I have a 2003 E500 (W211) . Heres what I had done to the audio system....

I replaced the front speakers with some Rainbow Vandium 3 ways,(seperates) then replaced the back door speakers with some rainbow comp series 2 ways. I removed the subwoofer in the package tray, and added 2 12" rainbow Vandium subs. (free air) then I put in a audiocontrol High/Low converter to take the signal from the speaker out of the factory amp and convert the siganl back to line level. Then it goes into a Arc audio EQ/crossover and then out to a arc 2450 amp and then out to the speakers. I took the speaker leads from the subwoofer output of the factory amp, soldered ends on them and connected them to a Arc Audio 2500 amp, which in turn goes to the 2 12" subs. (im still not understanding exactly how they took the sub leads from the out of the factory amp and put them right into the in of the aftermarket amp. Im just describing what the installer told me.)

Now, when I say "I" in the above, I mean the stereo shop. This is a leading shop that has had feature cars in Car Audio Magazine 4 times in the last year. They do excellent work and have a great reputation. The owner of Arc Audio has flown the owner of this shop to asia to hold installer workshops. I absolutely love the installation. They did a excellent job on the install (Ill post pics later) but the sound quality is strange. When Im playing something that is pretty mellow (meaning not alot of instruments playing at the same time, such as classical music, etc) it sounds EXCELLENT. when I play rock or some other music where there is alot going on, it sounds too bright, almost brassy on the front stage, but when you change the volume its almost like it changes a bit from too much highs, too not enough, then back again. I swear I can hear the volume change when Im driving down the road. Now, I read the manual about auto volume control, and heres what it says:

The automatic volume control adjusts the volume depending on

1) the vehicle speed (only in vehicles with-out Sound-system*)

OR

2) noises inside the vehicle (only in vehicles with Sound-system*)


Now, I know my invoice says "E-2 Value added package, Premium sound system. does this mean I have the H/K sound system or not? I know it had 10 speakers, and it had a 6 disc cd-changer added but thats all I really know. Have no idea if its the Harmon/Kardon system or not. I bought the car used, so I wasnt the one that ordered the options.

Either way, I think this auto voume is screwing my sound system up. Also, It doesent seem to matter if I put it in Logic 7 mode or
stereo. I, as well as the owner of the stereo shop, agree that its most likely the factory amp that is screwing things up.

Im about ready to go to Germany and look for someone that makes something to replace the factory amp so I can put the signal from the factory head unit right into a converter that goes to a crossover.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I really dont know what to do here and my installer is banging his head against the wall.

Would it be possible to put a aftermarket deck in there and if so, is there any way to keep the factory 6 disc changer? i saw someone on here reccomending a db2 fibre adapter for sale. Maybe I can use this to connect the factory mb cd changer with a aftermarket head unit?

Since I dont use either tele-aid, nor the integrated phone, and I dont have nav, I think a aftermarket head unit would be a pretty good idea, but Im not sure if it will work. Im not keen on losing my steering wheel controls, but Id gladly give that up to get my sound quality up. After spending $7500 on this install, Id like it to sound the way it should.

all comments/questions welcome

(sorry the post is so long!)

-Geoff

Geoff, i have been in the audio industry for over 14 years and my advice would be to get an aftermaket deck and amp and totally bypass the OEM amp and deck...not to mention you'll get better sound quality overall...i see you've spend alot on the system already...so a little extra shouldn't hurt...but if you require more help e-mail me at cbamng@yahoo.com...i have heard of people disabling the auto volume feature...not sure how's it done...but i think it's possible...

Yes, I may do that. If I find out that there is no way to integrate the MB cd - changer into a aftermarket deck, I will probably try to have a aftermarket deck installed were the cd-changer is now and put a aftermarket changer in the trunk. I really want a stealth intstall. I dont like the idea of taking out the MB head unit.

-Geoff

PS< thanks for the help offer.

i don't believe that you can use a aftermarket headunit with a OEM changer....but i'll ask around and let you know

also if you get an alpine deck, u can still use the steering wheel buttons....

also if you get an alpine deck, u can still use the steering wheel buttons....with a special adapter

I are you sure this option is available with the w211? Ive seen a webpage regarding this and it was available for a few different models, but the w211 wasnt one of them. Maybe ill call my local shop regarding Alpine..

There are no adapters for alpine or others to tie into steering wheel controls....

Scott@lajollaaudio

sorry...i thought u had a C-class...you guy's r right no adapter for W211....my bad