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Old Jan 10, 2005 | 04:57 PM
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CyberGreg
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 257
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From: San Marcos, CA
Default MP3 on OEM head unit

Update: Some of you may have read some other posts where I commented about trying to get the Aux-in port to work on the Chrysler head unit. I was not successful, so....

I purchased a Becker Monza head unit. For those that do not know, this is the company that makes the head unit for our Crossfire's and Mercedes-Benz and Porsche and many other European cars. They (Becker) do not make any silver radio's all the Becker radio's are black with various colored displays. I found a 7882 (white display) on eBay in Germany. I had it shipped from Germany and installed it today. Here's the results:

1. Plugs right in but you do need two antenna adapters: Metra 40-EU10 and a Metra 40-VW20. This converts our antenna to motorola and then back to the VW/European plug.
2. To add aux-in you need a Blaupunkt Aux-in adapter from Crutchfield or any other Audio vendor. Trust me, it plugs right into the CD changer connector and works great.
3.... there is no 3!!!!

It works GREAT, in fact BETTER than the original Chrysler head unit. But there it was in my nice silver dash all shiny and black. So... phase two

I had already completely disassembled the Chrysler radio, face plate and all so it was not much trouble to swap out the black face plate for the silver face plate and buttons. The end result is a completely stock looking head unit that plays MP3's and has an Aux-in port for my iPod. To swap the face plate is no small task as it involves completely disassembling the circuit board, clips, metal tangs and breaking off two small plastic rivets.

The only difference in the Becker, besides the white display is the CD eject button is the power function and the MAN button is the CD eject function. It doesn't bother me and I guess it will keep people from messing with it.

It even operates exactly the same as the OEM radio and I can turn it back on without the key.

Edit: I might even put a silver skin on my iPod...

 
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Last edited by CyberGreg; Jan 10, 2005 at 05:00 PM.
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