Better sound with windows down
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
2003 C-240 My Username is "HosrsesSmellFunny"
Better sound with windows down
My 2003 C240 came with the Bose system, complete with the craptacular 8" "sub" in the rear deck. Except for my subs and amp, the entire system is stock, including the head unit. I added two 10" subs in a sealed enclosure powered by a 600 watt amp. The original Bose subwoofer is still sitting in the rear deck, but it is not hooked up (I am having a hell of a time removing my rear deck.) I have the enclosure pushed as far against the back wall of the rear seats as I can go. The subs are pointing out toward the rear bumper. I have noticed that they seem to hit a lot harder when I have my front windows rolled most of the way, or all the way down. (only the front windows, not so much with the rear windows) Of course, this is due to sound cancellation at varying frequencies. I have played around with different positions of the box in the trunk to no avail. I have also noticed leaving the rear sunshade in the "up" position helps improve sound quality (obvious reason being that when the sunshade is in the up position any air in the trunk can pass through). So, my question to all of the pro's out there is how can I maintain the "punch" in my low end I receive when the windows are left down? Will removing the rear stock Bose sub help allow more air to pass through the trunk into the cabin? Any suggestions will be appreciated!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,063
Likes: 27
From: Tampa, FL
2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
Removing the rear stock sub will certainly help, but if they're like the W220, you will likely have to destroy the speaker to do it. They don't come out easily.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
2003 C-240 My Username is "HosrsesSmellFunny"
Ugh, that was my fear. I really dont want to mangle the stock sub in case I decide to sell the car and upgrade to something a tad nicer in the future! But I wonder if it will really make all that much of a difference in the windows up/down phenomenon. I have read plenty of research that seems to indicate that there really isnt a way to solve the problem. What baffles me is that this issue is a lot more prominent in SUV's and trucks where the subs are actually in the passenger cabin. Perhaps a more powerful amplifier? Hmmm 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,063
Likes: 27
From: Tampa, FL
2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
More power? Give your neighbors and folks who share the road with you a break.
Opening the windows increases the air volume available to the speaker cone; it meets less resistance, and therefore the "throw" (movement of the cone) is greater.
Removing the bass speaker in your rear deck will have a similar effect; making a larger air mass (the interior of the car, not just the trunk) available. The difference would not be as great as having the speakers inside the cabin and opening the windows, but but would help.
Notwithstanding my intense desire to shoot anyone who drives around with the audio system booming, windows up or down - but especially down.
Opening the windows increases the air volume available to the speaker cone; it meets less resistance, and therefore the "throw" (movement of the cone) is greater.
Removing the bass speaker in your rear deck will have a similar effect; making a larger air mass (the interior of the car, not just the trunk) available. The difference would not be as great as having the speakers inside the cabin and opening the windows, but but would help.
Notwithstanding my intense desire to shoot anyone who drives around with the audio system booming, windows up or down - but especially down.
