Topic: Double Din Radio

[Mattr]

Hey Folks,

So, the interior of 2333 needs to be redone. I'm planning to start with the things which impact driving comfort. First will probably be radio, second will be windows, then AC/heat, and who knows from there. That brings me to a question: With the ashtray removed, it looks almost like I could get away with trying to fit a double-din or din-and-half stereo there. Forgive me, but I'll take a out-of-place-but-highly-useful radio over an unused ashtray and a crusty Becker.

Has anyone done this swap?

[Diesel 617]

Hey, before you toss that crusty Becker away, you could have it rebuilt to modern standards. Bluetooth capable, aux cord for music and pre amps for high powered speakers. On top of that you maintain the factory look, because quite frankly almost every modern radio looks like an abomination in these vehicles. I had the work done, and will receive it near the end of the month. It was less than 300$

Otherwise you will have to cut up the ashtray frame,

[Mattr]

Hey, before you toss that crusty Becker away, you could have it rebuilt to modern standards. Bluetooth capable, aux cord for music and pre amps for high powered speakers. On top of that you maintain the factory look, because quite frankly almost every modern radio looks like an abomination in these vehicles. I had the work done, and will receive it near the end of the month. It was less than 300$

Otherwise you will have to cut up the ashtray frame,

The car came without a radio... and where did you find someone who will rebuild them to all that for less than $300? I couldn't even find a Becker Mexico that wasn't clapped out for less than $500, and the only place I found selling updated ones wanted $2k+ for them.

I'm fine with that. I have no use for an ashtray, and I'd rather have a nice stereo unit than an ashtray. I dislike the look of almost all of the "retro-inspired" radios anyway, and am going to just accept that it looks out of place.

[floyd111]

The retro-ones are very good, but I find them ugly as well.

 I would give it a second try. With a bit of patience you'll find a Becker for under 300 inc shipping. But, ya gotta go to ebay.de for more choice and select "shipping to germany". You can always discuss terms with the seller after he's sure to get paid.  Ebay.com has the highest prices, not a great place for W116 parts, and also not for a whole range of items.

Also, check out that "rebuilt" idea. Rebuilding/updating the beckers would be the best way, I'd think.
Don't forget.. if you drive that w116 for a while, you'll end up putting money in. The more you invest, the more you're investing in resale-value.
When that day comes, an original dash is a plus.

If you want more options, you can install a second headset, hide it somewhere, and use the remote to control it

[Diesel 617]

Just by chance I was over at peachparts and saw someone selling this radio for  250$
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-used-parts-sale-wanted/377953-fs-becker-europa-model-466-a.html

The gentleman I have rebuild my electronics is: https://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/318312-cruise-control-amplifier-diagnostics-amplifier-repair.html

He has rebuilt my dash clock (woot!), radio, cruse control amplifier (works flawlessly and holds the speed!) and has inspected numerous relays I have sent him and has even been able to rebuild some of them. I highly recommend him, very pleasant to deal with as well.

[UTn_boy]

I don't understand this fascination with pricing Becker radios so high.  They made millions of radios, and the Mexico Stereo is one of, if not the most, mass produced models of Becker radios ever made.  Thousands and thousands of them are still in existence, and supply far outweighs demand.  Then again, $300 to have one rebuilt and made bluetooth ready is a really good price. 

If your Becker is crusty then it's in need of repair.   Though, if you want to stay period correct but have good sound then buy a period correct Blaupunkt or Grundig.  They offer superior sound quality over Becker, and always did.  (up to a certain point)  And be sure to use paper coned speakers with the correct impedance match for maximum sound quality.  The best sound systems in the world use paper coned speakers!   

Stan, in your last comment you stated  "The more you invest, the more you're investing in resale-value."  That's true, but only up to a point, and that comes rather soon on a W116.  We may spend $50,000-$80,000 to properly restore a W116 (if not more), but when it comes time to sell we'll only get a third or below of what we have invested in it.  So putting more into our cars than they'll ever be worth is something that has to be accepted.  We have one life.  Enjoy it. 

[revilla]

I don't understand this fascination with pricing Becker radios so high.  They made millions of radios, and the Mexico Stereo is one of, if not the most, mass produced models of Becker radios ever made.  Thousands and thousands of them are still in existence, and supply far outweighs demand.  Then again, $300 to have one rebuilt and made bluetooth ready is a really good price. 

If your Becker is crusty then it's in need of repair.   Though, if you want to stay period correct but have good sound then buy a period correct Blaupunkt or Grundig.  They offer superior sound quality over Becker, and always did.  (up to a certain point)  And be sure to use paper coned speakers with the correct impedance match for maximum sound quality.  The best sound systems in the world use paper coned speakers!   

Stan, in your last comment you stated  "The more you invest, the more you're investing in resale-value."  That's true, but only up to a point, and that comes rather soon on a W116.  We may spend $50,000-$80,000 to properly restore a W116 (if not more), but when it comes time to sell we'll only get a third or below of what we have invested in it.  So putting more into our cars than they'll ever be worth is something that has to be accepted.  We have one life.  Enjoy it. 

Ditto here. The W116s are these days to restore/repair/drive and enjoy... if one insists to make these cars a “business case”  today sorry wrong brand/period/model. It will always be a red ROI never reaching a selling price to recover the usual 5-digits investment! If, on the other hand, one drives and enjoys any W116 this is immo the car to have (not the car to invest).

Who knows, the market is capricious though, maybe our grandchildren will see a Return, but I doubt they will be able to drive them in 50 more years with all the restrictions being developed now globally.
In conclusion, Joy and Passion should be the currencies to build your business case. If so, it’ll be a VERY positive ROI.


Regarding the stereo subject.

If you insist to install a modern unit with all the functionalities, would you consider this folding screen option? It would save the ashtray and getting too invasive/destructive as it would fit in the current space you have your stereo now. When the screen is folded down is discreet at least, despite not being period correct.

Cheers everyone

https://youtu.be/4YTxz2oqb-Q

[oversize]

I'd be going with a double DIN Kenwood with CD/USB/DAB and CarPlay.  Far more user friendly than any Becker, modified or not.

[oversize]

If you own a car and are regularly worrying about resale I'd consider selling immediately.  No-one needs the stress or limitations.

[floyd111]

My point was.. these cars easily eat up a bucket of money over time, and retrieving that cash is hard enough to not want a potential buyer complain about missing radios and such.

[floyd111]

https://www.ebay.com.hk/itm/133179193221?ul_noapp=true

275 or best offer..

[rumb]

https://www.ebay.com.hk/itm/133179193221?ul_noapp=true

275 or best offer..

And get it repaired here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BECKER-EUROPA-1969-TO-1980-REPAIR-SERVICE/113896157279?hash=item1a84bd705f:g:d1YAAOSwvmNdhRNa

[ptashek]

The old Beckers are junk. I don't understand why the world is so obsessed with them.

Why not get a modern Blaupunkt that looks pretty good in a W116?
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-2KcnqLSakhl/p_023TRN420B/Blaupunkt-Toronto-420-BT.html

And sounds great too! (this one's mine)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6JpbDmlCAg

Full story: https://forum.w116.org/mechanicals/the-(semi)-non-destructive-rear-speaker-installation

Or maybe one of the VDO or Continental, old-school looking ones?
https://www.vdo.com/special-vehicles/audio-products/audio-products/
https://www.continental-automotive.com/en-gl/Trucks-Buses/Interior-Cabin/Infotainment/Radios/FM-AM-Radio-with-USB-Bluetooth

[Squiggle Dog]

I installed a Blaupunkt Bahamas. It works and looks fine. But, I will admit that the look of the original Beckers is hard to beat. At some point I will probably revert to an original Becker Europa or Mexico Cassette.

[floyd111]

Indeed, it's about looks and originality for me as well. I would never be satisfied with the sound of such an antiquated headset. I am sure there's room for a high end set, hidden in the dash, with only a reachable USB plug somewhere and a remote in the mid console.