After procrastinating for over 4 years, I finally upgraded the stock speakers in my ML; I did not want the Bose sound system since it was a rather pricey option back then. After extensive playing around with it (I had an ML to drive around in for about 2 weeks), I deemed that it was not worth what MB Canada wanted for it, and thus passed up on that option. I have no regrets on doing this, but will also say that the upgraded Bose system for '02+ is well worth the money, IMHO.
In any case, I went with the German-made MB Quart reference series speakers, which are their upper middle range of car audio speakers. I did manage to retrofit them quite easily into the stock speakers housings, along with the MB Quart provided crossovers.
The sound is quite an improvement. With a much larger woofer than the stock speakers (which were quite pathetic), along with the fact that I configured it as a coaxial speaker system, the highs and lows are much more distinct. The bass packs an increased punch with much tighter control than with the stock speakers. As for brightness, I didn't find this to be an issue at all once my treble settings were toned down from +8 to +3. I should also mention that I wired the Bose tweeters with the crossovers.
Now, a few pictures:
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<font face="arial"><font size="1"><a href="http://forums.benzworld.org/publications/pub.asp?id=67">MB OEM Bi-Xenons with E-code modification</a>, <a href="http://www.stongard.com/sgcontent/what_sgl.asp">custom-cut StonGard Light protection film</a>, Hella FF100 & FF200 foglamps with wireless switch, <a href="http://www.benzworld.org/forums/messages.asp?messno=81251&id=21&view=t">Hella dual tone air horns</a>, Bosch ParkPilot reverse warning system, Tomar Hide-a-way emergency vehicle front strobes, <a href="http://www.benzworld.org/forums/messages.asp?messno=58388&id=21&view=t">integrated reverse warning strobe lights with wireless switch</a>, <a href="http://forums.benzworld.org/forums/messages.asp?messno=40641&id=21&view=t">chrome handle accent strips and chrome door handle shells</a>, <a href="http://forums.benzworld.org/forums/messages.asp?messno=40351&id=21">AMG chrome ringed gauges</a>, <a href="http://www.benzworld.org/forums/messages.asp?messno=62376&id=21">Euro M-class footwell net</a>, <a href="http://www.http://www.benzworld.org/forums/messages.asp?messno=47347&id=21&view=t">3M reverse safety fresnel lens</a>, <a href="http://forums.benzworld.org/forums/messages.asp?messno=46855&id=21">Euro blindspot interior mirrors</a>, <a href="http://www.benzworld.org/forums/messages.asp?messno=54107&id=21&view=t">MCS GPS nav system</a>, chrome headlamp rings, chrome fender signal rings, <a href="http://www.mbworld.org/upload/2002/ml_int2.jpg">Personalised <i>designo</i> interior</a>, <a href="http://forums.benzworld.org/gallery/showlink.asp?parentid=32&catid=328&subname=Andrew` s_M-class">Drinkholders.com burl walnut ML cupholder</a>, <a href="http://www.benzworld.org/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1164344&posts=29">hardwired Valentine One radar detector</a>, <a href="http://forums.benzworld.org/forums/messages.asp?messno=43386&id=21">LED-based front and rear LED footwell ambience lighting</a>, <a href="http://www.benzworld.org/forums/messages.asp?messno=64477&id=21">illuminated MB door sills for each door</a>, <a href=http://www.*************.com/mb_results.asp?model=W163&class=m-class&category=Aerodynamics%3A+Roof+Wings+and+Bug+ Deflectors">Clear acrylic hood deflector</a>, Weathertech window deflectors, EGR rear deflector, 3M Scotchtint 50% tint on front windows, <a href="http://www.benzworld.org/news/extimages/48000kms/5.jpg">3M Scotchtint 20% tint on top 4" of windshield</a>, <a href="http://www.benzworld.org/gallery/pics/32832371212200211007AM.jpg">driver side mounted fire extinguisher</a>, <a href="http://www.*************.com/mb_results.asp?model=W163&class=m-class&category=Chrome+Tailgate+Handle">chrome tailgate handle</a>, "Elegance" side badges, <a href="http://www.*************.com/mb_results.asp?model=W163&class=m-class&category=Bose+Tweeters%2FSail+Panels">'02 Bose tweeters and sail panels</a>, <a href="http://www.benzworld.org/forums/messages.asp?messno=37287&id=21&view=t">'02+ tailgate filler panel</a>, <a href="http://www.*************.com/mb_results.asp?model=W163&class=m-class&category=Bumper+Grilles">AMG silver painted/chrome accented front grill, silver painted lower bumper grill</a>, MB OEM Style 1 chrome sidesteps & chrome brushguard with skidplate, MB OEM front mudflaps & <a href="http://www.benzworld.org/gallery/showlink.asp?page=11&order=id&CatID=328&parentid=3 2&parentname=&subname=Andrew%60s_M-class">aftermarket flexible rear mudflaps</a>, <a href="http://www.benzworld.org/news/extimages/48000kms/6.jpg">chrome door rubstrips</a>, <a href="http://www.benzworld.org/forums/messages.asp?id=21&messno=79983&view=t">MB Lamella Skyview roof deflector</a>, <a href="http://www.benzworld.org/news/extimages/48000kms/10.jpg">MB accessory roof crossbars & ski rack</a>, <a href="http://www.*************.com/mb_results.asp?model=W163&class=m-class&category=Exhaust+Tip">AMG oval exhaust tip</a>, <a href="http://www.benzworld.org/forums/messages.asp?messno=62611&id=21&view=t">17" EVO II Sport package wheels & Michelin Cross Terrains</a>, DesignTech halogen backup bulbs, <a href="http://www.*************.com/mb_results.asp?model=W163&class=m-class&category=LED+Brake+Lights">Formymercedes.com 20" LED brake strip with Flash alert</a>, 6" 3rd brake lamp LED strip, <a href="http://www.*************.com/mb_results_m.asp?model=W163&class=m-class&category=LED+Replacement+Bulbs">High-intensity LED taillamps, front and rear LED amber turn signals</a>, <a href="http://forums.benzworld.org/forums/messages.asp?messno=49436&id=21&view=t">HyperWhite LED city lamps</a></font></font>
I have had the MBs in mine for awhile now and find them a big improvement over the stock speakers. Thought I do have the Bose system. The crossovers make the difference IMO. I didn't go for the higher grade like you but, am happy with them.[8D]
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Bi-Xenons.
Chrome Grille Strips and Door Shells.
Drew Class Custom Made Chrome Door Handles.
18" Chrome AMG ML55 Rims.
Sunroof Wind Deflector.
Several Interior Upgrades.
8 Speaker MB Quart.
Euro Comand, Fiber Optic CD Changer.
Love This Vehicle.
Linear Mode
