So this question has to do with the depth of the speakers that can be used in the door of a 98 E320. I wanted to audition a few different candidates, but wanted to narrow the field as the depth will probably limit what can be used. I was looking for this depth information (easier than pulling the panel to measure) for the speakers on the door. If you have replaced speakers, but are unaware of the depth, let me know the make and model of what worked for you and I can research what the depth is on that model.
Thanks for viewing,
Stroo
Bonus question: I noticed the dash looks to accomodate a 4 in mid. Has anyone upgraded to a 3 way component system for the fronts?
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Vehicle: E320, SLK320, MKV Jetta TDI, Mini Cooper S
Location: Arizona
Posts: 1,679
Door panels
I have not upgraded my speekers but I have been in my doors a few time doing upgrades to my side mirrors or replacing my door handles. I thought the link was good with all of the pictures.
How about changging the rear deck lid speakers. Any tips on how to remove the speaker cover. And the speaker in the dashboard, are they accesible? I want to change out my speakers to MB Quarts. I already have four 6.5 and two 5.5 and about four tweeters.
I think if you do a search, either here or on the audio form, you will find msgs that ta...
I think if you do a search, either here or on the audio form, you will find msgs that talk to this topic. My take on it is the removal of the rear deck panel is a mjor PIA, requires seat removal, headrest, etc. Possible, but appears to be a several hour task.
FYI, I am talking to a company called Acoustic Dimensions in Ireland who sell speaker frames by Phonocar. They are made for W210 and look to adapt tto standard 6.5 inch speakers. He said they were around 20 euros and he is calling me back with a shipping price. Here is a link http://www.acousticdimension.com/products/car_frames_speaker.htm They have them for both the door and the rear. I have never seen these, but I am interested in as little car modification as possible and will probably give it a try unless shipping is heinous. If you are interested in joining in the order, let me know.
In my last E-Class, a 96, I replaced the whole sound system. Your 98 and my old 96 are nearly indentical, so here's some notes for you.
I put 6.5" JL Audio Components in the front doors and they bolted right in and fit just fine. Don't remember which JLs they were, but they were the top of the line. They fit fine and I even found an area inside the door to put the crossover. The tweeter was easy to mount and screw into the A-Pilar.
The rear doors had mounts for 3" speakers--yup, that's right 3". But I screwed 4" JLs in there and then made them airtight by building up Dynamat Xtreme around the gaps to make a solid and airtight fit. The stock Bose 3" speakers had a plastic mount which I removed prior to putting my 4" JLs which is what gave me the room to put in 4" speakers.
The rear deck. I was able to Jimmy out the rear deck Bose free air subs without taking apart the whole freaking car. First remove the Bose grills that basically just pop out with a screwdriver. Next get in your trunk and you'll find the speakers are held in by some plastic clips. Release the clips and then push the speakers through. Get back in the car and since the grills are off you should be able to wiggle and pull out the speakers without damaging anything. I don't remember if there were any screws holding the speakers in but you should be able to tell once you get the grills off. I didn't put in any new rear deck speakers. I just left the holes open and put the grills back on. This allowed the bass from my JL sub in the trunk to flow into the cabin. I fiberglassed my JL sub into one of the side cubbies in the truck. Looks and sounds awesome. Looks factory installed.
The only other way to get the rear subs out is to remove the rear seat, headliner and sideliner (yup, that stuff would have to come out), the head rests, and then the rear deck. I think my way was much easier.
I put an Alpine 6 Disc MP3 changer in my glove box which ended up fitting like a glove once I cut out the back of the glove box.
I put my Alpine Head unit below the stock head unit in the little cubbie. I did it for security because my parking garage at work is notorious for break ins. With the head unit in the little cubbie, I could just close the cubbie door when I leave the car. Any thief looking in my car would think all I have is the stock MBZ sound system and probably would not break in.
Anyway, I totalled my 96 last month so now I have a 2000. I am going to install all that stuff in my new ride once I get a free weekend. Also, Dynamat Extreme all the doors. It helped a lot. Don't use the regular Dynamat as it smells like shit and anytime you leave the car on a hot day and come back to it, the whole interior smells like tar paper or something--I learned this from a previous install.
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