The OE stereo CD head unit gave up the ghost recently, after going through some strange electronic things and sounds before dying.

Looked around the net and on Kowalski's recommendation I found and purchased for reasonable money a used Becker 4716 Audio 30 APS on ebay in Germany. At the same time I purchased for peanuts some OE removal keys. I also picked up a GPS antenna, but I don't know if it's going to be used or not.

The new unit will be going in the C43 over the next days (no hurry) as the summer runs and blasts are coming to an end and "T-Rex" will soon be going into hibernation.

I'll post some pics when the unit is installed with comments how it sounds with the Bose speakers the vehicle is equiped.

Love that you are preserving the look & not messing it up with a shoddy aftermarket unit.
Will you need a radio code for the new unit?

Thanks! I certainly didn't want to install a modern flashy/shoddy unit, reason I looked around for a more period type part. I did think of going the full Comand conversion, but realized it was going to be a BIG hassle with a lot of cutting out, fettling, etc. I certainly have enough on my hands with my Ultima Can-Am build...

P.S. Radio code is easily obtained via the link below and it's totally free :
www.radio-code.lt

How much was the unit? What options does it give you over the stock one, in dash CD? MP3? BT or anything?

I talked to Becker autosound, and they have a VDO unit that plugs into a MB, has built in BT, phone functions, etc. for $300. It's just like this one, only with orange display:

you are soo cool pops, getting great audio electronics for your old T-rex.

@jgro76
it plays burned cd's as an extra feature, i don't think this deck plays mp3.
audio is soooOOOOOO great with APS30!

buying a used deck recquires radio card if you want to inform dealership to marry the code to your car, if you lose the radiocode in the futura?

If needed get the radio code through the link I posted just previously. It works and it's free 🆓

Tada.... and thanks to the use of the correct MB keys, it took just 15 seconds to remove the old unit and a couple of minutes to connect and install the new one. I did not currently install the GPS antenna as I don't really have a need for it. I have it stored and lets see later.
The sound is great with the Bose speakers, rich and full. Sufficient for an old pops like me. When tuning the radio stations I fell on Jimi Hendrick's "All along the Watchtower". As "T-Rex" is currently parked in the Ultima workshop, I could turn up the volume without bothering neighbours. The wife did come down to see what all the rumpus was about.... but very acceptable indeed.

Some photos of the unit switched off and on. The background colours blend in with the rest of the displays IMO.

Love it! Awesome job

Was it unplug -> plug new one in or did you have to clip some wires?

it is plug n play, nuthin' else!
these decks came in 99 --->

Totally plug and play with no wires to cut or add . Guess it took me 10 minutes top to exchange the 2 units. All plugs the same. The MB keys are also a real aid in removing the old unit. I wouldn't do without as they are dirt cheap to have available in the tool kit.