LOST OUTPUT ON "CLASSIC" RADIO/CASSETTE PLAYER

[r44raven]

The MB "Classic" radio/cassette player in my 500E has suddenly lost all sound output. Was driving the car yesterday, and very gradually the sound output slowly became quieter and quieter until it completely disappeared. Adjustment to the volume control made no difference. This is in both radio and cassette mode. The unit remains on, and all other functions (i.e. changing channels, changing cassettes) still work.

Any thoughts? I don't know if there is any connection, but more recently the volume control knob would occasionally be "less responsive", i.e. it needed more turns to achieve a higher volume level.

Thanks in advance!

 

[gerryvz]

If the radio is (or is a variant of) the later BE1492 unit with a volume knob (found in US W124s model years 1994 and 1995), rathar than the BE1432 generation with the volume "bar," (as found in the US-model W124s through model year 1993) then it is likely your volume knob's rotary encoder (sort of like a potentiometer) has failed.

This is a very common failure of this component, and can be fixed by a competent, Becker-knowledgable radio repair shop. Becker North America, in the US state of New Jersey, can also fix this issue, permanently, by replacing the rotary encoder with a totally different component that does not fail. I had them do this a couple of years ago with my BE1492, and they added Bluetooth capability to the unit at the same time. It's worth sending your unit to Becker NA for a refirb (they will take care of the cassette unit and anything else that needs maintenance/replacement/refurbishing at the same time).

BE1492 (many variants are similar) -- all have a volume "knob"



BE1432 -- all variants have a volume "bar"

 

[r44raven]

Mine's a Becker BE1150, but I assume the same prognosis applies? Good to know its probably repairable.
Shipping to the States to Becker NA is a bit impractical for me. I don't think Becker have a presence here in the UK, but it would appear there are independent repair shops here that specialise in Becker. Hopefully they'll be able to help.
Thanks for the advice!

 

[gerryvz]

Yes, you have a BE1492-variant head unit. It's certainly repairable, and this issue with the rotary encoder is very very well known and has been an issue for decades.

I once had Becker NA (I'd say about 15 years ago) replace the knob/rotary encoder, and they replaced it with the same as the original encoder assembly, which promptly failed again within a couple of years! It was quite maddening.

But in recent years Becker NA got the message, and is now making this repair with a completely different and fully reliable rotary encoder unit that no longer fails. I am not sure that other repair depots would do this, but I would speak with any repair shop and ask very specific questions about whether they know about this problem, and what they typically do about it, and what component(s) they use to repair it.

It's not really too big of a deal to send your unit to Becker, if you were to choose to do so. They have a downloadable form on their web site where you can detail what you want done, and they bill by credit card. To me, it would be the safest and surest way to go - not only because they are directly affiliated with the manufacturer, but they have a dedicated repair department, they have long experience with these units, and are doing repairs the correct way now with excellent components (and you can make other "upgrades" like Bluetooth at the same time). They are very fast, also.

You can e-mail or call them directly - they are very responsive.

+01-201-773-0976
info@beckerautosound.com

Becker Auto Sound LLC Repair Form | Saddle Brook, NJ

Fill out our repair form and attach to the item being returned for repair or analysis. Visit 101 US RT 46 West today.

www.beckerautosound.com

 

[r44raven]

Thanks for that Gerry! I'll certainly follow up your suggestion.