save yourself the pain...