Becker Radios

[Douglas]

Please post your questions & comments about Becker radios in this folder

[Bob G ✝︎]

Question,

What was the most expensive and best of the radios from becker offered for the w113 chassie from 1963 to 1971?
Bob Geco

[Douglas]

i believe it was the becker grand prix

[rwmastel]

To narrow down Bob's question, what was the most expensive and best of the radios that becker offered for the w113 chassis from 1963 to 1971 that fit into the low profile (or narrow) radio opening?

Rodd
1966 230SL Euro
1994 E420

[Douglas]

Welcome aboard, Ed Ebel!

[rwmastel]

Ed's here, that's very cool.  I saw his name as the "newest member" as well.  He answered my question a year or two ago regarding the narrow slot radios, but I have since lost that e-mail.

Rodd
1966 230SL Euro
1994 E420

[n/a]

Bob,
It is my impression that the "Mexico" was their top of the line, with a cassette deck builtin. Then the "GrandPrix" which was a AM/FM with automatic tuning bar on the radio, then the "Europa Stereo", then the "Europa" mono AM/FM . There were differences between the bands for US and Euro models (Euro models could have SW short wave bands). I hope that helps. I purchased a Europa Stereo, since I was afraid of the expense of the Gran Prix auto tuning failing.

[ja17]

Hello and wecome Ed!
I was at Starfest and viewed some of the beautifically restored vintage Becker Radios and parts that Ed had available Ed is the man to talk to about reconditioning, buying or upgrading your orig.Becker Vintage Radio. He has an amazing selection or Vintage Mercedes Radios and parts and a vast knowledge of the product! Welcome to this fine group.


Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Richard Madison]

Tag Trivia (but is anything related to these cars really trivia?)

Removed the speaker of a Becker Europa (probably the first time the speaker was ever removed.) A small tag came fluttering down from the speaker, about 1 inch wide, 1/2 inch high, bright red color. Seems to be warning:
"Vor Anschluss des lautsprechers Gerat ausschalten! Gefahr der Zerstorung der Endtransistoren!"

Not sure what it means, but you better do it!

Richard M  )

[n/a]

I sent my Europa to Becker USA for refurbishment; the stations faded and the volume periodically cut out. They did a great job of making the radio work properly and replaced the lamp. I also bought a replacement speaker as the cone on the original was split completely in two.
I have subsequently purchased a Europa Stereo and enjoy the enhanced sound. I have seen a couple of versions of the Europa Stereo; with and without an additional box (amplifier?). Mine has no additional box.
Does anyone know what this additional box is and why do some radios have it and others do not?
Also, there is a serial number on the radio. Is this number reflected anywhere on the original build card or cars documentation?
Thanks.


Regards,
Stan

[Douglas]

stan,

your data card should indicate which radio your car came with, but it doesn't actually list a serial number for the radio. (


511 = becker mexico (LMKU)
513 = becker grand prix stereo
514 = becker europa (LMKU)
515 = becker europa (BC/FM)
516 = becker grand prix (LMKU)
519 = becker grand prix T
522 = reims short wave adaptor

and yes, i think there's a serial number on your radio somewhere.

[Tom]

While on the subject, I have a Becker Europa and have the factory stereo speakers in the footwells.  I want to add two more speakers in the back, but the radio guy says my radio is not powerful enough.  Is this correct?

Thanks,

Tom

[ja17]

Hello Stan,
My guess on this would be; eventually the electrical parts in these two units became small enough to get into the one compact packqage.
Another interesting note: Around this period Becker offered a remote cassette player which pluged into radio and was usually mounted in the glovebox. These are hard to find.

quote:Originally posted by houstonbuckeye

I sent my Europa to Becker USA for refurbishment; the stations faded and the volume periodically cut out. They did a great job of making the radio work properly and replaced the lamp. I also bought a replacement speaker as the cone on the original was split completely in two.
I have subsequently purchased a Europa Stereo and enjoy the enhanced sound. I have seen a couple of versions of the Europa Stereo; with and without an additional box (amplifier?). Mine has no additional box.
Does anyone know what this additional box is and why do some radios have it and others do not?
Also, there is a serial number on the radio. Is this number reflected anywhere on the original build card or cars documentation?
Thanks.


Regards,
Stan

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Douglas]

quote:Originally posted by ja17

Hello Stan,
Around this period Becker offered a remote cassette player which pluged into radio and was usually mounted in the glovebox. These are hard to find.

joe,

i love those glovebox tape players ("olympia") and have a small collection of them. the really scarce one is the mono version. i have only one of those and it's been wonderful.