C-Class (W204) 2008 - 2014: C180K, C200K, C230, C280, C300, C350, C200CDI, C220CDI, C320CDI
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front door h/k speaker retrofit (how to)

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Old 12-15-2009, 01:12 PM
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W204 C180 / W176 A45
Good tutorial. I've got a couple questions though. What's the size of the speakers that were removed? If they were 6-1/2" then you could make a baffle and replace with 5-1/4" speakers. This would allow aftermarket speakers to be installed without having to mod the door.

I'm also curious as to the size of the tweeter that was removed. I would like to replace with aftermarket equipment as I'm sure that I can get a better sounding set of component speakers than the HK.
Old 12-15-2009, 07:45 PM
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Why go for 5 1/4" if you can have 6.5"?
Old 12-16-2009, 05:08 AM
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W204 C180 / W176 A45
Originally Posted by dunnounme
Why go for 5 1/4" if you can have 6.5"?
The reason for that is simple. Better sound quality. It may not be as loud, but you can get a more accurate speaker than the HK.
Old 03-13-2010, 05:21 PM
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'08 CLK320CDI AMG// '13 E500 Coupe AMG// '17 E350d AMG
You can go with aftermarket, they will fit with some Phonocar speaker adapters. No need to be specific, just get some that do the job.

http://www.phonocar.it/easysite/leve...tegory=Speaker adapters&pg=1&lingua=inglese

Pioneer normaly also have speakers that will fit.
Old 06-30-2010, 09:59 AM
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W204 C180 / W176 A45
Vic, do you have any instructions on how to remove the grill that's on the front dash? If I'm upgrading tweeters, I think that's going to be the optimal location to get better imaging. It should also push the stage back significantly.
Old 07-01-2010, 11:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Sully
Vic, do you have any instructions on how to remove the grill that's on the front dash? If I'm upgrading tweeters, I think that's going to be the optimal location to get better imaging. It should also push the stage back significantly.

Use a plastic wedge or butter knife, snap out from the front and then lift the grille upwards.
Old 07-06-2010, 05:32 PM
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Mercedes C Klasse
Hi, I have pursued the issue, and i want to change my normal speakers with H/K.
I have the Audio aps 50. It seems to be easy to change it in the front. My question is vic what about the rear speakers? Can't find an finally statement how it is done. Thx
Old 07-06-2010, 05:49 PM
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2010 Silver/Black C300 6-spd Manual - SOLD
Originally Posted by onkster
Hi, I have pursued the issue, and i want to change my normal speakers with H/K.
I have the Audio aps 50. It seems to be easy to change it in the front. My question is vic what about the rear speakers? Can't find an finally statement how it is done. Thx
The rear speakers are a pain to change, but here is a DIY if you dare to attempt it:

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...fit-howto.html
Old 07-12-2010, 07:40 PM
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2013 C300 Sport
Has anyone changed the front original speakers for a 2009 C300 with a full set of after market component speakers that fit perfectly? If yes what did you do with the crossover module for the third party component speakers? Since the original speakers are components they probably have a crossover module somewhere in the system factory installed. is it necessary to install the crossover from the third party component speakers? Can I properly run the third party component speakers using the factory installed crossover module?
Old 07-13-2010, 12:47 PM
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2012 C250 Coupe
Vic, being that you took off the door, do you know if it is possible to access the orange led door handle lights while doing this mod? I would love to replace them to blue/white, and would you know any part numbers or bulb type?

Lastly, is it true that the audio 20 stock system doesn't have a subwoofer?
Old 07-13-2010, 03:12 PM
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S213
You can see the lamp unit here http://www.geting.se/viewimage.php?i...6-IMG_2834.JPG a stick of acrylic plastic transfers light from a amber LED behind the handle.

The Audio 20 system does not have a separate subwoofer.
Old 07-13-2010, 04:26 PM
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2012 C250 Coupe
Yes, I do see it up top. Thanks vic! Any idea as to what type of LED it is? 194?

I am amazed that the audio 20 system has no separate sub, it sure shakes my butt and sounds great!
Old 01-06-2011, 09:50 PM
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Mercedes C300 AMG
VIC, please continue with your rear doors speaker mods .... I found this also
http://mercedes.harmankardon.com/en/...technical.aspx

http://mercedes.harmankardon.com/brochures/c-class.pdf

Can we install the number 6 and 7 speakers? What about the original amlifier? I asked Mercedes the H/K amplifier is not cheap....
Old 01-06-2011, 09:52 PM
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Mercedes C300 AMG
I already ordered tweeters and front doors speakers. And still waiting for your solution with the rear doors speakers mounting.
Old 01-11-2011, 11:40 AM
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Mercedes C300 AMG
VIC VIPER where are you?
Old 03-18-2011, 09:34 PM
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C300
I'm trying the front door speaker replacement but I'm a little gun-shy about removing the trim around the door (one of the first steps). Does anyone have any advice on the best way to remove this without breaking the plastic trim.

Also, are there any clips to remove for the trim?

Thanks.
Old 08-31-2011, 04:08 AM
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w204 c220 cdi
Hello Vic.I've made the retrofit and the results are outstanding...but i read that we can play with the equalizer in the engineering mode...did you change anything?Thanks for your perfect instructions!(i also did the comand refrofit )
Old 09-01-2011, 10:50 AM
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C300 and SLK280
I can't see any pictures...is it just me?
Old 09-09-2011, 06:38 PM
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'09 S204 C220 CDI Avantgarde
Did this upgrade today, in little less than one and a half hour. First door took more than an hour, going slowly and helped by Vic's guide (photos are not showing anymore, though), second door about 20 minutes.

Some tips: Buy at least 10 additional clips and the black square lock is defeated when you pull out the pin, turn it 180 degrees and then insert it again to release the lock pins, and can then be pulled out.

May still need to fine-tune it but the tweeters are very noticeable and the speakers do have more punch (and are twice as heavy as the stock ones). Also first time I ever played with a rivet gun, pleased that it was smooth sailing!

All in all a very satisfying first mod!
Old 09-10-2011, 01:14 AM
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Mercedes C class W204
I wonder if you can fit 7" speaker in front door. I am hoping to fit Dayton Audio speaker RS180 in the front door. http://www.daytonaudio.com/lspeakers...-4_295-374.pdf
Old 09-10-2011, 02:20 AM
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01' c320 (sold) / 03' Ford Focus(sold) :( / 98' C230 / 00' SL500 / 11' C300 Sport RWD w204
anyone tried the HK AND the infinity kappas as well? curious to see which is better.
Old 08-09-2012, 11:23 AM
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W204 C350 Sport
Is vic still around to re-upload the pictures for the install? I have an 08 C350 with harmon kardon and i have a nasty clipping/buzzing/static sound from the Front driver area. Im thinking the front midbass driver has left the building. Does anyone know where you can source replacement HK components? Is it worthwhile to replace them with something aftermarket? I know if its anything like the pricing for the oem Dynaudio components in my passat, im in for a ride here.
Old 11-03-2012, 04:15 PM
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C300
Pictures are, regertfuly, no longer available. Any chance some one could either post the DYI in pdf or something like that?

Best
Old 06-29-2013, 04:53 PM
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10' C300 Sport and 07 Ducati S2R
I second the motion... anyone else want to take some pictures? Vic, are you even around anymore?
Old 06-29-2013, 05:10 PM
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Originally Posted by vic viper
Finally after four long days the speakers arrived from Germersheim Germany

After I got home from work I got to it, removing the door panel is acually pretty straight forward and easy, here´s how you replace the front door speakers:

Wind the window all the way down and start by removing the tweeter grille, its just snapped in place and comes off easy, then remove this trim, its also just snapped and folded around the door frame.


This will reveal this clip, DO NOT push the middle part inwards (been there done that ) pick it out, twist it 90 degrees and push it in again to release the plastic hooks.


Push in a wedge in the bottom part of the panel and twist it so that the panel snaps out, pull it out to release the clips around it edges, lift the upper part over the lock knobs.
disconnect the two connectors shown here, purple and blue


Unhook the inside handle wire, very easy.


Now the panel is free and looks like this, remember to check the orange clips, the MUST be intact as well as the small foam seal at each clip


Just in case bought 10 new clips as well as the blind rivets needed for the speakers, the side airbag sensors are triggerd by door air pressure difference, this is why its really important that all clips and seals remain intact.


Stock Audio 20 front door cheapo speaker


The stock speaker rivets drilled out, be careful not to crack the window while doing this:


Comparison between h/k and stock, quite some difference, h/k has stronger cone material instead of paper, larger magnet and voice coil as well as sturdier rubber suspension.




Look at the Audio 20 speaker voice coil, a simple roll of paper


New speaker riveted in place:


Mount door panel in reverse order, dont forget to connect connectors and the door handle wire, place in top first and then slam the panel in place using your hand only.
As you can see I have also retrofitted the h/k emblems, look really great



And the difference in sound is really significant, I didnt think I would hear an improvement this big, the increase in bass is the primary improvment, and the overall sound is a lot fuller, especially in combination with the h/k tweeters.

As the improvement IMO was so great I will also replace the rear door speakers in time.

The speakers cost here in Sweden about $100 a piece, compare that with the Audio 20 speakers that cost $22


Here you go guys!


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