MiiLaNz

Hey guys I've been reading over the numerous threads about installing aftermarket decks and subwoofers in W203s with the BOSE system. I just wanted to get everything straight before i go out and spend the money for the necessary components. So I'm wanting to install an aftermarket head unit so i can integrate my iPhone 5 to play music and use other features.

So this is what i had in mind, I was going to buy purchase this head unit ( ). I am going to get rid of the CD changer, factory head unit and BOSE amp. So I would buy a 4 channel amp to replace the BOSE Amp and wire up all the speakers to that amplifier but i do not know how to wire the tweeters and center speaker up. I would send the the signal from the aftermarket head unit to the amp with RCA cables as normal. Also i would have a mono block amp to wire a subwoofer in the back since the 4 channel will not be able to support the stock subwoofer. I will remove the stock subwoofer and install a Kenwood 12' in a ported box and send the signal from the head unit to the amp also with RCA cables. Also to make the head unit work i would wire the power to the cigarette lighter?

Does this all sound correct? I want to make sure before i go out and spend the money on buying the head unit, the 2 amps, all the wiring and subwoofer. Also i should be able to retain the factory bose speakers and wire them up to the 4 channel amp without having to buy new door speakers and tweeters correct?

hanknum

That all sounds about right.

MiiLaNz

Ok thanks. I just have one more question, does anyone know where I can find the spec on the Bose speakers because I have no idea what ohm or how much power they need..

phister

most euro cars run 2ohm systems so the the bose amp is probably 2ohm. my audi one is. Most aftermarket amps run 4ohm on a 4channel unless you bridge them. You can use a 4ohm on a 2ohm but you'll only be using half of what the 4ohm puts out.

MiiLaNz

Ok i was interested in getting this amp ( ) which says it can run 75W X 4 at 2ohm so it should work correct? and then also would that be too much or too little power for those speakers?

phister

you have to make sure if thats 2ohm bridged or not. that will be in the range of power, you just tune the amp to the correct setting so it doesnt distort the speakers and sound like crap.

MiiLaNz

Ok so i went out and got the double din head unit but i havent started tearing apart the center console yet. Is there any type of wiring harness i will need even though i have the BOSE system? I know i need the antenna adapter and the double din frame kit.

phister

youll need the harness adapter to match the new hu harness to oem harness. scosche or metra makes them. usually you can buy all three from ebay for cheap

MiiLaNz

I searched it up and found this http://bit.ly/Wauziu on eBay (link from the eBay app). The wiring harness looks a little weird with the RCA
cables coming from it

Moviela

The Bose speakers in cars are odd ducks in the audio world, and do not play well with what many people call standard amplifiers.

Bose makes specific drivers, frames, magnets, and cones to take advantage of their engineering abilities to decrease costs for their automotive clients.

All audio speakers should be judged by the ears of the listeners. Forget the ratings, the opinions, the marketing drivel, just listen and go with what you like.

Most people really don't like the Bose speakers in the C class when driven with aftermarket amps. The Bose amp is crafted to produce a reasonable sound field with the speakers they manufacture. It would be difficult to reproduce the non-linear output from the Bose amp with any normal after market amp.

It does not matter what after market amp you use, they will all present about the same current to the speakers. It does matter how it sounds to you.

I suggest you audition the Bose speakers in your car with a home receiver to see if the speakers are pleasing to you. It will take a bit of wiring to connect it, but your ears will tell you if you need to budget more money for new speakers or not. Have fun.

Acapulco Bill

Ditto what Moviela expertly states. Dr. Amar Bose, when designing his "direct-reflecting" Model 901 speakers in the 1960's, use exclusively 4" cones, not needing a crossover but requiring an equalizer inserted between the preamp and the amp (or in a Tape in-out loop) in order to highly tailor the output of the amplifier. The EQ had "ear stimulating" bumps added, like one at 3k Hz to make voices and strings jump out, and a hump around 100 Hz to give the impression of low bass.

So doubtful that using a flat EQ amplifier will produce good sound with stock Bose speakers. For what decent drivers cost, you might as well just replace them as part of your setup. I cannot stress enough how important high efficiency is in a limited-power situation such as car audio or professional sound. One should look for 93 dB/1 watt as a minimum standard, accept no less. A personal preference is the Infinity Kappa series, which is capable of 116 dB sound from the stock MB headunit. Best of luck.

MiiLaNz

What speakers would you recommend for the front and rear door speakers? Should i also replace the tweeters up front? My plan originally was to just integrate my iPod but if the stock speakers wont work well with the amp im getting, I guess it would be better to replace those while I have the car apart.

Acapulco Bill

There were at least 2 variations of the Bose system, you will have to check which:
1) Front 6 1/2 inch and rear 5 1/4 inch NO tweeter in front door window frame
2) Front 6 1/2 inch and rear 5 1/4 inch WITH tweeter in front door window frame

Please check and see which size and configuration you have (some even say 6-1/2 rears and even 5-1/4 fronts) and specific recommendations will be given.

Also informative is this thread from the W204 Forum, W203 sizes may be different:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...r-upgrade.html

MiiLaNz

I have the tweeters in the front door frame.

Acapulco Bill

So assuming the sizes are correct... (no rear size confirmed)
FRONT if woofers are 6 1/2 inch


REAR if woofers are 6 1/2 inch


REAR if woofers are 5 1/4 inch

Please check sizes carefully before ordering. Also leave Xovers on "0 dB" and NOT on "-6 dB".

MiiLaNz

I will check with the rear and front size speakers, my father took the car for new rear tires. Thank you i will look into those speakers!

MiiLaNz

I have a home receiver i could hook up to the speakers in the car. I have this receiver (http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio..._u/?mode=model). How exactly would i go about hooking it up? it has 5 channels at 100W each but wouldnt that be too much power for the speakers?

Acapulco Bill

You are welcome, and while you are waiting read the Third Party Speaker thread. My idea was to not replace the Audio20 headunit (no HK or Nav systems on Mexico C class except C63). However since the Bose amp outputs a highly EQ'd signal, replacement of both the headunit and the speakers is absolutely necessary. 50 watts per channel into 2 ohms (nearly what the stock Audio20 unit provides) is quite enough, the math comes out to 116 dB with all 4 speakers playing.

Acapulco Bill

It could be counterproductive to hook a home amplifier to the Bose speakers just to hear them, Moviela answered that question quite specifically, although he did make the suggestion. IMO, better invest your time in checking sizes before ordering and doing an excellent job of sealing the woofers from leaks around the door panel into the cabin.