Radio Options for 1971 280 SL

[Razmin]

Does anyone know the radio options that came with the 1971 280SL. I want to purchase a Becker Europa but was offered one with a cassette and was wondering if the cassette was offered with this car. Thank you.

[Douglas]

If the question is whether or not the Europa cassette player was available in 1971, the answer I've been told by Becker is yes.

If you're trying to figure out what originally came in your particular SL, I suggest you order the data card for your vehicle.

Hope that helps.


Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[JPMOSE]

Well I happen to have the original Kelly Blue Book sheet from 3/1/1971, which lists all the Mercedes Benz models with options (USA versions).  Under radio, it shows:

1) Becker "California" AM, Fact. Install. (I believe this was standard on some models, including the 280SL; optional on 220,220d, 250 250S; n/a on 280SE coupe/conv. & 300SEL)

2) Becker "Europa" AM/FM $172 Retail - All (except 280SE Coupe/Conv. & 300SEL)

3) Becker "Europa" AM/FM Stereo, $289 Retail - All (standard on 280SE Coupe/Conv. & 300SEL)

Also, an Automatic Antenna was $88 Retail - All (standard on 280SE Coupe/Conv. & 300SEL).

It should be noted there is no mention of a tape player anywhere.  I have seen Becker cassette players that were separate (usually installed in the glove compartment).  When they were offered is a mystery.  The 1972 350SL had a cassette player (I believe it was a Becker "Mexico" or "Grand Prix") as my neighbor had one since new.

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL
1987 560SL

[Douglas]

quote:Originally posted by JPMOSE


It should be noted there is no mention of a tape player anywhere.  I have seen Becker cassette players that were separate (usually installed in the glove compartment).  When they were offered is a mystery.  The 1972 350SL had a cassette player (I believe it was a Becker "Mexico" or "Grand Prix") as my neighbor had one since new.

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL
1987 560SL

JP,

I had this exact conversation with Ed Ebel over at Becker and he assured me that the Becker Mexico Cassette player (as well as the separate Olympic cassette player) was indeed available at the end of 113 production. He took me through their literature and showed me that there was even an Olympia radio/tape model that looked just like the Mexico.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[JPMOSE]

Here is the optional cassette player on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BECKER-EUROPA-MEXICO-PINSTRIPE-CASSETTE-PLAYER-STEREO_W0QQitemZ150211203802QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item150211203802

Douglas:  I am sure you are correct...I was only reading out of the Kelley Blue Book, which may be incomplete.  It is worth noting that European models had different offerings than the USA sometimes.  On the W126 chassis, some of the Grand Prix models (with digital readouts) were very different than the USA counterparts.  So, who knows?

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL
1987 560SL

[JPMOSE]

After additional research I confirmed Douglas' findings.  The Becker Mexico Olympia (with cassette) was introduced in 1969...the same year the Becker Europa II (Stereo) was introduced as well.

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL
1987 560SL

[Douglas]

Here's how the Olympia looks installed:

http://www.sl113.org/forums/uploaded/CraigD/2007714145346_cassette%20small.JPG

(This photo was posted in an earlier thread by CraigD.)

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[Bob G ✝︎]

I am so mad!!!! I have the 1970s Becker radio and antenna cataloge and cannot fine were it is. Many of my Mercedes-Benz library and research items are in boxes and I have no idea were they are. so frustrating to me when I come accross a post  that I know I  can contribute to with correct information and  cann't say a word.

Bob Geco

[66andBlue]

I am reviving this old thread because I noticed a Becker California radio on eBay recently. It sold although the seller had mislabeled it Europa Stereo:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/131189995736

In a previous post, JPMose had indicated that this radio may have been standard on a 280SL:

1) Becker "California" AM, Fact. Install. (I believe this was standard on some models, including the 280SL; optional on 220,220d, 250 250S; n/a on 280SE coupe/conv. & 300SEL)

but that is not correct. The California was an inexpensive mono-only radio for the USA market that could be ordered for a 220, 220D, 250, and 250C but not for the higher class cars, including a 280SL. Nevertheless this model is quite rare and I thought it would go higher.

Option code: 511  from 01.04.1970  to 31.08.1972     BECKER RADIO CALIFORNIA AM - USA