Adding sub to 2004 E500?
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Bay Area
Adding sub to 2004 E500?
I have a 2004 E500 with the upgraded Harmon Kardon Logic 7 sound system. It has a sub already, and the bass is decent, but I'm looking for some extra added THUMP! What are my options for adding a more powerful aftermarket sub/amp? I don't have the pass-thru option from the trunk thru the rear seats, so there's no hole to port the sound thru.
I thought about just throwing in a box sub in the trunk, but wouldn't the sound just get absorbed by the rear seats, and get muddy by the time it reaches the rear cabin?
I thought about just throwing in a box sub in the trunk, but wouldn't the sound just get absorbed by the rear seats, and get muddy by the time it reaches the rear cabin?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Bay Area, CA
01' CLK55
yes...that is exactly what will happen. the only way to bypass this is to put more subs and more amps so the bass will "come into" the car. The best solution is to port the bass into the car either by cutting out the metal portion behind the arm rest that folds down, or on the rear deck. Either way is kind of tricky, so make sure you bring it to a good stereo shop.
Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 98
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From: Eureka, California
2003 E500
Im going through this exact process right now on my 03 E500.
The stereo shop I have been talking to has told me the only way to add a sub is to splice into the existing subwoofer speaker wires and use a HI-LOW converter to convert the signal back to rca. Then into a new amp and to your new sub(s). I didnt like the idea of splicing into the existing sub speaker wires but he told me if you cut the wires that the amp goes into protection mode and you have to let it reset 3 or 4 times to correct itself. When I asked about disconnecting the battery, he told me that if you do that , then cut the speaker wires and put the HI-LOW converter in then when you hook the battery back up the car will have a service light come on in the dash and you will have to take it to a technician to have the computer reset. I think hes being overly cautious myself, but if anyone else on here has experience with this let me know.
The stereo shop I have been talking to has told me the only way to add a sub is to splice into the existing subwoofer speaker wires and use a HI-LOW converter to convert the signal back to rca. Then into a new amp and to your new sub(s). I didnt like the idea of splicing into the existing sub speaker wires but he told me if you cut the wires that the amp goes into protection mode and you have to let it reset 3 or 4 times to correct itself. When I asked about disconnecting the battery, he told me that if you do that , then cut the speaker wires and put the HI-LOW converter in then when you hook the battery back up the car will have a service light come on in the dash and you will have to take it to a technician to have the computer reset. I think hes being overly cautious myself, but if anyone else on here has experience with this let me know.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 11
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From: LOS ANGELES CA
03 E500,05 CAYENNE S, 98 LANDCRUISER
Gbrandon,I think you're right. It seems that your installer is scared to touch your car. I had mine done with no problems. Maybe you need to go to another shop.
Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 98
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From: Eureka, California
2003 E500
can you elaborate your car and the installation? Did you simply install a box (and if so , was it sealed or open air?) Were you happy with the results? Did you feel the sound was muddy or did you do as the original poster of this thread reccomend and port holes into your back seat?
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 11
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From: LOS ANGELES CA
03 E500,05 CAYENNE S, 98 LANDCRUISER
The sub is in a sealed enclosure hanging from the rear deck. The sound goes thru the original sub port powered by an amp with a bass control knob mounted under the cig lighter. I just dont know how to post pictures here im sorry. BTW where are you located? If you're local you can see for yourself. Im happy with what i did. Regarding the sound, its clear. No port holes thru the back seat either.
Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 219
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From: SoCal
GLK, CLK, GL, C2S
JM88,
Did you do the install yourself, or did a local shop do it for you?
I'm also interested in some extra punch in my 03 CLK500, but I don't want a box that blocks passage from the trunk to the folded rear seats.
Any recommendations on a local shop that knows MBs?
Did you do the install yourself, or did a local shop do it for you?
I'm also interested in some extra punch in my 03 CLK500, but I don't want a box that blocks passage from the trunk to the folded rear seats.
Any recommendations on a local shop that knows MBs?
