GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

Nice Example of a Custom Subwoofer Install

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 02-21-2012, 06:40 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
lstoker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
MB GL450, BMW 335i
Thumbs up Nice Example of a Custom Subwoofer Install

Hi Everyone... Wanted to share with you a nice example of a sub install that I did in my 2011 GL450. I see people discussing it every once and awhile, so I thought it might give others some good ideas.

I no longer have my GL, but before getting rid of it, I was able to remove the sub enclosure and it return everything back to stock without any sign that it was ever installed. The face of the enclosure simply screws into the bulkhead that the first aid kit tray sits in.

I worked with my local audio shop on this one, and we came up with the idea of removing the plastic tray that contains the first aid kit and building a box that would fit through that opening down behind the wheel well. It contained a JL audio 8" and was powered by a 300 watt amp installed under the rear passenger seat.

I was very impressed with it, sounded very clean and tight, and there is enough room back there to build the perfect calculated air space. The absolute best thing, is it takes no cargo room whatsoever and looks like it's suppose to be there!

Now if I could only find another use for it So far everything is just sitting in my shop.



Old 02-21-2012, 08:52 PM
  #2  
Member
 
jcbutta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2011 GL450 P2, Appearance Pkg, Leather. 2012 C250, P1, Sport, AMG Wheels, Panorama Sunroof.
nice install. do you think you had enough room for a 12" jl sub? just wondering because i was looking to do something similar, but i have a 12" sub from my last car that i wanted to use.
Old 02-21-2012, 09:33 PM
  #3  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
lstoker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
MB GL450, BMW 335i
You won't have room for a 12" unless you build out the box face with several trim rings and the overall voice coil diameter will prevent it from fitting in the factory opening. I went with the 8" because even a shallow 10" would have been very tight.
Old 02-21-2012, 10:49 PM
  #4  
Member
 
wastedyolk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: NYC
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
CURRENT: CLS550 SOLD: PANAMERA S SOLD: CL63 SOLD:PEWTIFUL E55 "NATASHA"
How is this wired up, just picked up a GL550 last night would love to do this. Thanks
Old 02-21-2012, 11:50 PM
  #5  
Junior Member
 
MrPrometheus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2009 GL450
Awesome. Would you happen to have pictures of the enclosure when removed from the pocket?
Old 02-22-2012, 03:36 AM
  #6  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
justthebest's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
'09 SL Black, '12 ML63, '13 SL63, '14 E63 Wagon, '14 458 Italia
That's a nice sub, but I like mine more.

Nice Example of a Custom Subwoofer Install-img_0168.jpg

Nice Example of a Custom Subwoofer Install-img_0177.jpg
Old 02-22-2012, 03:45 AM
  #7  
Super Member
 
theunderlord's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 921
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
(SOLD) 05 E55 Estate. 11 Golf TDi
Show off,
Old 02-22-2012, 08:15 AM
  #8  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
lstoker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
MB GL450, BMW 335i
Originally Posted by wastedyolk
How is this wired up, just picked up a GL550 last night would love to do this. Thanks
The rear speaker outputs were tapped in the C pillar and run to a LOC under the rear seat, then the amplified wiring was run down the passenger side to the back hatch area, run underneather the carpet and over... Let me know if you are interested in the enclosure, I will be posting it in the classified section.

Originally Posted by MrPrometheus
Awesome. Would you happen to have pictures of the enclosure when removed from the pocket?
Will try to take one tonight and post it.

Originally Posted by justthebest
That's a nice sub, but I like mine more.
That's a awesome install, but I don't think you want a 90lb Labrador Retriever standing on top of it, and you also lost the spare tire area... I needed my cargo area, and wasn't willing to give up my spare tire.\

Giving up the first aid kit, is a lot easier and doesn't impact your cargo area.
Old 02-24-2012, 12:06 AM
  #9  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
lowpost's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Oakland
Posts: 1,214
Received 22 Likes on 21 Posts
2018 E43 | 2017 GLS450 | 2004 CLK 500
nice enclosure...
Old 02-24-2012, 12:39 AM
  #10  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
hubert's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: New York
Posts: 2,153
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
14'G63 AMG ,1994 Mercedes E500, 2020 Range Rover HST
Are you selling it? Where are you located?
Thanx
Originally Posted by lstoker
Hi Everyone... Wanted to share with you a nice example of a sub install that I did in my 2011 GL450. I see people discussing it every once and awhile, so I thought it might give others some good ideas.

I no longer have my GL, but before getting rid of it, I was able to remove the sub enclosure and it return everything back to stock without any sign that it was ever installed. The face of the enclosure simply screws into the bulkhead that the first aid kit tray sits in.

I worked with my local audio shop on this one, and we came up with the idea of removing the plastic tray that contains the first aid kit and building a box that would fit through that opening down behind the wheel well. It contained a JL audio 8" and was powered by a 300 watt amp installed under the rear passenger seat.

I was very impressed with it, sounded very clean and tight, and there is enough room back there to build the perfect calculated air space. The absolute best thing, is it takes no cargo room whatsoever and looks like it's suppose to be there!

Now if I could only find another use for it So far everything is just sitting in my shop.



Old 02-24-2012, 09:58 AM
  #11  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
YYZ-E55's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Toronto
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes on 14 Posts
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
Originally Posted by justthebest
That's a nice sub, but I like mine more.

What's with the offset on those wheels? Winter setup?
Old 02-24-2012, 12:02 PM
  #12  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
justthebest's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
'09 SL Black, '12 ML63, '13 SL63, '14 E63 Wagon, '14 458 Italia
Originally Posted by YYZ-E55
What's with the offset on those wheels? Winter setup?
Yep - winter wheels. No idea about the offset, but it speaks for itself.
Old 02-24-2012, 12:22 PM
  #13  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
danlnyc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
04 CL55 (sold), 2012 CLS550 (sold), 2014 S550 (sold), 2015 ES300H (DAILY)
Originally Posted by justthebest
That's a nice sub, but I like mine more.



lol thats dope. nice setup
Old 03-06-2012, 04:20 PM
  #14  
Newbie
 
Columbia GL450's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Maryland
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
'08 GL450 (P II, ORP, Keyless Go)
FS: Subwoofer enclosure

I bought this enclosure from lstoker, unfortunately before checking behind the panel in question to see if it would fit. To be clear, this was not a mistake or fault on his part at all; I failed to check my own vehicle before buying it from him. I am therefore reselling the enclosure.

The enclosure will only fit in the intended space if your GL is not/not equipped with 3-zone AC (rear AC). If you have this option, there is a large compressor/vent assembly behind the panel in question. To check, remove the cover for the first aid kit compartment. Then, use a coin to unlock the two lockscrews on the trim cover itself. If there is a large void behind the compartment, this enclosure will fit your vehicle.

The enclosure will fit the 2007-2011 GL *without* 3-zone/rear seat AC. It *may* fit the 2012. I had the black carpeting stripped off, and recarpeted in cashmere. The interior of the enclosure has also been resealed and tested. The enclosure is a sealed (non-ported) enclosure, 0.3 cu. ft., designed for a JL Audio 8W3v3 subwoofer. A subwoofer is *not* included.

Pick-up/delivery available in DC/MD/NoVA. Please PM if interested.
Old 03-07-2012, 09:49 PM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
Joyride's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Winnipeg, MB Canada
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
'13 MB GL350 BLUETEC, '10 MB E63 AMG, '95 MB S600, '84 MB 380 SEL
Originally Posted by Columbia GL450
I bought this enclosure from lstoker, unfortunately before checking behind the panel in question to see if it would fit. To be clear, this was not a mistake or fault on his part at all; I failed to check my own vehicle before buying it from him. I am therefore reselling the enclosure.

The enclosure will only fit in the intended space if your GL is not/not equipped with 3-zone AC (rear AC). If you have this option, there is a large compressor/vent assembly behind the panel in question. To check, remove the cover for the first aid kit compartment. Then, use a coin to unlock the two lockscrews on the trim cover itself. If there is a large void behind the compartment, this enclosure will fit your vehicle.

The enclosure will fit the 2007-2011 GL *without* 3-zone/rear seat AC. It *may* fit the 2012. I had the black carpeting stripped off, and recarpeted in cashmere. The interior of the enclosure has also been resealed and tested. The enclosure is a sealed (non-ported) enclosure, 0.3 cu. ft., designed for a JL Audio 8W3v3 subwoofer. A subwoofer is *not* included.

Pick-up/delivery available in DC/MD/NoVA. Please PM if interested.
Can you post a picture of the recarpeted enclosure?
Old 03-08-2012, 04:03 AM
  #16  
Newbie
 
Columbia GL450's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Maryland
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
'08 GL450 (P II, ORP, Keyless Go)
Originally Posted by Joyride
Can you post a picture of the recarpeted enclosure?
Please note, I am not selling the subwoofer itself, just the enclosure.

Nice Example of a Custom Subwoofer Install-pre_2012-03-08-023732.jpg

Nice Example of a Custom Subwoofer Install-pre_2012-03-08-023746.jpg
Old 03-08-2012, 09:07 PM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Joyride's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Winnipeg, MB Canada
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
'13 MB GL350 BLUETEC, '10 MB E63 AMG, '95 MB S600, '84 MB 380 SEL
Originally Posted by Columbia GL450
Please note, I am not selling the subwoofer itself, just the enclosure.

Attachment 230025

Attachment 230026
Thanks.
Old 03-09-2012, 05:37 AM
  #18  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
elijah's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: EURO Style
Posts: 1,700
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Euro Cars Only
Very clean setup!!
Old 03-12-2012, 06:15 PM
  #19  
Newbie
 
BuyingFoil's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550
Hey I was wondering if you could show me exactly where is the best place to tap the speaker wire and use an LOC for my amp and subs in my GL550. I was hoping to do it behind the first aid kit.
Old 03-13-2012, 02:49 PM
  #20  
Newbie
 
BuyingFoil's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550
Also, where is the best place to hook up the ground for my amp? Preferably in the back drivers side.
Old 08-28-2012, 01:21 AM
  #21  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
hubert's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: New York
Posts: 2,153
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
14'G63 AMG ,1994 Mercedes E500, 2020 Range Rover HST
Is this sold. I know it's an old thread but worth a try
Originally Posted by Columbia GL450
Please note, I am not selling the subwoofer itself, just the enclosure.

Attachment 230025

Attachment 230026
Old 08-28-2012, 02:25 AM
  #22  
Newbie
 
Columbia GL450's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Maryland
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
'08 GL450 (P II, ORP, Keyless Go)
Originally Posted by hubert
Is this sold. I know it's an old thread but worth a try

Not sold, still have it. Please PM me for contact info.
Old 08-28-2012, 03:44 AM
  #23  
Super Member
 
stickygreen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Monterey, CA
Posts: 597
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
'97 E320
Damn...I would've scooped that up a long time ago if our GL didn't have the 3-zone AC
Old 01-28-2013, 05:07 PM
  #24  
Member
 
desant89's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2007 S550
That enclosure is long gone right?
Old 01-24-2014, 04:31 PM
  #25  
Member
 
desant89's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
2007 S550
Enclosure back up for sale

Just in case anyone is interested, this enclosure is for sale again. I did install the sub in it so it now comes with the enclosure. I also had black carpet installed over it. Sub sounded great on factory unit. I have since put a complete system in my GL which outpowered the 8" sub so I have to change it out. Let me know if anyone is interested. Thanks!


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 1 votes, 5.00 average.

Quick Reply: Nice Example of a Custom Subwoofer Install



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:11 AM.