Correct Becker Radio

[paults1]

What is the correct Becker radio model for an early '63 230SL? The PO installed the Gran Prix model that has the seperate amp. My data card shows the car came without a radio.

Regards, Paul

[sjiatrou]

My 1963/64 230sl (#001515 built in Dec 1963, delivered in Jan 1964)was delivered sans radio but the purchaser had a radio installed at the dealer in San Francisco.  It is a Blaupunkt Frankfurt ATR radio (serial number begins with U which means it is a 1963/1964 radio) with M AM AM FM FM pushbuttons.  Here is an excellent site for Blaupunkt radio information: http://members.aol.com/porshalaka/DerWhitesBlaupunktRadios.html

Here's the Becker site with specific radio info: http://www.beckerautosound.com/Classic/index.htm

I realize you had a question about the correct factory Becker, however, since your card says the car was delivered without radio, if it was purchased at a US dealer in '63 it would probably have had the Blaupunkt.  At least that's my understanding, anyone else have more info?

Oh, and the Blaupunkt has the separate amp also.

Steve

Steve Iatrou
Seaside, CA
1964 230sl roadster
White (050)/Black (116)

[TheEngineer]

Becker USA will sell you a refurbished radio for $300-n'change. I'd avise you get the stereo model

'69 280SL,Signal Red,Automatic,retired engineer, West-Seattle,WA

[Rolf]

If you call Becker here in NJ ask for Tom Mitchell. He deals with their classic radios.

Rolf
1966 230SL Auto
1992 300D

[Chad]

Perhaps measure the physical radio opening in your 230 dash before you call Tom @ Becker. If your car has not been cut/modified it may have a smaller opening than the later 250/280 dashes, this is an original thing about the 230 and is a headache sometimes.  If so, and if you want a Becker, then I think the Becker Europa TG is the original radio (refurbished it will be $800-1000 maybe.  I believe the later 230 used a Becker Europa TR radio.  This item will be $600-700 refurbished by Becker.  Measure once, call twice - but call Tom @ Becker in the classics section first. 201.327.3434x1210 I believe.

Note: your 1963 230 may call for the earlier Europa TG, in other words. Tom would know.

Good luck. This info is the best info I know for the "correct Becker" for the 230.  It is definitely not the least expensive way or most acoustically pleasing way to put Becker-powered tunes into your 230. The later Europa/etc radios (read: larger 250/280 correct) are about $300 refurbished from Becker and many an ebay seller claims to have a working one for much less than that.  Again, these are not correct for your 230 though, as far as I think I know.

I am looking for a 230SL radio delete plate myself... it just seems impossible to find.  I have even tried SL Classics. Anyone know of a lead?

1967 230SL
2006 Toyota Prius

[Rolf]

The number at Becker is (201) 961-1399. I call the receptionist for Tom as he is sometimes not at his desk. He is extremely knowledgeable about the radios for the Pagodas. When I was up at Becker, about a week ago, I asked him the price of a refurbished radio for a 230SL. He stated around 350.00. They also have speakers for 68.80. I didn't ask if they have an 800 number for their new place since I am local. They moved several months ago.

Rolf
1966 230SL Auto
1992 300D

[sjiatrou]

Paul (and other lucky 230sl owners!)

I dropped Tom a line regarding the correct Becker for a low number 230sl (mine is #1515 which means it has the smaller dash opening); here's his reply:

Your car calls for a Grand Prix TG. We have them for $750.00

Tom Mitchell 201-961-1310

Steve

quote:Originally posted by paults1

What is the correct Becker radio model for an early '63 230SL? The PO installed the Gran Prix model that has the seperate amp. My data card shows the car came without a radio.

Regards, Paul

Steve Iatrou
Seaside, CA
1964 230sl roadster
White (050)/Black (116)

[rwmastel]

Several years ago I asked Ed Ebel at Becker about a refurbished 4-band Grand Prix for my Euro (Italian) 230SL and I was quoted something like $950 or so.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Chad]

Just for the purpose of informing people about the value of a good original 230SL radio and so they are not falsely undervalued.  Tom Mitchell quotes $700 to $950 for the 230SL correct Beckers, TR and TG.  SLTech quotes about $1000 for a TR.  These radios are *not* $350, like stated earlier.  The thin long knobs do not go on the later radios as trasnplanted into these cars.  We see many 230SL with the incorrect radio and larger diameter flat knobs of the later incorrect style.  Not a big deal at all - it is just that these items *are* not a bargain from the appropriate vendors.

Personally, I wish I had the original delete plate instead, the one that the dealer probably threw out.

1967 230SL
2006 Toyota Prius

[Rolf]

Tom might have misunderstood me when he quoted me the price of 350.00. I was up at Becker with my radio and we were talkig about the correct radio for the 230. He saw mine and gave me that price. I apologize if I was misleading.

Rolf
1966 230SL Auto
1992 300D