Head Unit compatibility?

[stox]

Are MB/Becker head units compatible with MB/Alpine CD Changers? Are MB/Alpine head units compatible with MB/Becker CD changers?

[KenzBenz]

the MB headunit is compatible with alpine changes that are m-bus only i believe. The newer alpine changes uses Ai-net so you'll need a newer alpine deck. someone else should be able to get you more details.

[audiophile]

what years of hu's are you talkn' about?

[audiophile]

did you try the search button?:bunny:

[stox]

Yup, tried the search button. Here's the real deal:

I currently have a 1996 MB/Alpine HU which is broken. I also have a MB/Alpine CD changer. First of all, I use the MB/Alpine name because it is my understanding that the MB units are different from the stock Alpine units. Thus, if I wished to use a stock Alpine CD changer, I would need an adapter. From what I can tell, there is no adapter to use a stock Alpine HU with an MB/Alpine CD changer.

I am curious to find out if a Becker unit from the same or compatible year can be used for a replacement HU, or it I need to stick to the MB/Alpine HU.

[KenzBenz]

so basically you want to use your alpine cd changer with a stock MB headunit correct? im confused with the MB/Alpine term your using. if you want to use an alpine changer with a stock MB HU, there is an adapter you use. I have one that is made by Blitz.

[stox]

Sorry for the confusion, but this topic has been confusing me for a while now. From what I have been able to glean from the net:

1) In 1996, MB used two different HU's as stock. One built by Becker and one built by Alpine. They both appear indentical from the outside. The model numbers for the Becker's start with BE-, the model numbers for Alpine start with CM-.

2) The reason I use MB/Alpine is because the stock units built by Alpine for MB are not plug compatible with the units Alpine built under their own name, as far as I know.

3) Their seems to be no such distinction with the Becker units. A Becker is a Becker. Could it be that the Alpine units were made to be compatible with the Becker's as a requirement from MB? This is what I suspect, but have not yet been able to confirm.

Bottom line, can I use a MB branded Becker HU as a replacement for a MB/Alpine HU? If so, specifically, what Becker model will be the replacement for a CM-2396?

[pnsji]

Originally posted by stox
Bottom line, can I use a MB branded Becker HU as a replacement for a MB/Alpine HU? If so, specifically, what Becker model will be the replacement for a CM-2396?

MB head unit is made by Becker.
Depending on which model, some of becker HU is using fiber optic connection to cd changer.

So please don't use the term MB/Alpine HU. Do you have OEM MB HU?What year is your car?

[stox]

I have a 1996 C36. It has an OEM MB HU. As far as I have been able to tell, the HU was built by Alpine. It is a model # CM-2396.

[pnsji]

Originally posted by stox
I have a 1996 C36. It has an OEM MB HU. As far as I have been able to tell, the HU was built by Alpine. It is a model # CM-2396.
You need to find a MB HU that does not have fiber optic connection to CD changer.