Becker Europa II Cost?

[KevinC]

How much should I expect to pay for a FULLY FUNCTIONING Europa II Stereo in nice condition in the US?

Kevin
Boca Raton, FL
1967 230 SL Automatic
670 Light Ivory
113 Bronze/Brown MB Tex

[ja17]

Hello Kevin,
They go on ebay for $75.00 to $150.00. Finding the original front stereo speakes is the hard part.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[KevinC]

Those on ebay for this price usually say "working when I removed it" or "don't have a way to test it"...to me thats taking a chance since they are usually sold "as is". I guess that by fully functioning, I meant re-conditioned to be sure every thing works before I install it.

quote:Originally posted by ja17

Hello Kevin,
They go on ebay for $75.00 to $150.00. Finding the original front stereo speakes is the hard part.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

Kevin
Boca Raton, FL
1967 230 SL Automatic
670 Light Ivory
113 Bronze/Brown MB Tex

[Douglas]

I think Becker USA wants around $350 for a fully re-conditioned Europa, but that comes with a warranty.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[ChrisInNashville]

I recently spoke with Tom Mitchell at Becker who quoted $350 for the stereo and $50 for an ipod cable.   His number is 201-327-3434X1210   His email is   TMitchell@harmanbecker.com

[Ed Cave]

If you have a regular Europa mono, you can trade it in to Becker and for less than $100 they'll send you a fully refurbished Europa II Stereo. Sounds like from the other postings here the price is $350 with no trade in.

Taking a cue from members of this forum, I've dealt with Ed Ebel at Becker who knows the older units quite well.

Ed Cave
Atlanta, GA

1964 356C
1971 280SL
1973 911S
2002 SC430
2004 A4 3.0

[DaveB]

A related question on the speakers: is it worth searching out the original MB 4" stereo speakers as opposed to fitting good quality brand-name 4" speakers into the original covers (any recommendations for speaker make/model?).

DaveB

[Douglas]

The mono Europa is worth more than the stereo version as it is more rare today.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[Ed Cave]

It surprises me that this would be the case. Obviously Becker radios were installed much broader than just SL's or even just Mercedes cars for that matter. I can't imagine that a standard Becker Europa would have any added value due to its "rarity", but then again, it's tough to challenge a man who knows this stuff as well as Douglas.....

Of course the two models are virtually identical visually so when you get down to it and the sound comes out, what do you really want to listen to? Rarity or Stereo?

quote:Originally posted by Douglas

The mono Europa is worth more than the stereo version as it is more rare today.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

Ed Cave
Atlanta, GA

1964 356C
1971 280SL
1973 911S
2002 SC430
2004 A4 3.0

[ja17]

Hello,
I can't say enough good about those guys like Ed Ebel at Becker. They have done a fine job preserving these original units. They are great information resources and have kept original parts and service available for these vintage radios. In addition Ed contributed three new original W113 speakers to our group for door prizes at the last Blacklick Ohio Tech Session. He made three lucky W113 owners in our group very happy.

In addition to complete reconditioned vintage Becker radios they supply  vintage radio parts  and a lot of good vintage radio advice and literature. They have published a nice Becker Vintage radio brochure you may request.

Please tell him your a W113 Group Member if you talk to him.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[KevinC]

Actually, I am more of a "rarity" guy, so based on comments here maybe I will opt to refurbish the original mono "Europa TG" and call it a day. I actually dont have the radio on (I prefer to listen to the car...call me crazy) unless my wife is in the car, anyway.

-Kevin

quote:Originally posted by Douglas

The mono Europa is worth more than the stereo version as it is more rare today.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

Kevin
Boca Raton, FL
1967 230 SL Automatic
670 Light Ivory
113 Bronze/Brown MB Tex

[mdsalemi]

Gents,

Back in the day when foreign cars, particularly Japanese, were beginning to make inroads to the USA, an often-heard comment from my friends was, "Well, why on earth would you get a DATSUN 510?  Where the heck you gonna get PARTS for it???"  To which my answer was, "Uhh...how about a Datsun dealer??"

If its a question on Becker--don't go to MB, pay no attention to eBay, just go directly to the guru of Becker, Ed Ebel.  He will help you out in the friendliest manner possible, and will assist you in any way he can to achieve your goals with Becker products.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by KevinC

I actually dont have the radio on (I prefer to listen to the car...call me crazy) unless my wife is in the car, anyway.

You don't like to listen to your wife?  I didn't think these vintage radios were that powerful!  

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

[Cees Klumper]

Maybe Kevin's wife likes to sing along with the music on the radio and Kevin likes the sound of her voice! (it's almost mother's day, guys).

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[ChrisInNashville]

Dave,   I've recently sought out a solution (and Ed Cave has some good ideas...).

Here's the issue I've found.

First, new speakers have a larger magnet than the original floor speakers and the original hole does not accomodate the larger size without modification.   So, since I'm trying to keep appearances the same, I'm considering alternatives for speakers.    While I've seen good ideas on the forum, I've not found anything I'm excited about yet.

Anyone with new ideas?

quote:Originally posted by DaveB

A related question on the speakers: is it worth searching out the original MB 4" stereo speakers as opposed to fitting good quality brand-name 4" speakers into the original covers (any recommendations for speaker make/model?).

DaveB

[Dick M]

With a little modification to the speaker frame these Pioneer speakers fit nicely into both the housing and through the whole in the kit pannel.   Modification was to gind the frame down to fit the housing.
Dick

Download Attachment: speaker 2.jpg
68.65 KB

Dick M
1970 280SL

[KevinC]

Actually, Cees, the car runs better when she isnt in it...uncanny! Wonder if that's the case with others?

quote:Originally posted by cees klumper

Maybe Kevin's wife likes to sing along with the music on the radio and Kevin likes the sound of her voice! (it's almost mother's day, guys).

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

Kevin
Boca Raton, FL
1967 230 SL Automatic
670 Light Ivory
113 Bronze/Brown MB Tex

[ChrisInNashville]

Dick, thanks for the pic.   I want to clarify that you actually cut the metal hole larger to accomodate the magnet, is this correct?

I was hoping to avoid a permanent modification to do this.   Do others have an opinion on this?

quote:Originally posted by Dick M

With a little modification to the speaker frame these Pioneer speakers fit nicely into both the housing and through the whole in the kit pannel.   Modification was to gind the frame down to fit the housing.
Dick

[Dick M]

Hi..
No that is the original size of the hole.  The magnet part fits through without modification.  Only the Speaker frame was ground down to fit the  covers.

With the Europa II amp the sound is very good...
Dick

Download Attachment: speaker 1.jpg
71.91 KB

Dick M
1970 280SL