I'm having trouble getting the SE's Becker 1432 to accept the code. I temporarily linked fuses 10 and 18 (I think) so I can leave the radio on with the key out. With this link in place, the front park lights come on when the key is in position 1 or 2.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

So, what's the question?

Gilly

No question, just an FYI.

But if I have to ask a question, why does MB give me a 5-digit code for my 1432 (that doesn't work) when everyone else's 1432 takes a 4 digit code? I don't need an answer since it'll cost me less to replace the stereo than have Becker sort it out.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

Should be a 4 digit code. Possibly the reason you are having problems getting it to work is that the code card is incorrect. The code card also should have the radio serial number. You may want to consider pulling the radio and compare the actual serial number with the one on the card. Unless you "really" want to replace the radio anyways.

Gilly

I don't have the original code card. Smythe European in San Jose, CA compared the serial number on the radio with the serial number on record for the car and they claim it matches. All I got was the code scribbled on a Post-it. Another area dealership gave me the same code so I don't think it's a misprint. The 5-digit code intrigued the Smythe tech helping me as well. He offered to pull the radio and send it in but it hardly seems worth the TBD cost for a unit with a bad cassette player (I only use it to listen to the radio and an RF CD changer).

Thanks for the shoulder

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

The radio code can be confirmed with what Mercedes has by doing a VMI (vehicle master inquiry) at any dealership.
If a 5 digit number is what is on record, i would pull the radio and verify the radio serial number with what appears on VMI, to make sure it matches.
In either event, if a 5 digit code is what is on VMI, the dealership can call the Mercedes Warranty Dept. in Montvale, and they can give them the car (chassis) VIN and the correct serial number from the radio chassis and they should be able to provide the correct code for the radio.

Gilly