Re-viving our head units and giving them modern functionality

[stfallet]

I have been looking into the In Car Entertainment for our W124s to understand how to adapt them to contemporary use while keeping originality.

• We don’t use tape anymore
• We don’t use CDs anymore
• We stream from our phones
• We use DAB, HD-Radio or Sirus instead of AM or FM
• We use GPS instead of maps
• We need full handsfree phone integration

Further the challenge is that in particular the resistors and capacitors in our head units are aging, which is providing an additional challenge

What solutions do we have:

• Interface kits for our headunits – does not eliminate the aging of the units, are as well not on the newest technological level and the user experience is not satisfactory
• Modern Headunits – Don’t fit visually
• Retro design Headunits – not original and in parts of low quality

Searching the internet I found an SLK fan who converted his APS 30 into a complete modern unit, only using the display and keypad. He is building a very complex but fascinating solution from basic components. Studying his build and looking at the various heaunits, It is quite apparent that the logic between the various Becker units is very similar and I did manage to get an Arduino to drive a front panel of a Becker Mexico.

The solution I anticipateis to use a single Din Android headunit, use the front panel of the original Becker / Mercedes head units and run an interface between the two with an android app that drives the panel.

The advantage is that you have your original radio look, you have the full functionality of an android unit and the key and display functions as it should.

What are your thoughts? Any alternative ideas?

 

[Surf Blau]

Personally I have just regretted getting rid of my CD-collection a few years back, and take every opportunity to hunt for interesting albums in thrift stores and flea markets..

That being said, I find your project very interesting, as integrating new-tech into old-tech is something I really like - I'd rather have no functionality at all than a cluttered interior, so a solution like you describe it would be cool!

 

[JC220]

Another option are retro look but modern head units. I got this one for my 2.5-16V 190E



Full DAB radio, USB playback and bluetooth audio streaming / calls

 

[stfallet]

Another option are retro look but modern head units. I got this one for my 2.5-16V 190E

View attachment 236752

Full DAB radio, USB playback and bluetooth audio streaming / calls

I love the approach from Blaupunkt. But I wish they would have the quality feel of the originals. I have one as well in my convertible.

 

[stfallet]

Here are some retrofit options I found:

Retro Car Radio - Blaupunkt

DIN Radios


I did see this on a fair. It is just an app on a cheap android unit:

 

[JC220]

I love the approach from Blaupunkt. But I wish they would have the quality feel of the originals. I have one as well in my convertible.

The quality of the new Blaupunkt feels and looks AOK to me. Certainly the new Blaupunkt feels much higher quality than the (non original) late 90s Blaupunkt head unit it replaced.

They also do higher end Bremen units

 

[duuder]

i just went w/ a semi period Nakamichi unit, it didnt have bluetooth but i have a recieve thingy and it works well for me. i sat on that Nak unit for a few years before finding the right installer

 

[gsxr]

i just went w/ a semi period Nakamichi unit, it didnt have bluetooth but i have a recieve thingy and it works well for me. i sat on that Nak unit for a few years before finding the right installer

I really like the old Nakamichi CD-700, but it has no blue teeth or other silly wireless tech.

@duuder - what Nak do you have?

 

[duuder]

I really like the old Nakamichi CD-700, but it has no blue teeth or other silly wireless tech.

@duuder - what Nak do you have?

Its a CD500 that I got from a member here quite a few years ago, I used this for the Bluetooth connection as the installer added a headphone jack/charger in the compartment

From this thread:

SOLD Thread 'SOLD: Nakamichi CD-500'

Aug 8, 2016

Hi here. First of all i am new here and hello everyone

So i have high-end media reciever for sale - Nakamichi CD-500. Unit is used, i have bought this unit in 2011 year and used it about 3 months, after that i sold my car and bought the car which has 2 din (Command) so haven't chance to use this awesome head unit again. So now i am selling it. Unit is in perfect condition. It looks and plays superb.

P.S. Unit is still in its original box, with all needed hardwares and parts.

Specifications:
[h=3]Un-Compromised Sound Quality with MP3...

• Merso_AMG
• Replies: 12
• Forum: Parts for Sale

• 

 

[rucraig]

I use an Alpine "mechless" head unit that has a USB input allowing for high resolution (24/96) audio streaming from a phone using Tidal and Spotify.

Four channels of 50W amplification built in allows me to bypass the original ridiculously complicated set up, plus it has a subwoofer output, built in DSP and scope to add a separated DSP unit, and hands free calling.

The icing on the cake is that I can customise the colour of the display to match the original amber colour.

 

[bgalakazam]

I went with the Continental. Like the squared off looks for the older R129 HVAC controls. Light is amber when on.




Much better than my old 400E setup years ago

 

[Surf Blau]

Here are some retrofit options I found:

Retro Car Radio - Blaupunkt

DIN Radios


I did see this on a fair. It is just an app on a cheap android unit:

View attachment 236754

I have an older version from RetroSound in my W111, which looks OK and works perfect with bluetooth - but it's not as much of a copy of the older units as newer models they have are. Crucial for this car is that it has a slimmer radio slot than DIN though, which I'm not sure the newly launched Blaupunkt is..

Not the best dash picture, but that's all I found right now:



A lot of Mercedes' in Europe came with a more basic Becker than what the 036 has as standard, and they (fairly) recently launched a model similar to this. If I were to get a new-tech old-look radio for my W201, this would be high up there on my list:

RetroSound "Grand Prix" radio

 

[TerryA]

I really like the old Nakamichi CD-700, but it has no blue teeth or other silly wireless tech.

@duuder - what Nak do you have?

I guess I have an antique Nakamachi then. It’s a CD45z that was already installed when I bought my 500E in October 2004. It sounds great to me and I have no problems with it but at 83+ years I don't have the hearing of a younger person.

The CD player doesn’t work because the belt slips but since I don’t play CDs it’s not a problem for me. No Bluetooth but it does have a remote controller that I never use buried in the center glove box.

 

[gerryvz]

I’m happy with the Becker USA modified BE-1492 that came stock in my E500. They finally fixed the rotary volume knob encoder issue with a replacement part that is much better than the original. The Bloot works great, but the system is pretty tinny and no bass with the stock speaker/headunit setup, even with Rainbow speakers in the dash and rear.

I also added an iPod cable back in 2004 that plugs directly into the CD changer plug on the rear of the head unit. Has always worked well.

I realized long ago that it’s better to keep/maintain the factory system for long-term value than to replace it and cut up/modify the interior and wiring.

Adding Bloot to my E63 AMG’s system has been a game changer, but that stock factory system is light years ahead of any stock 124 system. Though I use satellite radio (SiriusXM) more. Really love the SXM in all our vehicles and boat.