My Blaupunkt RENO Story... A Happy Ending

[RFP]

Some months ago, I started a 'quest' to find - and install - the proper Blaupunkt radio for my '87 M491 coupe. That model, as per the window sticker, would be the RENO. Of course, just like everybody else, I wanted one that worked well and looked even better.
Good luck with that! So, I posted a WTB here and waited for the offers that were sure to come. But they didn't.

Then, the most amazing thing happened. A fellow Pelican who lives only a few hours south of me, said that he had an old RENO that he would send me, saying that I could check it out and then just pay him whatever I thought right. He didn't know if the radio worked or not. It didn't, but it did look good. So, after a bit of research, I sent the radio to Bucks County Electronics (these folks: Welcome to Bucks County Electronics Website ... ) who represented themselves as competent to repair these ancient old RENOs.

When I sent it, all I knew was that it wouldn't even power up. Seemed serious.

Well, it was serious. Once repaired to the point where it would power up, there were many other issues, a big issue being that many of the display segments were dead. Dang!

So, to shorten this happy story, the BC Electronics folks were able (after a long search) to find a brand new replacement display board, and all the other long unobtainable parts to get this thing working. They even replaced the lights inside.

By the way, I told Warren (at BC Electronics) to not even look at the cassette drive. I have no idea whether it works or not and care even less. You couldn't find an old cassette tape around here with a court order.

This process wasn't quick, nor was it cheap. But the radio works beautifully (even sounds GOOD). My fellow Pelican who provided the non-working radio in the first place, just said "never mind" on paying anything for it. Amazing generosity these days!

So, thanks to a happy mix of the unbelievable generosity of a Pelican, and the competence, perseverance, and patience of BC Electronics, "The Black Swan" has a great working, proper Blaupunkt RENO. I am amazed at just how good this thirty-one year old radio sounds. Thanks to all!

[2jmotorsports]

Fantastic story. Any more details on the rest of your sound system?

I have a new in box Lexington SQR 46 that I kick around installing in my 83 SC (when I get around to it), find the correct unit for my year, or get a more modern unit that has known good sound quality.

['02onthebrain]

Great story. I also just did the same thing to my '87 cab, with a Reno from another Pelican, and took the speakers and grilles back to OEM with Porsche parts from our sponsor. Sounds great and looks the part now.

[darrin]

now that you have it working, pay careful attention to your alternator's voltage output -- Sounds like the issues your radio had likely stemmed from the PO's voltage regulator failing and sending unwelcome voltage spikes to the radio that a) fried its display and then b) caused it to no longer power up.

Don't want to find yourself with the same problem again -- also, re cassette deck, keep in mind that there are/were cassette adaptors that allowed you to feed sound to the radio through the headphone jack on a cd player/iphone/etc. If you're interested and can find one cheap enough, it could provide a good way to expand your musical entertainment beyond the radio.

[Lyle O]

Wow, cool coincidence...I just got my Reno back from BC also, and I have the same success to report (though the issues were not as severe). They did an unbelievable job; it really is like a brand new unit. I have it running though a separate Sound Design amp, with Blue Tooth to connect to my iPhone, and the system is so sweet. Looks stock, but sounds 21st century. Again, my compliments to BC Electronics for making my Reno good as new. Turnaround time was 2 weeks.

[RFP]

Originally Posted by darrin

now that you have it working, pay careful attention to your alternator's voltage output -- Sounds like the issues your radio had likely stemmed from the PO's voltage regulator failing and sending unwelcome voltage spikes to the radio that a) fried its display and then b) caused it to no longer power up.
< snip >

Thanks, Darrin, for the 'warning.' The alternator was replaced some 8,000 miles ago more as a 'preventive maintenance' measure than anything else. Also, I regularly use a 'cigar lighter receptacle' voltage meter. I'll keep an eye on it. Of course, the RENO didn't originate with my car.

[Canada Kev]

Friggin' awesome! Great story to be sure.

[Catorce]

Dude, I just posted a WTB for a Reno today and got some hits!

Normally I could give a rats azz about originality, but I picked up a mint original 54K mile 1988 928S4 5 speed.

The color combo is EXACTLY like the one my dad had when I was growing up in the early 90s. I remember the Reno well....

My car still has the amp and everything. Except it has a cheezy as hell crappy sounding Pioneer.

For this car, I really want the Reno head unit - it was original equipment and looks right.

[famoroso]

Hee-hee,

I pulled so many of these out of customer cars back in the day. I laughed at the fact that although they were "worthless" we put all the take outs on a shelf in storage. There were a couple dozen there. Alas, the shed is gone.

I just acquired my second Reno to restore an '87 491 to it's former Sonic "glory."

Do you know if BC offers to install an Aux input along with their other services?

[RFP]

Originally Posted by famoroso

Do you know if BC offers to install an Aux input along with their other services?

I'm sure they do Frank... Just give Warren a call.

[bkreigsr]

Glad it all worked out for you guys. BC Electronics had my Bamberg for 7 months, charged me $741, and the unit worked no better than when I brought it to them. (no cassette, no FM)
And yes, they used to offer installation (2006).
Bill K.

[73pcar]

Originally Posted by 2jmotorsports

Fantastic story. Any more details on the rest of your sound system?

I have a new in box Lexington SQR 46 that I kick around installing in my 83 SC (when I get around to it), find the correct unit for my year, or get a more modern unit that has known good sound quality.

Sent you a PM re your Lexington. Thanks

[Catorce]

How long did it take to get your radio refurbished / repaired?

[RFP]

Originally Posted by Catorce

How long did it take to get your radio refurbished / repaired?

I don't recall exactly, but it was a couple of months. Most of that time was taken up by the difficulty in sourcing a brand new NOS display board. The search was successful, so the wait was certainly worth it.

Good luck with your search.

[wildthing]

If the casette player is working, why not get one of those adapters?