Dropping an aftermarket sub and amp into oem sound system
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 151
Likes: 7
From: Carbondale Illinois
2002 mercedes c230 kompressor coupe (CL203)
Dropping an aftermarket sub and amp into oem sound system
I just swapped out the blown door speakers on my c230 with some new ones (same impedance, RMS ect as the oem) and they seem to have a frequency filter built into them so Im not getting hardly any sub 500 hz. How feasible would it be for me to drop one of those cheap little sub and amp boxes into the back seat somewhere, would I probably have to snag the signal from one of the door speakers and convert the signal or has anyone else had better luck with a different approach?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 148
From: Richmond, VA Metro Area
2005 C230 Sport Sedan-6 Speed Manual
I have an aftermarket system in my car, and I have not done the exact work that you are considering. However, I think your plan should work.
This thread discusses adding a subwoofer to an aftermarket system.
Post #15 in that thread includes a link to a YouTube video showing how to tap into the rear door speakers to provide a signal to a subwoofer. The video shows the work on a W204. The same basic process should work on a W203, but there may be differences in details such as wire colors. The thread s shows some options for providing power to the amplifier and subwoofer.
I suggest that you consider installing an amp in the trunk and a subwoofer in the rear deck rather than have subwoofer/amp sitting in the back seat. I like having the amp and sub safe from damage and firmly fastened to the car. If you shop carefully (I bought my amp from Crutchfield from their outlet and the subwoofer is from Parts Express) the cost should be comparable to a combo unit.
Good luck with your project and please provide an update showing your results.
This thread discusses adding a subwoofer to an aftermarket system.
Post #15 in that thread includes a link to a YouTube video showing how to tap into the rear door speakers to provide a signal to a subwoofer. The video shows the work on a W204. The same basic process should work on a W203, but there may be differences in details such as wire colors. The thread s shows some options for providing power to the amplifier and subwoofer.
I suggest that you consider installing an amp in the trunk and a subwoofer in the rear deck rather than have subwoofer/amp sitting in the back seat. I like having the amp and sub safe from damage and firmly fastened to the car. If you shop carefully (I bought my amp from Crutchfield from their outlet and the subwoofer is from Parts Express) the cost should be comparable to a combo unit.
Good luck with your project and please provide an update showing your results.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 151
Likes: 7
From: Carbondale Illinois
2002 mercedes c230 kompressor coupe (CL203)
I have an aftermarket system in my car, and I have not done the exact work that you are considering. However, I think your plan should work.
This thread discusses adding a subwoofer to an aftermarket system.
Post #15 in that thread includes a link to a YouTube video showing how to tap into the rear door speakers to provide a signal to a subwoofer. The video shows the work on a W204. The same basic process should work on a W203, but there may be differences in details such as wire colors. The thread s shows some options for providing power to the amplifier and subwoofer.
I suggest that you consider installing an amp in the trunk and a subwoofer in the rear deck rather than have subwoofer/amp sitting in the back seat. I like having the amp and sub safe from damage and firmly fastened to the car. If you shop carefully (I bought my amp from Crutchfield from their outlet and the subwoofer is from Parts Express) the cost should be comparable to a combo unit.
Good luck with your project and please provide an update showing your results.
This thread discusses adding a subwoofer to an aftermarket system.
Post #15 in that thread includes a link to a YouTube video showing how to tap into the rear door speakers to provide a signal to a subwoofer. The video shows the work on a W204. The same basic process should work on a W203, but there may be differences in details such as wire colors. The thread s shows some options for providing power to the amplifier and subwoofer.
I suggest that you consider installing an amp in the trunk and a subwoofer in the rear deck rather than have subwoofer/amp sitting in the back seat. I like having the amp and sub safe from damage and firmly fastened to the car. If you shop carefully (I bought my amp from Crutchfield from their outlet and the subwoofer is from Parts Express) the cost should be comparable to a combo unit.
Good luck with your project and please provide an update showing your results.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 148
From: Richmond, VA Metro Area
2005 C230 Sport Sedan-6 Speed Manual
I didn't realize that you had a coupe. There doesn't seem to be much information available about adding subs in a coupe. I found this video with a quick search:
The downside to the approach shown in the video is that the sub would occupy a significant amount of the storage area behind the seat. Your original idea for using a compact sub/amplifier combination is likely a better approach. The instructions on wiring in the video are limited, but they may help you get started.
You may consider contacting Crutchfield to determine whether they have suggestions for your specific vehicle. Crutchfield Website If you buy from Crutchfield, they include a vehicle-specific instruction sheet at no cost. I appreciate that coupes are less common than sedans, so Crutchfield may less experience and fewer details about installing a sub in a coupe. But, it may be worth a shot.
There may be some space behind the trim panels in the rear storage area that can accommodate a sub. Perhaps a coupe owner will see this thread and offer guidance. There appears to have been an optional Bose subwoofer available: Link to coupe subwoofer. It looks like it was designed to fit in the side of the rear storage area where it would protected from cargo.
The downside to the approach shown in the video is that the sub would occupy a significant amount of the storage area behind the seat. Your original idea for using a compact sub/amplifier combination is likely a better approach. The instructions on wiring in the video are limited, but they may help you get started.
You may consider contacting Crutchfield to determine whether they have suggestions for your specific vehicle. Crutchfield Website If you buy from Crutchfield, they include a vehicle-specific instruction sheet at no cost. I appreciate that coupes are less common than sedans, so Crutchfield may less experience and fewer details about installing a sub in a coupe. But, it may be worth a shot.
There may be some space behind the trim panels in the rear storage area that can accommodate a sub. Perhaps a coupe owner will see this thread and offer guidance. There appears to have been an optional Bose subwoofer available: Link to coupe subwoofer. It looks like it was designed to fit in the side of the rear storage area where it would protected from cargo.
Last edited by KevinH2000; Dec 12, 2024 at 01:43 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 269
Likes: 93
From: Las Vegas, NV
2003 S55 AMG, 2005 C320 Coupe, 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave
My car is an '05 Coupe with the factory Harmon Kardon system, no navigation. I just installed an Alpine head unit, 12" Kicker sub and Kicker amp. The route I went is probably more involved than what it sounds like you're trying to do. I retained the factory wiring with a plug and play harness from Crutchfield. It's a pain pulling panels and routing wiring, but the results are worth it for a clean installation. My sub is secured to the cargo tie downs so I can removed it quickly if I need to access my spare.
Last edited by S_Holford; Dec 13, 2024 at 10:51 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 151
Likes: 7
From: Carbondale Illinois
2002 mercedes c230 kompressor coupe (CL203)
I didn't realize that you had a coupe. There doesn't seem to be much information available about adding subs in a coupe. I found this video with a quick search:
Sub install in a W203 coupe.
The downside to the approach shown in the video is that the sub would occupy a significant amount of the storage area behind the seat. Your original idea for using a compact sub/amplifier combination is likely a better approach. The instructions on wiring in the video are limited, but they may help you get started.
You may consider contacting Crutchfield to determine whether they have suggestions for your specific vehicle. Crutchfield Website If you buy from Crutchfield, they include a vehicle-specific instruction sheet at no cost. I appreciate that coupes are less common than sedans, so Crutchfield may less experience and fewer details about installing a sub in a coupe. But, it may be worth a shot.
There may be some space behind the trim panels in the rear storage area that can accommodate a sub. Perhaps a coupe owner will see this thread and offer guidance. There appears to have been an optional Bose subwoofer available: Link to coupe subwoofer. It looks like it was designed to fit in the side of the rear storage area where it would protected from cargo.
Sub install in a W203 coupe.
The downside to the approach shown in the video is that the sub would occupy a significant amount of the storage area behind the seat. Your original idea for using a compact sub/amplifier combination is likely a better approach. The instructions on wiring in the video are limited, but they may help you get started.
You may consider contacting Crutchfield to determine whether they have suggestions for your specific vehicle. Crutchfield Website If you buy from Crutchfield, they include a vehicle-specific instruction sheet at no cost. I appreciate that coupes are less common than sedans, so Crutchfield may less experience and fewer details about installing a sub in a coupe. But, it may be worth a shot.
There may be some space behind the trim panels in the rear storage area that can accommodate a sub. Perhaps a coupe owner will see this thread and offer guidance. There appears to have been an optional Bose subwoofer available: Link to coupe subwoofer. It looks like it was designed to fit in the side of the rear storage area where it would protected from cargo.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 151
Likes: 7
From: Carbondale Illinois
2002 mercedes c230 kompressor coupe (CL203)
My car is an '05 Coupe with the factory Harmon Kardon system, no navigation. I just installed an Alpine head unit, 12" Kicker sub and Kicker amp. The route I went is probably more involved than what it sounds like you're trying to do. I retained the factory wiring with a plug and play harness from Crutchfield. It's a pain pulling panels and routing wiring, but the results are worth it for a clean installation. My sub is secured to the cargo tie downs so I can removed it quickly if I need to access my spare.
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 269
Likes: 93
From: Las Vegas, NV
2003 S55 AMG, 2005 C320 Coupe, 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave
ive already replaced the door speakers with alpine units by retrofitting them into the oe housings so ive kept that part of the wiring harness. do you recall what the harness is called? i remember looking for it when i did my speakers but I wasnt able to find a definitive result.
I wouldn't know if there are changes between '02-'05 that would matter for the kit. I plan to replace my door speakers too. I really didn't want to have to mess with the wiring too much and that's why I opted for the kits.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
