Becker Grad Prix AM FM Radio

[rbouch8828]

The post office lost my Becker Grand Prix, which was completely restored and was just going in to get an HDD AM update.

So, I need to start over!

I am looking for the Becker Grand Prix that was sold with the 1970 US model 280SL that had only AM and FM. (See photo)

Willing to consider any condition.

[Garry]

That is a real bummer.  There have been a few around for sale on the Facebook W113 site lately.

[rbouch8828]

Thanks for the tip. I’ll check it out!

Best,

Roland

[scoot]

That is a real bummer.  There have been a few around for sale on the Facebook W113 site lately.

Which W113 facebook site?  There seem to be a few...

[lreppond]

I’m pretty sure that the GP AM-FM stereo with separate amplifier was never an option for a w113.  I think it came along in 1972. I believe the original stereo that was an option was a Europa also with a separate amp. 

The GP was available as a monaural model but not in AM-FM but rather LMKU.  These would have been an option in 1970 for US models. 

I have two GP stereos with their amps and would be willing to let one go.  I’m not certain about the Wunderbar function working though. 

[66andBlue]

According to this web site the 5-button 2-piece Grand Prix stereo was available from 1969 - 1977.
http://www.blackforestllc.com/becker/index.html

Roland, there is one on eBay right now, although not exactly cheap:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Late-W111-W109-Early-R107-BECKER-Europa-GRAND-Prix-STEREO-1-Radio-Amp/303597547439

[rbouch8828]

Thanks, that makes me feel better, because I was pretty certain that the radio was original to my car.

[Merc_Girl]

Try Mike at Chrome London, very knowledgeable and helpful. Also apparently has a lot of customers in the US

https://www.chromelondon.com/

[m300cab]

I have one, please email me directly.  I will send a video of it playing.
I also sent you a message but I have not heard back.
m300cab@gmail.com
Thanks
Mike

[Iconic]

Even though BlackForest has on their website that the Grand Prix Stereo was from 69 to 77, I agree with Ireppond and don't believe the stereo was ever in the 1970 W113 Pagoda.
For option code 519, I am confident that the Grand Prix for a 1970 W113 was mono.
Roland, too bad your radio is gone, because if you still had it, we could check the year with the attachment I provided showing the production years for the Letter prefix in the serial number for the radios.

Having said that, I do have a Grand Prix Stereo and a Europa Stereo that I would sell. They are cosmetically beautiful and functions completely including the Wonderbar on the Grand Prix model. I can demonstrate in a Zoom meeting, Facetime, or a video.
Good luck to you,
Mark

[rbouch8828]

Hi Mark,

Actually, I am looking for one I can replace the guts on. I will be putting in new guts to give me Blu Tooth and Hands-Free as well as 4 speaker output and subwoofer output.

So getting a fully restored one would be kind of a waste.

Thank you for getting back to me.

By the way, I went back thru some old eamils and found one from Becker regarding my orignial radio when they were resoring it and they told me then that it was not stereo.

Best,
Roland

[Iconic]

Roland,
OK, so your original radio was a mono Grand Prix and that is what you are looking for to modify.
(Your first picture shows a stereo model, that's what my comments were about.)

If you are going to gut it anyway, maybe you can use any period-correct Becker and then find the correct face plate, chrome trim, and knobs.
The Becker guys in New Jersey might have the face plate, trim, and knobs.
A non-working radio on ebay should be fairly inexpensive.
Take care,
Mark

[rbouch8828]

Hi Mark,

Yes, that is what this search has turned into.

Thanks for getting in touch.

Best,
Roland

[66andBlue]

Even though BlackForest has on their website that the Grand Prix Stereo was from 69 to 77, I agree with Ireppond and don't believe the stereo was ever in the 1970 W113 Pagoda.
For option code 519, I am confident that the Grand Prix for a 1970 W113 was mono. ...

Hi Mark,
the option code 51/6 was a GrandPrix mono for sure, but 51/9, the export version of the GrandPrix, I am not sure (see: http://www.bekkoame.ne.jp/~mtor/mbcodedsc.html).
The BlackForest website doesn't disagree with you, it only states that the GP stereo was available from 1969 -77. And someone else can check whether that is correct.
However, if Roland likes to have a stereo with the latest options then I can only say, go for it.
My 280SL is a 1968 and I installed a GrandPrix stereo with the automatic station seek bar and a USB and mp3/iPod/iPhone connection in the ashtray. Not original at all! 

[rbouch8828]

I replied earlier, that I looked at an email I had received from Becker Autosound when they had worked on my original Grand Prix and they had told me in their email that it was mono and not stereo.

So, that confirms that it originally was not stereo.

[Iconic]

Hey Roland,
Sorry to bother you, and I've clearly hijacked your thread, but this continues to get your message out that you are in need of Becker.
Can you tell us if you have 516 or 519 as option codes? I'm asking for my own curiosity. Thanks.

Alfred,
Nice to hear from you. You have a very nice mod done. I like the ashtray idea. It is a much better use of the space ! 
You are correct about the BlackForest site. It doesn't state the stereo was in the Pagoda, it just states the radio was available from Becker for Mercedes.
 
For the sake of discussion, I have NEVER seen a 2 band (only AM/FM) mono Grand Prix. All of the mono Grand Prix I have seen are 4 band (LMKU).
So, out of the Tech Manual, what exactly is a "519   Radio Becker Grand Prix, USA"?
I have seen faceplates with slightly different LMKU designations. Specifically, some with LMKU on the left and some on the right. For the other side (LW BC SW FM) I have seen an AM instead of BC, I have seen L instead of LW. Also, as I'm sure you know, some FMs go to 108 and some only go to 104. I believe the 104 is for the USA.
At this point, it is so easy to change face plates and button letters, it is difficult to track down "original".
Your link is very interesting. It doesn't state stereo or mono .... but, since it doesn't state stereo .... I will continue to believe 519 is mono.
Your link shows: 519           from 01.01.1963  to 29.02.1972     BECKER RADIO GRAND PRIX LM/MW/SW/USW - USA
Should we put "BECKER RADIO GRAND PRIX LM/MW/SW/USW - USA" in the Tech Manual instead of "Radio Becker Grand Prix, USA"?
I won't be able to stop thinking about this for a few hours now .... you got me going. These radios are so cool. Pressing the "wonderbar" and seeing that pointer go to the next station on a 50 year old car really surprises people. These days (COVID) no one is seeing my "wonderbar"....   
Take care Alfred !
Mark

[rbouch8828]

Here is my datacard:

[doitwright]

Hi Mark,

Actually, I am looking for one I can replace the guts on. I will be putting in new guts to give me Blu Tooth and Hands-Free as well as 4 speaker output and subwoofer output.

So getting a fully restored one would be kind of a waste.

Roland,

We’re you planning to go with the Aurora internal mod? I have been looking into this also. It seems the modification will run around $600 from those I contacted through the Aurora website. Wonderbar functionality alone is around $100. The people who do the mod show all sorts of old radios being upgraded but I have not seen a Becker. Have you selected someone to do the mod once you find a GRand Prix?

[rbouch8828]

I am doing the Aurora mod and having it done by Gary Tayman at Tayman Electronics in Florida. He did my original Grand Prix and it worked out very nicely for me.

It runs at $495 for the set and then $220 for the combination of the Bluetooth and USB, plus $120 for HD (AM US) and $15 for the Line Outs.

When I originally had him do it, I only had the set done with Bluetooth and USB, plus the line outs.

best,
Roland

[Iconic]

Roland,
I see you don't have 516 or 519, but you do have 533. Thanks, for that.
I just checked out the Aurora components and that looks like a great way to go for some.
Thanks,
Mark

[rbouch8828]

Roland,
I see you don't have 516 or 519, but you do have 533. Thanks, for that.
I just checked out the Aurora components and that looks like a great way to go for some.
Thanks,
Mark

It's not "do have", but "did have".

I've attached a pic of the interior of the car as it was when I received it. Sorry for the poor resolution.

[rbouch8828]

533means that it had ignition suppression but no radio. Where are you seeing that on my card?

[Iconic]

The second row of numbers shows you have options:
440  461  491  503  524  533  598  601  641  669
Is that clear now? Or, do you need further explanation?
256 further down that row is your Limited Slip !!! Cool option  and that 601 I mentioned is the correct oil for that Limited Slip Diff.
It sounds like you learned something new today.
Enjoy,
Mark

[rbouch8828]

I had the code list but wasn’t understanding the references.

Thanks!

[66andBlue]

Hey Roland,
Sorry to bother you, and I've clearly hijacked your thread, but this continues to get your message out that you are in need of Becker.
Can you tell us if you have 516 or 519 as option codes? I'm asking for my own curiosity. Thanks. ....
....
Alfred,
Nice to hear from you.

Mark,
it is best if we not continue hijacking this thread. I have started a new one just for option code 519.
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=31660.