Anyone have a good DIY on how to remove a Clarion NZ503 and install a OEM Becker?
Following on Benzman';s post, not sure how much you know about installation of Car stereos. Down the sides the radio attaches to the metal cage, there are "keys" that are inserted between the metal cage and the radio which release the radio from the cage and allow you to pull it out. If you don't have the keys you can likely use a small screwdriver and release the radio. The OEM radio has so very little power that you won't want to turn it on. If you're reverting for purists reasons, can understand that, but perhaps you'd do that when you sell if you think it's a pricing benefit. You honestly don't want the stock radio if you ever intend to listen to music (or talk radio) in the car at speed.
Also, remove the black plastic trim surround that goes around the exterior/face of the unit with care as it has tabs that help hold it firmly in place. I bought a slightly used NZ503 from a fellow fchat member without checking on this aspect and two of the four (?) tabs were broken.... It will save you from having to find a replacement piece.... Cheers FN
ThE Becker is absolute garbage. You'll regret it. Instead replace the horrid speakers with some nice Focal speakers instead!
Becker horrible. I have the Clarion and love it. Can you shed more light on these speakers and how easy to install?
Thanks to all for your valuable input. I'm taking your advice and am re-considering replacing the Clarion with a Becker. I'm just not thrilled with the amount that the unit sticks out from the dash. It just looks like an ill fitting aftermarket installation. But it seems ridiculous to spend $1500 on a lousy radio just for aesthetics. I'm ok with my iPhone for navigation, so any opinions on the Alpine 143 (149) BT or the Pioneer DEH 8600BH as a replacement? How well do they fit? How well do they sound? I would still like to obtain a set of removal keys for the Clarion for the future. Thanks again everyone.
I would go with the Alpine 149 BT. It seems like alot of people have this unit installed in their 360 and it looks pretty nice! it is the one I would get if I ever replace my Becker unit. You can change the backlighting to green. But regardless even the Alpines have not enough power ( only 18 watts) to produce some sort of decent sound especially while driving. It is just not enough power to keep up with exhaust, road noise etc. I actually also still have my crappy Becker unit installed in my 360 because I wanted to keep the stock look in the dash. I had my stereo shop replace the speakers with Focals and add an amp under the dash and the sound is surprisingly good even with the crap Becker.
Good call on removing the tacky absurd flip out unit. It boggles my mind how people put these units in their Ferrari.
Tacky? Absurd? Really??? Functionality 100x better than that POS Ferrari supplied Becker unit. And guess what? It comes out and can be replaced with that impossible to use Becker unit when the car gets sold.
Sure its reversible, but so is plastidipping your entire car bright green and purple. When the flip out screen is up, it covers the HVAC vents, not to mention it generally reminds me of what people would do to their Honda Civics in the early 2000's. But to each his own I guess.
that looks good - I went with a kenwood in my 430 and its like having a car from 2015 instead of 10 yrs ago
It's factory! I have one in a box awaiting the time I ever get around to upgrading my stereo. The Becker weighs ~5 pounds! It's a brick. I thought that the unit would play with it being in the stowed position? Not true?
I put in a kenwood that does play while the screen is in. Doesn't have nav. But I have a phone that always does. Does have Bluetooth for calls and 5volt preouts.
Here is a video of my tacky, absurd Clarion NZ503. As you can see you can open and close it at will and still have all functionality including bluetooth for your phone. https://vimeo.com/115026938
No hard feelings, but my opinion still stands. When the screen is flipped out it covers the HVAC vents and cheapens the look of the car. Enjoy your car in good health, its your car and your hard earned money - so as long as you like it that's what matters. For what its worth, it seems like I am the minority when it comes to a negative opinion on these flip out units in the 360 / 430.
