CDR 220 install?

Wavey · 10-15-2009, 09:20 AM

The Alpine that came with my '88 Carrera shot craps, and I really hate the looks of all the current aftermarket offerings. Yes, I've looked at EVERYTHING - spent probably 4 hours this week looking online. Of course a Denon would be acceptable but hard to find and way too much $$$. All I want is AM/FM and a CD player.

I like the Becker/Porsche CDR 220 - sounds like a quality unit and it would look right in the car. Apparently I'd need the security code, a different non-polarized faceplate, and a harness.

Has anyone actually done this and can you offer any info or resources? Thanks!

SpeedracerIndy · 10-15-2009, 09:34 AM

I've done it, and it looks and works great. It looks period correct, and works wonderfully. It's a bit expensive because you have to get the replacement face plate, but well worth it. I bought one from a company in NJ who sold the whole package. They guy was VERY helpful and informative. My impression of him was that he was like the soup Nazi of radio stores (Seinfeld reference). Very terse, but helpful. He knew EVERYTHING there was to know about any German car radio I could think to ask him. I got some advice from him about and old Audi radio I had at the time as well. He sold me the radio with the correct harness so all I had to do was plug it in and go. I can't remember the name of the company, but give me a little bit and I'll search my archives to try to find it.

dw1 · 04:43 PM

I've done it in my '87 and it's worked out well.

I bought a rebuilt CDR220 and a wiring adapter (to avoid cutting into the stock wiring) and it went in quite easily.

I have since also purchased an iPod adapter that connects to the aux input.

A few cautions:
Yes, you will need the reversed faceplate. The display is not very readable without it, as the viewing angle is different for the cars in which this unit was originally installed.

Unless one does some additional wiring, the configuration is iPod or external CD changer, not both.

The iPod adapter I purchased for this unit does not provide power to the iPod, nor does it interface the iPod with the head unit's display.

If memory serves, I got the faceplate revered by sending it to Becker USA (www.beckersound.com; Saddle Brook, NJ), the wiring adapter from SW Stereo (www.swstereo.com), the iPod adapter from Discount Car Stereo (www.discountcarstereo.com).

Wavey · 10-15-2009, 09:41 AM

I'd really appreciate that Speedracer! Thanks. I also read that Becker can be helpful and provide the correct faceplate.

Thank you too, dw - let me know.

SpeedracerIndy · 09:52 AM

Found it! Here's the place I recommend: SW STEREO SPECIALISTS - European Car Audio Products

And here's the thread I started about the same subject where I got the reference: Becker radio?

I agree with all of dw1's points, but I don't use iPods or such devices so the CDR220 works great for me!

Wavey · 10-15-2009, 10:04 AM

Thanks guys! Sounds like SW is the place to go. Did anyone have any difficulty getting a security code for the radio?

dw1 · 12:33 PM

The code was no problem for me.

I got the radio as a factory refurbished unit, with the booklet, code card, and removal keys.

The removal "keys" are worth mentioning, as this unit fits into a standard DIN mount, but doesn't use the old standard U-shaped DIN removal tools. Instead it uses the newer 2 flat tools that are inserted into slots on each side of the unit's front. They probably can be purchased from Pelican, if the need arises.

Becker USA can be contacted to provide codes, as a last resort, but I bet they'll make you send some written document saying that you didn't steal it.... code

nineball · 10-15-2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dw1

The removal "keys" are worth mentioning, as this unit fits into a standard DIN mount, but doesn't use the standard U-shaped DIN removal tools. Instead it uses 2 flat tools that are inserted into slots on each side of the unit's front. They probably can be purchased from Pelican, if the need arises.

Most aftermarket head units have switched to the flat-style removal keys now. All the key really does is press out on the sides of the cage where it presses into the sides of the hu. If you are in a pinch a thick unused ziptie can achieve the same results.

SpeedracerIndy · 10-15-2009, 12:42 PM

SW Stereo sent the removal keys and the code with mine. They send a photo copied manual for the radio with the code written in it. Not quite as nice as the original manual, but it is sufficient.

Barrpete · 10-15-2009, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wavey

Thanks guys! Sounds like SW is the place to go. Did anyone have any difficulty getting a security code for the radio?

I got the code from Becker USA. They have a form you can get off their website and fax to them. I think they charged $20 or so. I also downloaded the manual from their site - it was free.

Wavey · 10-15-2009, 01:58 PM

Great information, thanks everyone!

Wavey · 10-22-2009, 05:13 AM

One more question - Can anyone compare the CDR210 to the CDR220? Finding used 210s in the $100 range VS used 220s in the $200 range. All I want is decent FM, a single CD player, and a unit that looks OEM in the P-car. Thanks!

JeffO · 10-22-2009, 07:33 AM

For the faceplate deal with becker. It was $ 75.00 and the old faceplate as a core. SW wanted a lot more.

Wavey · 06:11 AM

January update.

I bought a used CDR-220 from a fellow Pelican and just got around to installing it. I got a non-polarized faceplate from Becker (now $100 exchange) along with a power/speaker harness and new knobs. I want to point out one more part that is needed to make the swap. The earlier cars have the standard plug at the end of the antennae cable, but the CDR-220 has a newer, smaller socket. An adapter is needed, which can be ordered from Becker or I assume SW Stereo or other sources. I got the code with the radio and downloaded the manual at Becker's site.

The previous owner had cut the plug off the factory harness to install the Alpine, so I spliced the Becker harness directly to the car harness. It all went together very neatly.

For reference by future installers, my '88 has the windshield antennae with a booster, so there's a small wire bundled with the antennae cable. That can splice to the antennae signal wire from the head unit (typically blue) to provide power for the booster when the radio is on.

The easiest way to connect the instrument lights (orange wire from the Becker) is to the lamps in the heater controls, right next to the radio. The other instrument lights are above a divider between the cockpit and the trunk. The right hand heater control light (not the fan light - only on when the fan is on) is the one to use. This provides dimable lighting for the radio.

Fired it up and the AM/FM sounds GREAT, even with a temporary antennae connection. I already upgraded the speakers so that helps. However the CD drive isn't working so it's going to Becker today for repair. Not a problem; I bought it as-is and accepted that it may need repair. I popped the cover and found a small plastic gear, small metal pully and a pin floating around, so hopefully the repair won't be too extensive.