XRAYVSN

Hi, wondering if anyone else has this problem:

I have a 2004 C320 with the Bose Audiopilot system. According to the bose website, this is supposed to be a different system from other previous speed control volume devices. It is supposed to compensate for noise without a perceivable change in volume (unlike the SCV devices where it simply just cranks up the volume). The issue is, on my car, I notice that if I set the music at a certain volume (give it a value of 5 for instance) and then proceed to go on the highway, it seems like it just seems to increase the volume to maybe 7-8 (just like SCV) and I actually have to physically turn down the volume b/c of loudness. Also when I stop, there is a noticeable drop in the volume, even lower than the original volume I set it at (value of 2-3). The dealer thinks this is normal for the system and believes there is no problem. I contacted bose and they way it may be a microphone or amplifier issue. However when the dealer hooks up my radio for testing, it can't read any errors b/c I had retrofitted an older V60 voice recognition system (from a 2002 C230) and the dealer who installed it says b/c of this the computer won't read anything and the phone system would have to be removed (which I don't wont) for them to analyze properly.

Thanks

SUNILP

do a search. It has been posted. Go to your dealer and set your bose audio pilot sensitivity to 2 or 3 db.

rockintunes23

I noticed the same thing in my car when I first got it, thought I was going nutty. I come to find out, its a mercedes setting. Fun Fun Fun. When I had my BMW 328i, the window washer would change how fast and how slow it would go by my MPH speed. It must be a German thing cause American cars don't do that.

HiTEC

I can tell you that Audi is having problems with the Audiopilot in the 04/05 A4/S4 cars. People are having problems with the volume jumping all around. From what I've heard people notice it more the hotter the temp is outside??? I don't know if the temp thing is specific to Audi? I just wanted to let you know you aren't the only german car owner having problems. I'm glad I got mine before Audiopilot because it sounds annoying.

CitronC230K_03

mine has a noticable difference around 40mph. hasnt bothered me enough to have the settings changed at the dealer though.

amdeutsch

BOSE settings cannot be changed as they are read by a mic. The settings that can be changed are the std MB speed dependent settings; 0, 3, 6 & 9 dB.

CitronC230K_03

what do they come from the factory set as?

XRAYVSN

Yeah, it seems that those cars with the premium sound package (Bose audiopilot) seem to have 2 redundant systems, a system that comes with the standard audio that is speed sensitive, and on top of this a separate system by bose that compensates for cabin noise. I believe it was unnecessary to have the speed sensitive volume option on when you have the Bose audipilot system (which I agree, have found no way of turning off). So pretty much when you drive fast, you have 2 separate components increasing the sound which therefore makes it much louder than expected. Plus when you come to a sudden stop both systems are working to reduce volume, overdoing it and therefore making it much lower than the desired setting. I think it was an error on Mercedes Benz part for this. I am scheduled to go to the dealer and at least turn off the system you can (the speed control option, which I've found has a variety of settings of it's own, ranging from 9 to 0 decibel responses). Anyway, I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks for all the help.

rockintunes23

I just took it to my dealer, told them I was going nuttes, and they changed it so as I drive to the speed of 60... its goes up alittle.

amdeutsch

Factory default is 9 dB. At least mine was when I had it reduced.

CitronC230K_03

what did you have it reduced to andy? did it make a difference around 40mph. thats when i definately hear mine change!

amdeutsch

Doug

I had it reduced to 6 and at my next service will go down to 3. Noticed too much of a difference when coming to a stop, not so much when I'm driving. Not sure if your Coupe will exhibit the same characteristics as my sedan.

CitronC230K_03

thanks, ill give it a try at 6, 9 is definately noticable.

amdeutsch

Keep in mind that 9 dB represents 8 times the power and 6 dB 4 times. Now you ear will interpret 10 dB as twice as loud. Its logarithmic and not linear. HTH

rockintunes23

Sounds fun.

Anaheim_Drew

Mr. Rockintunes23

I know who you are..........

rockintunes23

[B] Hope that earthquake didn't shake you alot

CitronC230K_03

earthquakes! bring it on!

XRAYVSN

Well I just got my car back from the dealer, I had them change the speed sensitivity all the way to 0 (don't know what it was originally set at). Now the only thing that changes the output is the Bose Audiopilot, which actually now works remarkably well on its own. It compensates for engine noise, wind noise, etc on its own and now doesn't get drastically loud like it had been with the addition of the speed sensitve control settings.


Thanks for the advice guys.