Dealer fitted radios.

[Paul99]

I notice most of the cars which had radios fitted were Becker, my car had its radio fitted at the UK dealer I believe on delivery new, but it is a blue spot push button radio.  Works well.   Just wondered if this was the norm? Were the beckers only fitted by the factory?

[scoot]

Yes.  MB Factory sent Becker radios, dealer installed radios were Blaupunkt (at least in the United States).  This is normal.   I've switched the radio in my car from Blaupunkt to Becker because I like it better.

[Raymond]

Cars shipped to the US in those days did not come with radios, air conditioners, or anything that could be considered an accessory.  All were dealer installed because of Tariff advantages.  The lower the value of the car, the lower the import tariff.  Parts didn't have the tariff.  I have the Blaupunkt and it still works just fine.  However, I have no doubt that the Becker product is just all around a better unit.

[JamesL]

I was told years back that UK cars had radios fitted at the dealer, apparently something to do with taxation....

UK dealers didn't fit Beckers but (IIRC) Motorola or a British make (long since gone...)

[scoot]

Cars shipped to the US in those days did not come with radios, air conditioners, or anything that could be considered an accessory.  All were dealer installed because of Tariff advantages.  The lower the value of the car, the lower the import tariff.  Parts didn't have the tariff.  I have the Blaupunkt and it still works just fine.  However, I have no doubt that the Becker product is just all around a better unit.

I don't think that this is universally correct.  I think many cars were delivered to the States with Becker radios.  But I could be wrong.

[49er]

My 250 had a dealer installed Blaupunkt "Frankfurt" AM/FM/SW (I ordered the car with a radio). Transferred that radio into my current 280SL(ordered without radio but came with the suppression kit).

John

[hkollan]

I don't think that this is universally correct.  I think many cars were delivered to the States with Becker radios.  But I could be wrong.

Scott is right, the Becker units could be ordered for US delivery pagodas.
As has been stated in several earlier discussions. Factory installed units were never Blaupunkt radios though.

Hans