I had one of my factory radios repaired by La Jolla Audio. Worked great although I upgraded to a Blaupunkt iPod & GPS unit since I wanted more than what the factory FM cassette & CD changer unit could provide.

This shop specializes in repairing factory radios with OEM parts. If you're going for 100% factory look, this store is it although some might say "if I knew it was going to cost $100 or more, I could have bought a SONY explode head unit instead". It all depends what you want.

Their link is Get your Automotive Radio Repaired at La Jolla Audio Repair

 

Thanks.
But I really wish you hadn't mentioned the Xplode. Sure does seem to be an economical option. Plus I'd be able to get rid of the stupid CD changer in the trunk.
The trunk? Really? What genius thought up that one up?

 

www.beckerautosound.com

Great reputation. These guys know more about MB OEM radios than MB. Ed's the man.

 

Not meaning to add fuel to the fire, but I'm pulling the Sony Xplode head unit out of my recently acquired '94 wagon and putting the stock unit from my '95 in. That will be a short term improvement.

The Sony is just plain horrible in every every possible way, from the too tiny buttons to the cheesy red&blue ricer illumination, poor radio reception, no RDS, etc, etc.

Ultimately, I plan to put in my other Blaupunkt so I can have GPS, iPod, and hard drive feature along with bluetooth handsfree operation all without cutting a single factory wire.

Manufacturers always prefer the trunk area for the CD changer, not just MB.

 

For years I said I wouldn't have an aftermarket radio in my car. Well the Becker packed it in, displaying the dreaded "- - - -" Nothing short of having it repaired worked so I bought a $79 Sony from Best Buy with removable panel, mp3 input, and a CD. It was up and running in a half hour and the factory speakers never sounded so good. I hope my other 124 radios don't pack it in, but if they do, they will be launched. Becker may be the original radio but they are the worst part of a Benz IMO