Just bought a w124
 

...and on each of the rear windows has a sticker that states "Radio Alarm, roemoving the radio will fry electronics and set off alarm." I'm pretty sure my car doesn't have an alarm, but I want to replace the old original Becker. Is this credible, or is the sticker just a bunch of bs as a theft deterant? Please let me know, thanks!

Don't know what year your car is, but on my '89...yes, it does have an alarm. Came as a big surprise to me when I went into the store one day while my wife waited in the car. I locked the doors from the outside with the key, as one would normally do. Well, while I was inside the store, she opened her door and set off the alarm. Boy, was that embarrassing! Couldn't for the life of me figure out how to turn the alarm/horn off. Finally called my mechanic and he walked me through the procedure.

However, pulling the radio out will not set off the alarm. What it will do is disable the radio from future use. There is a four digit numeric code that needs to be entered into the radio whenever the battery is disconnected (like, when the car is in the shop and the mechanic disconnects the negative strap). The radios are basically worthless unless you have the code. But, there are ways around that. I paid a pretty penny for one local stereo shop to insert a new circuit board with a known code.

What car is this radio being pulled out of? I might purchase your old radio from you. Pay you more if you have the code, less if you don't.

They do have an alarm. Try leaving a window open, close the door, lock the car, then open the door through the window and see what happens. :D ;) To disarm it you just unlock the car again.

I forgot about it on my 300E....I opened the door, popped the hood, closed the door, locked it, then went over to open the hood. As soon as I open it.... HONK>>>HONK>>>>HONK>>>>>and flashing lights etc. :eek: So I unlock the car and it stops. I nearly soiled my armor!

I don't have the code (unless it's in the owners manual, etc.) I'm not too concerned about saving the radio, but if I can get it out in one piece, you can have it for the cost of shipping. This is on my 89. I was more concerned about setting off the alarm. I'll let you know.

Seriously...I'll take it. It would be worth it to me to have it re-coded. Let me know. Instructions on pulling it out have to be somewhere on the web. I know that there is a "trick".

By the way, if you purchase a replacement from Crutchfield, they will also send you the conversion harness to plug into your existing wires. Be sure to get that. It's listed on their web pages, a no cost addition. If you call, you might have to ask.

i was driving the SDL two weeks ago and i locked the doors as I was driving but somehow the alarm went off.. and I was on the highway and I am like.. wtf is going on...

I had to pull over and do the procedure.

No need to "recode."

Just go to Mercedes dealer with VIN and proof of car ownership and dealer will give you the code (originally installed radio, of course).

I would just get a different radio-

Those were suppose to have a battery- long since dead. Dealerships don't like those as they take a tool. You have to pull the radio to re-set it I believe and they can be nice and do it for free- or they will charge you.
Get a replacement Becker radio- with a code card and cd player. When they have refurbed units, they are about $250-300. BE 4604? They can even wire it up for IPOD input if you need it.

Michael

This has happened to me though not while on the highway. Is there a procedure other than locking and unlocking the car with one of the "master" keys?

all you need is vehicles vin # and some proof, no need to remove the radio

Depending on which Becker model you have in the car, it may not have a code at all. On my '89 300CE removing the radio with the alarm on will set it off. There is no code to enter, at least that it was I gathered. The code entry Becker systems came in around 1990 or 1991.

Sometimes you can find the code written in the owners manual or on an old work order. The code needs to be entered every time the battery is disconnected.

Otherwise the dealer should help you; just bring VIN and proof of ownership.

And if you decide against taking it, I'll be glad to take it.