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6.9 Radio

Started by Des, 09 April 2006, 06:42 AM

Des

Was the Becker Mexico the only radio option for the 6.9?

I only ask as I have a W123 from 1977 which has a Becker EuroVox as standard, the radio seems to be a more modern and more advanced radio than the Mexico, has a little LCD screen, otherwise pretty much the same as the Mexico, auto tuning, AM/FM, balance/fading etc.


John Hubertz

I know there were numerous radios fit to 6.9s, especially euro cars as they were almost all built to-order.

The one that was offered that is probably the most period-correct and has a good dose of '70s kitsch is the (I believe) Becker model with the "alien head" fingertip remote that grows pod-like from the dash unit.  It was the top-line radio that year and was quite advanced, although I can't recall if it had a digital screen, I think it just had led's on the pod head.

I'll see if I can spot one on ebay and post a pic.
John Hubertz
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
(Hunter S. Thompson) 

1977 450SEL (Max Headroom)
[img width=68 height=73][url="http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/fullhappyfish/max.jpg"]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/fullhappyfish/max.jpg[/url][/img]

AMG69

Styria, Art Love is after the name of someone who rebuilds Beckers in Australia.....will you let him know?
sigh....sitting back contemplating the next purchase..!

Des

Quote from: Chris M on 11 April 2006, 01:05 AM
Styria, Art Love is after the name of someone who rebuilds Beckers in Australia.....will you let him know?

Wouldn't it be cheaper to replace the radio with a known second hand unit.
I picked up a Mexico for my last W116 at the local wreckers here for $20, there's not even that many old MB's here on the road, I'd imagine at the mainland wreckers you wouldn't haven any problems picking up Beckers from the 70's-80's.

AMG69

Des, yes, in short.  I'd still probably have it "checked out" and "Serviced" though.....
sigh....sitting back contemplating the next purchase..!

carl888

Quote from: Des on 09 April 2006, 06:42 AM
Was the Becker Mexico the only radio option for the 6.9?

I only ask as I have a W123 from 1977 which has a Becker EuroVox as standard, the radio seems to be a more modern and more advanced radio than the Mexico, has a little LCD screen, otherwise pretty much the same as the Mexico, auto tuning, AM/FM, balance/fading etc.



Yes, in Australia at least, there were two versions, the classic one with the perspex front, If I could work out how to post a pic I would, contact me privately and I can send it to you.  This model was current until the 1979 model year when it was replaced with the later black fronted Mexico.  I have a 6.9 brochure I can scan for you if you like that shows this later type radio.  Finally, to the person that mentioned the Becker radio on a stalk, that was a Blaupunkt.


Regards,

Carl.


Des

http://www.caraudiodiscount.com/acatalog/becker_navigation_bluetooth.html


Scroll down till you come to the "Becker Mexico 7948, Retro Look Radio, Navigation, Bluetooth, iPod Ready"

Looks like just the thing for the classic Mercedes market, now if they would lower the price.

AMG69

I recall someone was after a Becker radio casette circa 1978?  Here is one on EBay!
Cheers
Chris

8070309983; also

4644423299 ; and

4642927598
sigh....sitting back contemplating the next purchase..!

oscar

#8
Quote from: Chris M on 11 April 2006, 01:05 AM
Styria, Art Love is after the name of someone who rebuilds Beckers in Australia.....will you let him know?

Chris M, SoundLabs in Aus is the place to go. They're Becker specialists.

Black or chrome??




I know what I want.  Keep in mind Des that there are other Becker Models with the Chrome and pinstripe look.  If you're not fussed about the cassestte option look for a Becker Europa II.  That's what I'm after.  It has a wider FM range up to 108Mhz compared to the earlier europa's and mexico's.


Also keep in mind that the Europa II has a built in amp where the Mexico has a separte box (first two pics).  Although I've done a bit of research on Becker's I'm not an afficionado but be sure to ask Q's such as this before you buy.  You may want to throw in a separate amp and iPod connection like what ChrisM did.  Or Des, I'm sure you'd like to splurge 1500 euro on that rerelease. Remember, only the best for a 6.9.  Here's a real pic of the 2006 retro mexico.


Finally before I sign off, I don't know what was specific to 6.9's but my 1973 dated brochure for a 350se states "the following models can be installed by the factory: "Europa", "Grand Prix", "Mexico Stereo", "Europa Stereo" and "Monte Carlo"".  There's also Kurier and gee whiz I think that's it.  I can't remember off hand all the differences.  Happy Becker hunting and don't bid against me.  ;D



1973 350SE, my first & fave

AMG69

I would luuuuurrrvvveeeeeeeee to upgrade to that 2006 retro unit! Sigh, too much though!
sigh....sitting back contemplating the next purchase..!

oscar

I have to give credit to Nutz for first posting details of this retro mexico in this thread.  For what I want it's over spec'd.  If they could bring out a simple updated tuner with the original facade at a fraction of the price I'd get one.  A lot of those features would be useless to me and some features irrelevant in Oz.  Not detracting from the unit, I just wanna play my iPod.

It's supposed to be released this month so it'll be interesting to find out how well they sell.
1973 350SE, my first & fave

Des

oscar; thanks for taking the time to post all the info and pictures.

I've heard however that the Sat Nav on the new becker retro mexico only has maps for Europe, so would be useless for Oz.