I posted in the audio section, but have not had a reply. Here is the situation, I have a 1995 E320 with original stereo (tape deck no CD) and I am having the following problems:

-No sound coming from rear speakers
-Distorted sound coming from front speakers
-Antenna fell off car last week

The speaker problems have been on going for a long time, but the distortion in the front is getting worse. Does this sound like the head unit is failing or the amp? Would anyone recommend I replace with used same parts, or upgrade? Not sure how difficult putting a new head unit is in one of these cars.

Thanks

Unfortunately, there is no real way to accurately diagnose whether or not the deck or amp is bad without actually swapping the pieces out.

I would check all your fuses, and if they pass then the next thing I would suspect in your case is the amplifier, it's the one doing most of the work.

I would source a good used amp (should be cheap) and a new head unit with CD- upgrade upgrade upgrade..

Who uses cassette tapes these days anyhow?

__________________
03 540I (GAK!!)
81 280E (W123)
70 LeMans Sport with pissed off Poncho 462"
1989 Silverado Step Side (under the knife- complete restomod)

Do you mean check fuses on the amp?

Have you ever changed out a deck in a benz before? I changed one out in a Saab years ago and it was not very easy. Do you know if there is an additional harness I would need?

Thanks

I can't say firsthand I know exactly which fuse it is, but check the other fuses to see if aything is blown. Most likely it's tied to another circut

If they are all good I suspect the amp would be cooked. As it sits I think you are going in that direction.

As for deck install, it's easy. - Dropping the old radio will require a couple of flat ratio removal keys you can jimmy rig from any modern aftermarket stereo or buy the proper mercedes one (it's not necessary)- slide them into the small slots you see on the face, and pull.

You will need a Metra harness that adapts to the mercedes wiring in the vehicle, and follow the directions. It's not hard to do this.

ONE NOTE- on my METRA harness it was incorrectly built- the wires for Bat / memory+ and Ignition + were SWITCHED. So the radio wouldn't remember any presets... If you decide to do this and it doesn't remember the radio station you were on remember to switch the Ign and the Bat / Memory wire around (even if it clearly seems wrong) to get this function to work correctly.

Just a note if you get caught on that.

__________________
03 540I (GAK!!)
81 280E (W123)
70 LeMans Sport with pissed off Poncho 462"
1989 Silverado Step Side (under the knife- complete restomod)

Thank you Randy!