Blaupunkt Frankfurt MB to be available soon (New release)

[QLD6point9]

Hey there guys, I’ve just come across what appears to be a new addition to Blaupunkt’s radio range. It is the Blaupunkt Frankfurt MB and it is to be available for sale apparently in the winter of 2025 (so they are saying).

Would be interesting to hear your thoughts on this type of vintage look radio for MB models of a vintage matching. I have just looked at the prices of the original Becker units and they are on the rise. Wondering what to do for my own 6.9, whether to get original or say this unit when it’s available.

YouTube link for viewing the product in action

 

[c107]

That looks promising. So many of these radios don't really look the part.

 

[Styria]

Whilst quite similar to the original Black Face/Black Knobs as fitted to the original latish 6.9 models, I do think that it is a definite improvement over the original versions. Whilst subjective, in my opinion the original Becker (as on 6.9s), fell some distance short of making one more than blink, even though the sound produced was fairly respectable. James, I haven't looked at your video as such, so am unable to comment on price if, indeed, it is listed. I'll find out soon enough. However, Blaupunkt........the ones available in this country are of Chinese manufacture, and I wonder if the same situation applies to the one being discussed here. The way I see it, it looks like your car is going to be a stayer - that being the case, and if the price is anywhere near reasonable, I'd be happy to settle for the Frankfurt. Regards Styria

 

[QLD6point9]

Whilst quite similar to the original Black Face/Black Knobs as fitted to the original latish 6.9 models, I do think that it is a definite improvement over the original versions. Whilst subjective, in my opinion the original Becker (as on 6.9s), fell some distance short of making one more than blink, even though the sound produced was fairly respectable. James, I haven't looked at your video as such, so am unable to comment on price if, indeed, it is listed. I'll find out soon enough. However, Blaupunkt........the ones available in this country are of Chinese manufacture, and I wonder if the same situation applies to the one being discussed here. The way I see it, it looks like your car is going to be a stayer - that being the case, and if the price is anywhere near reasonable, I'd be happy to settle for the Frankfurt. Regards Styria

Hey there Michael,

From what I have now sighted. It appears as though Blaupunkt will be marketing this unit for around the €700 mark. Perhaps maybe it will be a German unit therefore? I would be interested to learn if the unit will be from China or not. If it does end up being ‘genuine’ so to speak I would be interested in purchasing it for my 6.9.

When it does officially release in the later part of the year, I will be sure to provide an update with further information at the time. Let’s see if it ends up being a winner for the likes of our vehicles!

 

[Oversize]

The w116 is a hard one to find a suitable head unit that doesn’t appear out of place. The original ones were plain ugly & the early pinstripes seem a little too ‘early’. So perhaps a newer version might fit in perfectly, particularly since Bluetooth is so convenient when driving in the modern era. CarPlay is brilliant however it requires a larger screen which is hard to accomodate & doesn’t fit in with the 70s look.

Whist I’m a long way off deciding what to install for my 6.9, I’ve recently pulled the trigger on a head unit for my black 560. It will suit the black interior perfectly & it helps that I’ve always lusted after a period Alpine since I was a teenager when they were brand new… It’s complete with a CD changer, but I’ll be searching for any Bluetooth upgrades. I still have a large collection of tapes (plus new metal ones still in wrappers), so I’m looking forward to dusting them off!

Oh and I also scored a graphic eq/spectrum analyser which completes the set. For some reason I’m transfixed by them as the leds bounce to the beat!

 

[QLD6point9]

The w116 is a hard one to find a suitable head unit that doesn’t appear out of place. The original ones were plain ugly & the early pinstripes seem a little too ‘early’. So perhaps a newer version might fit in perfectly, particularly since Bluetooth is so convenient when driving in the modern era. CarPlay is brilliant however it requires a larger screen which is hard to accomodate & doesn’t fit in with the 70s look.

Whist I’m a long way off deciding what to install for my 6.9, I’ve recently pulled the trigger on a head unit for my black 560. It will suit the black interior perfectly & it helps that I’ve always lusted after a period Alpine since I was a teenager when they were brand new… It’s complete with a CD changer, but I’ll be searching for any Bluetooth upgrades. I still have a large collection of tapes (plus new metal ones still in wrappers), so I’m looking forward to dusting them off!

Oh and I also scored a graphic eq/spectrum analyser which completes the set. For some reason I’m transfixed by them as the leds bounce to the beat!

View attachment 28123View attachment 28124

Hey there!

to be honest I’d say your on the money there with a head unit like that ^. I wondered if this continental unit would look too modern or if it would blend correctly in the 6.9. It has the yellow lighting backed dials and screen which I quite like. Gives off a warm glow reminiscent of what I’d expect from the era. Probably dates into the 80’s with the digital screen however …. I installed one of these in my 77 w123 300D and I really liked the look.

known as a ‘Continental TR7412UB-OR’

 

[QLD6point9]

Upon further investigation of radios to consider keeping the look “period” correct. I am wondering what the group consensus is on this the Hamburg model (again by Blaupunkt).

Has the convenience of the modern additions (USB, Bluetooth, hands free DAB radio capability if a dab antenna already inconspicuously installed on the vehicle).

Hamburg SQM 23 DAB - Blaupunkt

New edition of the classic "HAMBURG SQM 23" from the 80s (from 1983) with the latest technology and many new features!

blaupunkt.com

YouTube Video explaining further in detail the features of the head unit:

 

[c107]

I think the balupunkt would look better thn the W116 than the continental does. The continental is more W126 era in terms of its look and is an alternative to radios like the Becker 1402.

Personally I like the original radios in my cars, so have gone back and installed them. My old 280SE W116 had the becker with the large knobs and place faceplate, which not as attractive as the pinstripe unit, does fit in quite well. That car is back for sale again.

 

[ProfessorExperimental]

I have a Becker Mexico to go in my car eventually (it came with a... *shudder* Daewoo head unit. Never yeeted a part out of a car quite so fast as that quick release faceplate before...) and I agree the striped face might not be a perfect aesthetic match (though I chose it primarily out of HVS legitimacy concerns).

There are pretty close visual approximations of that radio on the market that are a Bluetooth dongle with physical knobs. I have thought of building a Raspberry Pi-based single-DIN box with an early-2000s style retractable 7" touchscreen, but hidden by a Mexico-style face with perhaps some basic playback physical controls. That would obviously open the door to full CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility with sufficient development, as well as some limited car-function control...

I'm drifting in the direction of eventually rebuilding my engine with a D-Jet donor but none of the fragile period electronics (because I didn't get any), and putting basic Haltech diagnostics on such a screen should be easy. Dunno if something similar could be done with the suspension control for a 6.9, but we're well into NSW-unfriendly restomod territory at that point I suspect... Still, in theory a modern interface that stows into a nearly-(visually)-perfect facsimile of a period head unit by use of the cassette cut-out and/or horizontal line pattern to mask the necessary mechanism is surely but a dwindling market depth away from viable...

 

[Oversize]

You’d have a buyer here for sure! I wish I had the knowledge to build such a unit!! In my gold car I may ditch the ashtray & instal a double DIN CarPlay unit assuming there’s enough depth available for the chassis. Thinking out loud I could fabricate a basic cover similar to the radio delete panel but instead use a 6.9 boot badge to dress it up…

 

[ProfessorExperimental]

Y u need double din?
single din retractable screen

Just needs someone to CAD copy your favourite Becker face and resin print the surround and controls. Could probably even retain most of the functionality of the buttons by massaging arrangement or hiding buttons "in the face texture". Any shenzen gadget shop would do it in a week (with injection moulded abs instead of uv prototyping resin, no less)...

...for 10000 unit minimum order