A Modern Radio for my 280 - Looking for Suggestions

[Rothko]

Hi.  I'm looking to upgrade the radio on my 280 SL.  Right now, I have an old Panasonic am/fm radio with a CD player, that was in the car when I bought it.  it's not very good - the radio reception is OK but the CD player is spotty.  The original radio is long gone.

I'm not looking to put an original back in; I'd like to upgrade to a new radio, preferably with satellite and/or Bluetooth, but that won't look too modern and futuristic compared to the rest of the car.  Something that might blend in.

So before I go to my local car audio shop, I thought I'd see if anyone has any specific recommendations.

Thanks.

[Mike Hughes]

Vintage looking modern radio, that's not a Becker or Blaupunkt?

How about here:  https://www.retromanufacturing.com/

[lagolag]

I have installed an retro unit, works well together with the dash speaker and it has what I need for my Pagoda.
The Phone Handsfree function is a disaster and the back light is blue, but the rest is good.
I've installed it from behind, did some Dremeling on the lower side of the unit to be able to fit it in the std dash opening, I've installed it from behind I'm using the std knobs to keep the original look and added a frame from an other car to keep it as original looking as possible.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SX-5513-Player-Digital-control-Support/dp/B08CXV32SF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CNBZSH078XFU&keywords=sx-5513&qid=1641938735&sprefix=sx-5513%2Caps%2C360&sr=8-1

[GM]

Or just buy a Becker for authenticity and add the Bluetooth dongle to it to play music from your phone...

[Leester]

Agree with GM. Unfortunately nothing else looks like the original Becker. I am aware that the sound quality is lacking, in my experience at least. I wonder if its possible to install a newer radio in another location - maybe a custom built center console that the radio would fit in. Most items that are not correct for our cars kinda scream. But then . . . it IS your car. 

[Rothko]

Vintage looking modern radio, that's not a Becker or Blaupunkt?

How about here:  https://www.retromanufacturing.com/

Thank you for that link.  I'm actually thinking of going this way.  They have a retro radio with Sirius compatibility.  Looks like a good fit.

I understand about buying an old Becker and just trying to fit a BlueTooth capability or something like that, but I'm not too interested in going that way.

[su8pack1]

Try a portable bluetooth speaker. That's what I use and it sounds great.

[specracer]

Filed under different strokes for different folks. Getting an OEM Becker was my TOP priority, when we got our SL. The look is so important to me. Just after that, I had to get the correct motorized antenna too. Im an "original as possible" guy.

But back on topic to your application, the "retro" radios do look decent. However if you can't find what you want, another option could be a faceless marine radio (not a traditional single DIN, and is a "brick" with out a normal face). This would install 100% hidden, and works off a wired remote face plate.  Unlikely what you want, but is another option.

[Cees Klumper]

X2 on the portable bluetooth speaker. That's what my son uses in his Datsun 240Z and I do the same in my Pagoda and Lancia Fulvia. No modern stuff, wires or speakers to install, great sound and clean dash.

[johnk]

Or just buy a Becker for authenticity and add the Bluetooth dongle to it to play music from your phone...

Where do you get the Bluetooth add-on?

[GM]

https://www.ebay.com/sch/creativecaraudioshop/m.html
https://creativecaraudioshop.com/shop

[Rothko]

I went ahead and ordered a Retro radio with the Sirius XM add on.  Will see how it goes.  Thanks for the assistance.

[doitwright]

Then there is the option that provides the best of both options. Gut out and original Becker and retrofit an Aurora conversion. $$$.

https://youtu.be/Kw5hNDkLEY4

[Chris Long]

I opted for a Kenwood MAC-M1824BT hidden under passenger seat; Basically a Bluetooth amp and leave the existing MB radio in place.

[lowpad]

What about the "modern" Becker Mexico?  Looks like a great compromise, though I don't know if they are still available.  Porsche offered something similar for the 911.

https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/becker-mexico-hi-tech-retro

[Rahul]

Last I checked those retro Becker Mexicos were several thousand dollars! I ended up doing as others suggested and got a Bluetooth kit which is easily hidden and works well with the original radio.

[Rothko]

Having the radio installed today.  When it is done, I will post a photo.

[JamesL]

What about the "modern" Becker Mexico?  Looks like a great compromise, though I don't know if they are still available.  Porsche offered something similar for the 911.

https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/becker-mexico-hi-tech-retro

Had one and sold it. Actually prefer the Retrosound unit (which has Bluetooth streaming) and my phone on a mount for navigation

[Rothko]

Wow.  Somehow this thread got moved to Research and Development; not sure why.

In any event, I picked up my car today and the radio looks pretty good, I think.  I have no idea how to use it yet; that will probably be this weekend's fun activity.

Here are some photos (I posted the same in the General Discussion forum):

[Garry]

It was moved to what was considered the more appropriate heading which was Research and Development and your post in General area has been removed so that there are not two posts on same topic.

See headings.
“Discuss Research and Development, including modifications that are not original or correct for the w113 series cars.”
113 series cars.

[Mike Hughes]

As non-original radios go that looks pretty good!  Have fun playing with it this weekend.

[Jack the Knife]

I purchased one of the Aurora converted Europas for my 230. I'll report on how well it works whenever I get it installed.