Original Becker, or update? Discuss.

[GreaseMonkey]

My other decision for the future rebuild of the 1975 280SE Crayford is the choice of stereo.
Now before we get too carried away, it does not have to be state of the art Hi-Fi. I am not a great fan of mobile Albert Halls, and do not see the point of top end stuff costing thousands.
Originality dictates I should fit a Becker Mexico or Europa, preferably a 'pinstripe' model.
I do have a later black front Mexico out of my 1980 W123 that was fine until one day it developed a loud whistle that drowned out all else. My local M-B man said it was a common fault on these, anyone know about that?
Also, when I replaced it, I also took out the other (amplifier?) box thing.
Could it be that at fault?
If I can get the unit repaired, do I need an amplifier?
If so, is there a modern equivalent that will wire in easily?
As I said, I am not looking for high end stuff, just a decent reliable kit with ok sound.
Not bothered about the cassette either, I will probably mostly use it for my ipod, so may also see if I can get it modified with the right input socket.
Any clues who can do that?
While I am at it, what speakers can I get that are a direct replacement for the dash mounted originals, and can I wire in four if I can find a discreet place for two more in the back, probably under the side windows as it is a wagon and does not have a parcel shelf.
Any suggestions on repairs for my whistling Mexico, suitable amps and speakers gratefully received,
thanks lads,
Chris M.

 

[Anthony 350 sl]

I would keep the Becker.
I think the aesthetics of having the Becker out way any of the practical advantages of having a modern system. The sound will be decent especially with new wiring and speakers, so unless you need it to play Cds/mps I would keep it original.

 

[John S]

Unless you are going to enter your car in a Concours, use a modern radio with all the features but keep the original radio for when you sell the car. A radio is only for enjoyment, so enjoy yourself!

 

[GreaseMonkey]

As I said, I am not bothered about modern radios, much less any cd players etc.
I want to fit an original Becker radio with or without cassette player.
I could use the Mexico I have if the screaming whistle that suddenly appeared one day can be diagnosed and fixed.
What I was asking was does anyone know if this whistling fault is from the radio, and if so can it be fixed, or from the amplifier, and if so is there a modern alternative that is not expensive and easy to fit.
While I am at it, I could easily replace the wiring and speakers but need a recommendation for which speakers would fit the original dash mounting.
No need for modern, if I listen to the radio at all it is usually the ABC, and the FM reception on my Becker before it went crook was quite good enough, but most of the time I use the ipod.
Any tips?
Chris M.

 

[BenzBoy]

Have you contacted Soundlabs?
Regards,
Benz-Boy

 

[GreaseMonkey]

Have you contacted Soundlabs?
Regards,
Benz-Boy

No.
who and where are they?
Do they fix such things?
Thanks,
C.M.

 

[BenzBoy]

http://www.soundlabsgroup.com.au/
Yes, I posted this in another thread for you.
Remember?
They also have all the speakers you want by size, aerials etc....
Regards,
Benz-Boy

 

[GreaseMonkey]

http://www.soundlabsgroup.com.au/
Yes, I posted this in another thread for you.
Remember?
They also have all the speakers you want by size, aerials etc....
Regards,
Benz-Boy

Thanks, yeah, I remembered it when I just did a google and found the website. Memory is not my best asset these days, older and dumber.
They sell the expensive new ones, do you happen to know if they repair the old ones? Is that Campbelltown address a shop/showroom/repair place?
Regards,
Chris M.

 

[BenzBoy]

They will arrange repair or I can send you Jeurg's number. Styria can also get them repaired.
Regards,
Benz-Boy

 

[WGB]

If you check on the W116.org site you will find the wiring diagram for putting in a plug for a Becker so you can use an ipod etc.through an original looking radio.

It's not difficult to add an amp under the passenger seat and you can have looks and any amount of performance you are prepared to pay for.

Bill

 

[GreaseMonkey]

Yeah, thanks, I had seen that ipod socket mod before, but I am not that good with a soldering iron, wouldn't trust myself to do it, but if my Mexico can be fixed I may see about doing that at the same time.
So assuming the unit is working ok, are you saying any amplifier will work with it?
What is the little box that comes fitted withthese as standard on Mercedes?
Is that an amplifier?
I kept mine with the radio/cassette but I don't know which was at fault.
Anyone else had this loud screaming whistle on a Becker before?
Chris M.

 

[WGB]

The original Becker amplifier would normally be replaced by a modern one under the passenger seat as it is unseen, not required and does not compare with new.

Another option to the "Plug in the Becker Fascia" method is what has been done by AMG69 to my car which is that the Becker has been wired up (Presumably the same way as with the plug in method) but the wiring has been run out the back and into a two way switch (from a 124 I think) - marked on and off - and set in the dash with the other sunroof/interior light/heated rear window switches.

Here is a photo showing the console and the four switches side by side.



This has the advantage of not damaging the Becker front plate and allows the connecting wire to run under the console and be left in position permanently so that the ipod is just plugged and unplugged.

The left hand switch is marked on and off. One position connects the ipod to the system and turns off the radio/tape player and the other position turns the radio/tape player back to normal function. The volume of both systems remains controlled by the normal radio volume button.

Bill

 

[TJ 450]

The separate box is in fact an amplifier, which happens to be a very neat one IMHO. It is a simple, but effective design.
Because both the Becker Autoradio and Amplifier use mostly discrete components, they are easily repaired. Your best bet is indeed SoundLabs group, they are the authorised Becker service agent. It may just be a "dry joint" on one of the PCBs.
They could also modify the unit to accept an Ipod input, I'm sure. SoundLabs Group also specialise in Hi-Fi modifications and kits.
I agree, modern aftermarket audio systems look totally out of place in a classic Benz.

Tim

 

[Styria]

I'd probably go for what Chris Munday arranged for WGB's 6.9. I know Chris went to a lot of trouble getting things done to his liking, but to also remain faithful to original as much as possible.

So, in an about sort of a way, I agree with Tim's sentiments. What I did, however, was to fit a modern Pioneer unit as illustrated hereunder.





I rather liked the appearance of the Pioneer unit with its mock timber look, and this particulat head unit was the very best one could buy at the time - about eight to ten years ago, and it was priced accordingly. To provide me with the music I like listening to, I have a Pioneer amp and 6 stack CD changer in the boot of Gleaming Beauty, but I have also fitted two additional speakers to the front footwells of the car.

The genuine MB speakers fitted as standard front and rear have all been replaced by Pioneer units. Regards Styria

 

[Des]

Becker Mexico Retro 7948

http://www.soundlabsgroup.com.au/p/Becker-Mexico-Retro-7948/Becker+Mexico+Retro+7948

 

[WGB]

That Becker Retro really is the "Ducks Nuts" but a lot of the features including Satnav do not work outside Europe.

I saw it in the Harmon-Becker Shop in Dubai last year but "She who must be obeyed" started frowning at me.

Bill

 

[Styria]

That Becker Retro really is the "Ducks Nuts" but a lot of the features including Satnav do not work outside Europe.

I saw it in the Harmon-Becker Shop in Dubai last year but "She who must be obeyed" started frowning at me.

Bill

Hi Bill, life's not always fair ! Regards Styria

 

[Michel]

You know something ....

I don't go shopping with Paula for women's clothes and other 'women's' accessories and she doesn't go looking for car bits and other 'men's' stuff with me....
Like that, there no conflict, nor stares and definitley no frowning

That Becker Retro really is the "Ducks Nuts" but a lot of the features including Satnav do not work outside Europe.

I saw it in the Harmon-Becker Shop in Dubai last year but "She who must be obeyed" started frowning at me.

Bill

 

[WGB]

I use "frowned" in the broadest sense.

If I had really wanted it that much it would have been mine.

Still it is a good radio by the looks of the specs.

Bill

 

[Styria]

Honestly guys, without wishing to sound rude, crude, uneducated and whatever else one could be levelled with, the price of that Becker Mexico is quite indecent - it triggers the same sort of reaction when I think of CEO's getting the indecent sort of payouts and salaries they are privy to nowadays.

I really would like to do without that insult to the everyday people.

Regards Styria --- it is a nice day.