03 C230 coupe - Audio upgrade
08-04-2014 | 10:39 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe
03 C230 coupe - Audio upgrade
Hi all,
Looking to upgrade the sound in my 03 c230k coupe. It is stock non-bose sound system. Basically only want to put in an amp and sub to add bass. I have been reading these forums for days now, but still have some questions:
1)Is amplifying the speakers possible and worth it? Would it make a difference? Has anyone done this? How many Watts (RMS) would recommend being sent to them?
2) I am interested in adding aftermarket head unit (HU) so I can get all features (bluetooth, mp3 etc.). Will I lose all steering wheel functions (volume, vod selection), only some (like volume controls) or is it possible to keep all functionality? Will I lose the use of the CD changer too?
Just looking for some guidance
Looking to upgrade the sound in my 03 c230k coupe. It is stock non-bose sound system. Basically only want to put in an amp and sub to add bass. I have been reading these forums for days now, but still have some questions:
1)Is amplifying the speakers possible and worth it? Would it make a difference? Has anyone done this? How many Watts (RMS) would recommend being sent to them?
2) I am interested in adding aftermarket head unit (HU) so I can get all features (bluetooth, mp3 etc.). Will I lose all steering wheel functions (volume, vod selection), only some (like volume controls) or is it possible to keep all functionality? Will I lose the use of the CD changer too?
Just looking for some guidance
08-05-2014 | 12:14 AM
#2
Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Tx, USA
2002 c240
Upgrading the head unit is...relatively easy. I did mine a little over a month ago and absolutely love it... To keep the steering wheel controls you have to spend an additional $50 on an ASWC-1 module. And you'll need an install kit(~$25), along with the head unit itself, obviously.
Yes, you'll lose CD access but that doesn't really matter because bluetooth music/pandora/AUX cord/USB port!
I know nothing about amps/subs though so I'll let someone else talk about that.
Yes, you'll lose CD access but that doesn't really matter because bluetooth music/pandora/AUX cord/USB port!
I know nothing about amps/subs though so I'll let someone else talk about that.
08-06-2014 | 03:36 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe
Thanks ildd. 
I went to my local sound install shop (I have no knowledge or ability to install car sound) and they could keep the steering wheel control functionality....but at a cost! The ASCW-1 and the wiring harness costs $300! 
So I am going to have a JVC Arsenal KD-AR959BS deck put in (has bluetooth). Keeping stock speakers, as they should sound a little better with the aftermarket deck.
Adding in a 10" compact enclosed sub (Pioneer TS-SWX251) 200W RMS @ 4ohm. Owner of sound shop suggested a 2 channel JVC KS-AX202 which can do 120W bridged at 4ohm. I was concerned that was not enough power for the sub considering it is only a compact, enclosed 10". I looked at a Hertz 2 channel which can do 200W RMS bridged @4 ohm but shop owner didn't think it was necessary (you would think he would try up-sell the bigger amp
). What is your opinion on the amp? Enough power? Will additional $50 for Hertz amp be worth it?
I went to my local sound install shop (I have no knowledge or ability to install car sound) and they could keep the steering wheel control functionality....but at a cost! The ASCW-1 and the wiring harness costs $300! So I am going to have a JVC Arsenal KD-AR959BS deck put in (has bluetooth). Keeping stock speakers, as they should sound a little better with the aftermarket deck.
Adding in a 10" compact enclosed sub (Pioneer TS-SWX251) 200W RMS @ 4ohm. Owner of sound shop suggested a 2 channel JVC KS-AX202 which can do 120W bridged at 4ohm. I was concerned that was not enough power for the sub considering it is only a compact, enclosed 10". I looked at a Hertz 2 channel which can do 200W RMS bridged @4 ohm but shop owner didn't think it was necessary (you would think he would try up-sell the bigger amp
). What is your opinion on the amp? Enough power? Will additional $50 for Hertz amp be worth it?
