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300 SEL- 190D- 380 SEC
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229 Posts
Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I am trying to install a aftermarket radio in a 300 SEL, 88'. Any one know where to get a skematic or should I just re-wire it all?
 

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1990 560 SEL & 1995 E300D
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468 Posts
I just had a "top of the line" Alpine/CD/MP3 stereo installed in my 560SEL which I purchased from Circuit City and installed by them. May I suggest you save yourself a lot of headache and aggravation and spring for the cost of installation by someone who will stand by their work to insure it is done correctly and offer a guarantee(installation guarantee, in your case). It is obvious you are a competent DIY'er judging by your previous posts and I hope you don't take this suggestion wrong, it's just that one's time has to be worth something as well as the outcome.

Cheers,

Gary
 

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03' C320 4Matic SS
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664 Posts
i have a Alpine too tho mine is not top of the line but i have never had ne problems i also had someone install it for me just go to bestbuy they will do it for free if u buy it from them and the pros know what they are doin
 

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1991 300 SE
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18,541 Posts
It’s not impossible to DYI…

…if you’ve installed radios before and familiar with basic wiring, it’s not difficult. Note the location of the power, switched, antenna power, and ground along with the speaker leads on the Becker and match them to the wiring instructions that came with your new unit. Cut the connections and wire together with butt splices and you’re done.
 

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Depends on the day!
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13,419 Posts
I've known guys who worked at Circuit City..their advice to me, as a friend and someone who cares about their car, do Not under any circumstance take your car there to have work done. I've fixed a number of Circuit City/tweeter/best buy installs.. Cheap, quick and dirty...[:(!][xx(]

But on that note, finding Any sound shop that's going to take the time to do a proper install for just a head unit is near impossible. There is no money in it and it's brutally repetitive to boot.

Installing a head unit properly is a lazy afternoon where you can take the time to clean under your transmission surround/ashtray etc.. Also, you'll take the time to avoid cracking any expensive plastic/wood bits. Do yourself a favour, get your wiring diagram printed, pick up some good solder, heat shrink tubing and enjoy installing the unit yourself.. When it's all said and done, you'll know it's right/have learned something in the process.

Just as an aside, if you want the best Alpine has made, dig yourself up an F1.. It was the only other unit I considerd before going w/ a CDX C90 and XDP 4000 processor.

Jonathan
 

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1985 300sd
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446 Posts
Why would anybody want to spend that much money on the Alpine F1 status unit. It is so expensive, it is rediculous!! 4000 usd for a head unit and processor/ multimedia unit. Alpine is FOS!! The Alpine units I have had I have not been very impressed with, and other brands offer better equipment for less money. Alpine does though have the best monitors clarity wise though, but their head units are overpriced and unreliable. I have had a CDA-7893, CDA-9811, and CDA-9831 and was not very impressed by any of these units. One feature I do like on the CDA-9831 is that you can control your V12 amps from it, which used to be a seperate, 100 usd display.
 

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13,419 Posts
have you ever heard a properly set up F1??? I friend of mine runs one is his 140 and it's Amazing..! I'm trying to keep up w/ my CDX C90 but $$ is the major limiting factor[:(!]

Jonathan
 

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1990 560 SEL & 1995 E300D
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468 Posts
JR_RIDER,

That's what I bought, the CDA-9831 and what a nice system it is. It does far more than I ever expected out of any stereo system and will NEVER use all it's features, for sure.

This is my theory on electronic gadgetry. As soon as you buy "state of the art" or upper tier anything having to do with electronics you can bet they are nearing the completion of the prototype to replace it, be it a cell phone, lap top or audio system.

$4,000 USD for a car audio system? Geesh, that is EXACTLY what I paid for my 560SEL. I guess it all boils down to what is important to each of us. I can tell you that when I slip a CD into my unit it sounds like I'm in a concert hall.

Gary
 

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1990 300SE
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1,473 Posts
I don't understand why anybody who can do anything DIY would want Circuit City or the like to work on their car. Maybe a professional sound shop? But hell, all you have to do is spend a few hours, get a few standard tools, and a lot of research for the parts you need.
 

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1985 300sd
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446 Posts
I ask myself that everytime I let Circuit City's roadshop employees put their dirty hands on my car. But the bottom line is that they are the most efficient when it comes to installs and they work with less notice and get the work done faster. The main reason I allow them to work on my car though is because in order to receive warranties on products, many companies require their products to be installed by authorized dealers, or they will not honor the warranty.
 

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13,419 Posts
That's why I make friends w/ my local high end audio shop, they'll write me up a recipt stating they approve of or if need be, they installed my equipment in order to get a warantee. They know I care and after seeing my work:)

Jonathan
 
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