Be 4602

[artpb]

Skip - Did you need a wiring harness to install the subject radio in your 85'? Did you keep the console fader operational or are you using the radio's fader?

I have the 4602 in my 300SD and have another one I want to install in my 85', but I can't remember what I went thru 3 years ago to effect the switch. I somehow managed to do the 300SD install so the console fader works.

As I am sure you can attest to, the AM reception is great compared to all the aftermarket solutions out there.

tnx, art

PS - Are you aware that Becker has a harness that allows you to feed XM radio signal directly into the back of your BE 4602?

[Grey Ghost]

I don't know why I didn't see your query until now.

Being mechanically inept, I had an audio shop install the new Becker. They did a LOUSY job as the radio is loose and the ashtray requires too much effort to close. In addition, the console fader is now non-functional (no biggie as I'd rather use the unit itself for that purpose). They also dislodged the large trim piece that covers the vertical portion of the console (directly above the radio).

I am not a devotee of satellite radio. I'm a jazz fanatic and listen via CD. I agree that AM radio reception is superior, and I do like to catch the "Imus in the morning" show while driving to work.

[artpb]

Thanks for the reply skip. Since I posted the harness came from Becker and I had the radio installed in 10 minutes. Fader works as Mercedes Benz intended. Also needed an antenna adapter which they included.

Now the fit is something else. It's supposed to fit over the trim piece above and if that piece is not flush to it's mounting surface then the radio does not go in all the way. Subsequently the ashtray will have trouble clearing the radio.

In any case let's enjoy our Becker replacements and the new life they give to our speakers..

[Grey Ghost]

Art, my BE4602 has started to misbehave. The trouble started a few cuts into a CD, at which point the display would read "CD ERROR" and CD operation would terminate in favor of radio. I contacted Ed Ebel of Becker (at Marshall Booth's suggestion) and he told me to ship the unit back to them.

While I had always know that the unit was horribly loose, imagine my surprise when I was able to withdraw the entire thing WITHOUT ANY TOOLS!

In looking at the space now, I can see the problem: the vertical plastic piece to which the blower controls and certain light and rear window switches are mounted is only secured at the TOP of the piece. The bottom of the vertical piece isn't secured to a gall-darned thing, so there's nothing to which the BE4602 can be attached...

[artpb]

Sounds like the tray the radio slides into is missing. :confused:

[Grey Ghost]

I wonder what the installers did with it? They're certainly not going to remember, 18 mos after the fact

drats

[Grey Ghost]

I'm actually enjoying my car more without the radio

The purr of that five-cylinder powerplant is sweet enough music...

[Alex]

It's not surprising how you feel, Skip. That's what I've been suggesting when driving cars with audible engines.

The sound of the engine, the feel of one's hands on the steering wheel and the seeing by one's eyes in front and around, also feeling the wheels rolling against the pavement is what's happening when the car is going down the road. Attention given to any of these activities pays dividends in keeping one present in the moment, as opposed to playing one's personal tapes in the mind (daydreaming.)

Detracting activities, such as listening to stored sounds or time-shifted communications, cannot benefit the driving experience because it detracts from the now.

In a car whose engine and road noise is inaudible, one can put one's attention to other things like the radio, while driving in automatic pilot. This can be big fun but it's riding as opposed to driving. Riding is a different experience than driving. I do it in the CL500.

It's also possible to listen to the radio and a noisy engine by alternating one's attention between the two. It's done automatically. But it's an ennervating experience that gets us excited, which some people like. The driving becomes noticeably more aggressive because we're excited. Thankfully, this emotion doesn't last long because it consumes energy rather quickly. The louder the engine and the radio the shorter the trip.

Listening to the engine while keeping one's attention between the rubber and the road promotes being in the moment. So we can drive this way for a long time because staying present does not make us tired. That is, if the seats don't bother us. But that's another subject.

[Grey Ghost]

Alex, I may have to change your status from Voice of Reason to Resident Poet

That last response was magnificent...bravo!

p.s. I've never seen so many typos in one of my own posts as I do in the post made Jan 6...thirty lashes with the proverbial wet noodle!

p.p.s. when my partner & I drove down to D.C. on business last week we used her minivan...4 1/2 hours is TOO long without music

[Grey Ghost]

I have now been without a radio for seven months and it's starting to bug me.

This morning I was fifteen minutes late to an appointment because I couldn't check WCBS to learn that the Hutchinson Parkway had become a parking lot and that there was a shut-down-the-road accident on Mamaroneck Avenue (my favorite cut-over to the Hutch from I-95).

The custom installer I found has thrown his hands in the air as he can't find a mounting cage in which to slide the Becker 4602. Without this cage, the radio can't be secured to the inside of the console (it will be hard enough to secure it with a cage)

DOES ANYONE HAVE A SOURCE FOR THESE CAGES?? Becker does NOT sell them, nor do they install radios

[artpb]

You nd to find a local recycler/pick your own and go take one out of a car.

gd luck

art

[Grey Ghost]

you know you're in trouble when you get a reply like this from Tom Hanson of the MBCA Classic center:

"Hi Skip

These "sleeves" were typically a delaer-installed accessory and have nothing to do with anything ever offered by MB. I remember when they were popular. We had stacks of them in the parts room, rigth nest to all of the auxiliary diesel fuel tanks. Say hi to Don,and the rest of the 123 guys for me. I might be back online soon. We'll be ready for pars sales in the near future, and we're ready now for those with a tax exempt / resale permit. I have some rare 123 parts in stock as well. I hope to talk with you soon.

Warm regards,

tom


Tom Hanson
Supervisor, Parts Operations

Mercedes Benz USA, LLC
Mercedes Benz Classic Center USA
9 Whatney
Irvine CA 92618
949 598-4842 direct"

[Grey Ghost]

Art: I'll be driving through Philly this weekend...I'll stop at the Potomac German Auto Recyclers to see what I can find

[Grey Ghost]

called Becker to see if they stock this sleeve. Their parts guy told me that the BE4602 is designed to fit snugly in the console, with clips that hold it in place securely. Becker doesn't sell a sleeve for the unit, nor does he have any idea where to obtain one. The clips have nothing but vinyl to clip into...

as I said before, it's NOT a snug enough fit and if I'm able to withdraw the radio without tools it's fair game for any thief

since my car is in Manhattan a goodly amount, this kind of 'security' is simply unacceptable

I have a guy at Potomac German looking for a sleeve in their 'inventory'

[Birchwood]

Alex, you simply MUST tell the rest of us what you are putting on your breakfast food! I've been wrestling with these maddening autos for over forty years and I have never gotten "into the moment" listening to the engine and the tires on the road! LOL.
Now the rhytmic rumbling of two nice radial engines in total synch as you ghost through a wide open sky, appearing to stand still in time and place....now THAT I can buy into.
And.....mmmm sniff sniff...."there is nothing like the smell of diesel fuel in the morning."

[Grey Ghost]

I'm back to complain about my Becker 4602 and suggest that 123 owners looking to upgrade from Becker Europas or Grand Prix consider other solutions.

I find that my Becker's CD player starts to misbehave after just a couple of CDs have been played. I believe it has to do with the buildup of heat in the console.

Combine this frustration with the fact that the radio simply can't be installed securely.

I've already returned the unit to Becker once...does anyone have any other ideas?

It may be time to pry open my wallet and buy a satellite radio receiver and plan to mount a CD changer elsewhere in the car (glove box?)

[artpb]

Back in 04 I installed subject radio in one of mt 123's and in my 126. They do run a bit warm but no problems due to heat. Also no mech/mounting problems. My friend has same setup and no issues there either

I also purchased an adapter from Becker and have my XM radio hooked up through the rear. Met the Becker guys at one of the Clubs national shows. Give them a chance. They are helpful and will work with you.

art

[Grey Ghost]

I also purchased an adapter from Becker and have my XM radio hooked up through the rear. Met the Becker guys at one of the Clubs national shows. Give them a chance. They are helpful and will work with you.

artArt, thanks for your post but the Becker guys have NOT been helpful to me (other than exchanging the unit when it developed "CD Error"-itis.

They told me they don't offer an adapter or sleeve for the unit and directed me to an installer in southern New Jersey.

[Alex]

Skip,

I'm under the impression that these days, stealing radios is passe because it's the bumpers and headlights of newer cars that are more in demand. Also, modern thieves now steal using their computers so as to keep their hands clean. So I wouldn't worry as much about having a radio stolen out of the car.

[Grey Ghost]

Skip,

I'm under the impression that these days, stealing radios is passe because it's the bumpers and headlights of newer cars that are more in demand. Also, modern thieves now steal using their computers so as to keep their hands clean. So I wouldn't worry as much about having a radio stolen out of the car.my experience has borne this out as I only lock my doors when I park in Manhattan or at an airport and haven't had the radio pinched yet.

I'm more concerned with its faulty operation.