to do?
I've been checking the DIY pages and lots and lots of threads that pertain to "upgrading" the head unit part of the stereo system in a 1987 300E W124.

I bought an Alpine unit, model CDE-9870, to be exact. It's the base model with single CD and ipod controls via the Alpine cable. All I want to do is substitute the Becker with the Alpine.

It seems a simple DIY job but I can't find the right thread or page if there is one that shows (with photos) just how to go about doing it right.

Perhaps this should be in the Audio Forum. Please let me know. I cross post there.

Thanks,

Jason

looking at the directions and harness it seems easy. but the fader and speaker wire thing is a question. will look for the right thread/diy page for these.

Jason

You are right. The fader is the key. I just removed mine from the circuit altogether and used the fader in the Alpine.

Seems like there is maybe a DIY somewhere.

It's been a while so I don't remember much.

I put a Blaupunkt in my 89 300TE, by pass the fader completely and use the radio fader, pull the wood off by the gear shift and trace the speaker wires for left and right channels, cut the wires that lead to the fader and run the left rear and right rear speaker wire up to the wiring harness, and you are in business

Cool. Thats what I'm going to do. Right now. Will post how it goes.

Jason

i was baffled as well when i tried to install a new radio. the best advice i found was to route new wire to all the speaks directly to the new unit. of course this was on a '90 S class with the two amps behingd the rear seats.

I know there must be a way to do it on the early w124. where are the correct DIY pages with photos and diagrams? I'm going to search the internet. Will report findings.
Jason

OK, I can get the Becker radio out, now what?

Good move! Now, throw it in the trash. Then extract the original speakers and throw them on top.:D

Now you are ready to install a real sound system. Until they started using Bose in the W140, MB sound systems were total trash. To get good sound out of an older car, like my W126's for example you need to start from scratch. Then depending on what you want to spend go from their. For about $300 you can get a decent system.

With my W126's I was able to come right off the wiring harness for power and the front speakers. I just ran new wires for rears since someone had hacked them pretty bad. Just cut out the fader on the console, you don't need it anymore. I have never done a W124, but with only 4 speakers the early W126's are pretty simple. How many speakers does your car have?

4 speakers only. and from what I can tell, no amp aside from the deck.

I was attempting to remove the fader switch. Will I need to solder the wires together? Are all 4 speaker sets at the fader? I was looking for the DIY that shows how to pull the fader. Cant find yet.

I have a soldering iron and wire. I have electric tape and can get shrink wrap tape if needed. The Alpine I got is just for a single CD and ipod controller. Very simple deck.

I would put new speakers in after I figure out how to get this deck to work. Was thinking of putting the ipod cable thru the fader switch hole for now, provided I can get the switch out. Does the whole tray of switches come out? I know I've seen the DIY for this before.

Thanks
JAson

OK, I can get the Becker radio out, now what?

Good move! Now, throw it in the trash. Then extract the original speakers and throw them on top.:D

Now you are ready to install a real sound system. Until they started using Bose in the W140, MB sound systems were total trash. To get good sound out of an older car, like my W126's for example you need to start from scratch. Then depending on what you want to spend go from their. For about $300 you can get a decent system.

With my W126's I was able to come right off the wiring harness for power and the front speakers. I just ran new wires for rears since someone had hacked them pretty bad. Just cut out the fader on the console, you don't need it anymore. I have never done a W124, but with only 4 speakers the early W126's are pretty simple. How many speakers does your car have?

Well, not totally trash...the six speaker system with the subs in the doors doesn't sound too bad. With the EQ dialed in it actually sounds quite good for its age. I found out that the 1990 W124 has sort of a hybrid system between the two...the amps in the head unit power the full range speakers in the dash and rear deck, while another amp in the trunk powers the subs in the doors. By 1991 they switched over to the everything in the back system with just a control head/tape deck up front.

You'll need to cut the wires for the rear speakers from the fader and solder wire to them to reach to radio.

The front wires from the fader run to connectors for the front speakers, which can simply be disconnected.

There is a plastic blanking plug available from dealer to fill the hole left when removing the fader. It's about $1.50.

Above information is not in any manual.

How to remove console wood, ashtray, etc. is in the W124 Service CD available from dealer or at 800.for.merc.

Thanks I was able to figure out the system and then with the ignition on I got the wires right. I'll back and solder the wires from the fader to remove the fader from the system. I had a feeling it did not need new wires. Then I'll install new speakers and maybe an amp for a sub in the first aid box or something.

Jason