[erwinschrodinger]

Hi all,

I am new to the forum, but wanted to post on here because of an issue I am having.

The radio in my 1990 560SEL, which I recently acquired via relatives, not bought, does not work. It has an external CD changer mounted in the trunk, and while this system does work, the sound does not play.

For example, when I press the "on" switch for the radio, a small clicking noise is made but nothing else happens. It sounds like it wants to turn on and start, but it does not. What could be the problem? I have checked all of the fuses in fuse box and they are all in working order. Additionally, I have physically taken out the radio in the front to make sure all wires are connected, and they are. At this point I am not sure what to do.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ColoRich]

The Becker BE 1432 also has a trunk mounted unit, which is the actual "brain" of the stereo system. The dash mounted unit simply controls the functions of the trunk unit via a DIN cable. This unit is located behind the right wheel well underneath the side carpet panel. Remove the 2 (or 3) metal clips at the trunk seal flange and then manipulate the carpet panel outward to access the brain. Try connecting/reconnecting the plugs in that unit and possibly use some DeOXit on the pins. If still no good, the unit may need a rebuild by Becker AutoSound (Saddle Brook, NJ).

 

[erwinschrodinger]

Behind the right wheel well? I'm not exactly seeing what you're talking about.

 

[V12StealthHunter]

Post a photo showing all the wiring at the back of your radio. This way we'll all be on the same page.

Some Becker radios were just radio tuners, whilst the power supply and power amps were elsewhere. Whereas some other Becker radios also had the power supply built in. And others had everything built in.

If you have external amps make sure the antenna power signal is connected because that doubles as a switch on for the power amps.

 

[carnut62]

Are we sure this is in fact, a Becker original radio?

 

[wooky_chew_bacca]

Behind the right wheel well? I'm not exactly seeing what you're talking about.

Yes, as CoLoRich said, in the boot, right side the carpet panel has to be moved by removing the clips that hold it in place. Lean over the R/R fender with the boot open and you'll see the clips. As soon as the formed carpet is out of the way you'll see the radio's brain, it also has a fuse in it, might be blown

 

[Last R107]

Send it to New Jersey if it's the original Becker Model.

If you're dealing with the original Becker radio, don't waste your time trying to mess with adjustments and repairs. Just pull the dash unit and send it to the Becker guys in New Jersey. They'll send it back completely refurbished and working as good as new. And, they'll add an iPhone AuxIn plug (hardwired) for just a few bucks more. You can run this extra wire through the ashtray below the radio and pull it out whenever you want to play tunes from your iPhone. If you're dealing with an aftermarket radio, good luck. The car's audio system was designed specifically to be controlled by the Becker unit. Many of the aftermarket units can't take advantage of the amplifiers and you have to re-wire all of the speakers to really appreciate the sound. So, let's hope that you have an original Becker radio that just needs to be refurbished/repaired. BTW, pulling it from the dash is easy compared to other Benz models. Not many connections and you can label them with tape to insure that you put everything back correctly. Also, on this site, you can easily find wire diagrams, etc. to help you get the radio back in place (if needed). I speak from experience - my daily driver, an '89 560SEL has a refurbished Becker radio with an AuxIn plug. I listen to iPhone tunes or iRadio every day on my way to work - and, I have to say, the original amp/s and speakers are excellent - better than the Bose system in my new 911GTS with an upgraded Bose system.

 

[Last R107]

Becker Guys

PS - You can call the Becker guys in New Jersey and talk to them about your issues. They're more than willing to trouble shoot over the phone.

 

[BrandonKinsey1]

The radio on my Mercedes 1990 560SEL, I put the code 3463 in and it says wait and nothing else happens.

 

[MBL87560SEC]

Hey Brandon..

You're likely not to like what I have to offer here.

That said, your radio has 'locked itself down' and requires it to be powered on for a period of time and left alone until such time the W A I T message clears.

I cannot remember exactly the time factor, but perhaps more than just several hours. My Google research suggests between a couple of 'powered on' hours to between 12 & 24 'powered on' hours. I apologize for being somewhat vague but its gotta be powered up & left alone that way til the readout changes to: C O D E

Good luck, man

MBL

P.S. I would be sure the radio code is proper for that radio you have as well. Obviously, if the radio is a different one than original to the car, its code will be different as well.