My subwoofer solution
 

No amount of tuning could get sufficient sound from the stock stereo for me. Went to the shop I use and after a lot of back and forth we came up with this solution. I considered replacing the stock sub but there really isn't enough room over there for an enclosure with space I wanted. The other downside to that route for me was that's permanently lost space. What we ultimately did was remove the stock sub and used that space for a JL xd600 amp and FiX-82 and all the wiring. Then we used a JL CS112TG-TW3 which is a 12" shallow mount sub in small sealed enclosure velcro'd to the floor with industrial connections. With the box in there I still have room for a roller suitcase and a backpack and can put the cover up so you can't see anything. If I need more space it's a matter of disconnecting two wires and the box comes out.

The sound is tremendous, I could've easily used the CS110TG-TW3 which is the 10" version of the same set up but I already had the 12" version from a previous car. I turned the car's EQ bass down to -10 and then slowly adjusted the treble and mids up to my personal tastes and turned the volume up to the point where the speakers were being stressed and backed off a little. Tweaked the treble/mids at the high volume then started working up on the bass. After going through quite a few tracks I ended up with the knobs at +7/+7/+2. All in all I'm really happy with it for the little amount of time/money I have invested. An Audison bitone would be a nice addition and I may at some point add it but I'm content with it for now.


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...ee3f1a91e8.jpg

I went with the 10TW3 because my installer was able to fit the subwoofer, a Fix-82, an Audison Bit One (or Ten?), and a JL HD 900/5 all in the stock sub location. Also did Hertz 3 ways in the factory locations.

Almost looks factory.

Kumizi, please share some photos of your JL set up. Dying to upgrade this week Burmester crap.

are you thinking of doing anything underneath that rear storage cover? I was thinking of something in that space on the right, either moulding with fiberglass or having some mdf fabbed up and routed to fit that space.
Once I get started Ill post some pictures of the progress.

I'll take a pic tomorrow. Unfortunately i don't have pics of the "guts." Basically the cubby hole on the right extends to about 1/2 inch past the factory crease.

Any updates with the pics?

Here is the build template I have recently started. This is a rough template that I am going to dial in with smoother and more flush edges that I will ultimately run passes on with a router. Ill also be able to create an enclosure that fits over the factory sub location that will be a combination of a sheet of mdf, fiberglass resin and mat to form fit that opening.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...f1b9fb07a6.jpg
passenger factory sub location
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...103a1fa165.jpg
driver side compartment ( that I will fabricate a sealed enclosure for storage wrapped with several choices of material.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...d9a55bc415.jpg
rough template for the face of the subwoofer enclosure im fabricating (will be able to duplicate it for those wanting to purchase it at a later time.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...f3014537fa.jpg
rough template for the face of the sealed compartment on the driver side (will have a door or opening to access items stored inside.

Sorry for the late reply. I thought I needed a new battery but apparently there is some switch that deactivates the battery when the system detects high voltage.

I have a JL Audio 10TW3 sub, a JL HD 900/5, an Audison DSP, and a FIX 82 all hidden behind this enclosure. It's enough bass since this is a hatchback and straight through to the cabin.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...d30af97601.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...d22aff45b8.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...6d084673a1.jpg

Earmark Car Audio in Plano, TX. There's a rack inside the enclosure. Wish I had pics...

hey for the audio, did your installer have any issues with noise cancelling option or connecting the audio interface with the fiber optic Burmeister Sound system?

i think a JL Audio Fix82 is all you need to interface with the stock system

Honestly don't know about noise cancelling. Is that an option on these cars?

I've been waiting for someone to post something like this :) Now I've got myself a nice little project!

ill be posting updates of the trunk progress sometime tomorrow. The weather has been a little colder than expected so curing time for the fiberglass portion of this enclosure has taken a bit longer than expected. Everything else as far as shape and contour is looking :naughty:

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...196f7d27da.jpg
Factory sub woofer exposed and aftermarket JL Audio amplifier on display before install.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...494a4f291b.jpg
enclosure face made out of mdf with mdf trim ring and body filler to join the two.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...de54a54660.jpg
covering the interior panel before fiberglassing a mold
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...b3e43cabd6.jpg
sub woofer trim ring routered to match the diameter of the face of the subwoofer

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...78f1b34383.jpg
amp rack mounted behind the new sub enclosure and upright so that it doesnt cover the vent of the Burmeister amplifier
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...e20ab6ac98.jpg
driver side enclosure form fitted and routed
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...47fdcba9e4.jpg
face, ring and rear enclosure assembled

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...ea0ee26fd6.jpg
plexiglass with AMG cut decal for rear enclosure door.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...16098575c0.jpg
ready to mount beauty panel on top of this enclosure
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...df9521a46a.jpg
wrapped with matching headliner material
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...b55a5ddd7b.jpg
in lay is matching the suede finish headliner, outer panel is Mercedes Anthracite vinyl. Little red nylon strap for ease of pulling out the magnetic panel

For any of you who are interested in this similar setup we have fabricated a template to duplicate the subwoofer enclosure face as well as the rear driver side compartment. There are multiple options available as well as different finishes for vinyl, carpet or suede. PM me for details.

I can fabricate this same setup and ship to you or for a discounted rate and those that are handymen/DIYers, I can fab out the mdf templates for a fraction of the cost.

Great post!
Where was the factor speaker level output tapped from? I assume the factory amp is in the rear cargo area?


Is there a need for Fix82?

Can an Audiocontrol LC2i be used instead?

here is a hardware list for this setup:

Audio control Lc2i
JL Audio 10TW1-4
JL Audio 600.1 XD
4 gauge power cables
Stinger Pro series amp kit
JL Audio 2 channel RCA's - 3ft
JL Audio HD-RLC bass knob

factory speaker level is connected from the sub woofer (+) and (-) leads that were disconnected from the stock Subwoofer.

has anybody else come up with a rear trunk design? post some pictures if you have them and give a description of what was done please :y