Hey guys,
Wanted to know if anyone has upgraded to a better sound systems (speakers or components only) on their 2000 E320 (its what I have)? If yes, what size are the factory speakers all around and what brand did u go with. From quality to crisp sound all around and price as well...thanx in advance!
I do not want to change my stock head unit and also..what is a good amp that u guys can recommend along with the speakers/components. Thanx again.
I have a 96' 300 D which is the same as the 320 but with a different engine. I will not claim that everything is the same as the 2000. However if you are looking for better sound it starts at the head unit. I understand your reasoning but I am just telling you how it is. People do nothing but change the head unit and hear significant differences. My car has 6.5's in the front doors and in the rear deck. You have to remove most of the back of the interior of the car to replace the rear speakers so don't be surprised if someone wants a lot of money just to do that. I did it my self but I have been replacing systems in my cars since I was a kid. The front speakers either require a lot of customization to fit into the original brackets or it is about 30 pounds(including shipping to US), yes England is the only place I was to able find aftermarket brackets. I customized my brackets instead but I have the right tools to do that.
I'm like you and wanted to keep my original looking stereo system, so I wanted to upgrade my E280's sound system to Bose (hey it sounds better than the standard one) but it will cost me 2500 Pounds!!
I have begun to upgrade my car but have only gotten past the speakers. I put Boston Acoustics 6.5" in the front doors and BA 5.25" in the rear (Pro Series 6.5 and 5.5 respectively. I bought speaker adapters from the UK to acomplish this.
The speakers is a noticeable improvement but I have lost some volume as the new speakers are three ohms as opposed to the 2 ohm stocks.
I was going to install an Alpine CDA9833 or CDA9835 untill I played with them and found out the displays SUCKED (the CDA 9815 is still king). I am now waiting for the new 9853 and 9855 to hit the market. I was planing to install the aftermarket HU under my stock radio so I can easily hide it. Another fourm member gave me the idea.
As for amplifiers, my personal favorite are USAcoustics (USC line). Very good quality, no needless lighting, chroming or other BS, and output power is rated with supply voltage of 12.9 V. And most of all very inexpensive. Downside: It can be hard to find some one who sell them and has them in stock.
I recently replaced my stock system in my 2000 E320. I used 2 componet sets of rainbow extreme 6.5's. My installer told me that being that the rainbow speakers are a german speaker they actually had the same bracketry as the stock speakers. Rainbow is distributed in the US by Arc Audio out of Modesto, CA.
i got a clarion head unit, with a 7" monitor, and 2 sets of mbquart componets running off of a mbquart four channel amp. and a little 10" sub to hold me over until i get the new mbquarts. i have been very pleased with this setup so far.
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