Jun 9, 2015, 12:57 PM
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DIY: C300 Amplified Subwoofer Install
PREMIUM SPONSOR
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 615
Likes: 3
From: Chicago, IL
ML350, Lotus Elise
Long story short, run the power cable to the battery on these newer models...
Oh and i agree that its much easier to just get the speaker outs at the radio... (unless you have the amp in the back in which case you can get them there...)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,135
Likes: 272
From: Sweden
S213
Must be some pretty hefty amplifiers if this would happen to you, I have installed several aftermarket amps in both 204 and the 212 model, have always utilized the rear SAM module power feed and have not yet experienced any voltage cutoff problems.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 421
Likes: 1
From: N.Y.
2018 E63s
Just got my sub.. Now just have to install. Could i tap into the speaker on my top deck behind my rear seats?? Im going to attempt it tomorrow with a test light. IF soo that will be alot easier then doing the door panals.. Will keep u updated
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 421
Likes: 1
From: N.Y.
2018 E63s
Just finished installing my sub. I ran power from the fuse box in the back of the car. I spliced into the wire that leads to the fuse box. I also tapped into the stock sub that is in the top deck. Everything sounds great. Is was easier than doing everything on this DIY. i would suggest doing this instead of the other way. My car sounds really good now
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 165
Likes: 10
Honda Pilot
Just finished installing my sub. I ran power from the fuse box in the back of the car. I spliced into the wire that leads to the fuse box. I also tapped into the stock sub that is in the top deck. Everything sounds great. Is was easier than doing everything on this DIY. i would suggest doing this instead of the other way. My car sounds really good now
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 421
Likes: 1
From: N.Y.
2018 E63s
The wire that runs to the fuse box is 0 gauge. I spliced into it with an 8 gauge power line. And as for the sub and amp I got the MTX Terminator sub and amp. Really good for bass. And I also hooked it up so my stock sub gets more bass just like the MTX.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Ants, what color was the deck sub wire set that your hooked into? I see more then one speaker up on the deck of my HK system.. I assume a couple are surround speakers and the center is the factory "sub" ?
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
I found the factory sub under the rear deck and took left & right line level output right from the leads. My infinity sub is working well with only wire being gain control up front. For power i went direct to battery, ground was beside factory fuse assembly truck passenger side.
Sorry for the poor pic it was off my phone
Sorry for the poor pic it was off my phone
Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
08 C300 Sport
Thanks for the assistance!
I'm trying to run my re-Q to the best possible source. I may just take the headunit out fwiw. I want to do it right the first time around. Shouldn't be too hard to run RCA's to the rear, I'm hoping.
I'm trying to run my re-Q to the best possible source. I may just take the headunit out fwiw. I want to do it right the first time around. Shouldn't be too hard to run RCA's to the rear, I'm hoping.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
w204
Great write up thank you very much.. Did about the same thing for mine the only difference is I used a line level converter and disable the stock sub in the rear deck. The rear sub is a dual voice coil sub so I used each coil for a line.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_142LOC8...evel+converter
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_142LOC8...evel+converter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
From: Norway, Bergen
S204,200 CDI, 2008
Power for active sub
Install a Focal Bus 20 active sub in the rear trunk in my S204. I have the battery in the rear trunk, what will be the best to do:
Power from battery or from sam module?
And where will be the best place to pick up power for the remote cable:
Is there any connections from the Command to use?
Or do I have to use power from the lighter?
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
c300
Just installed two 10" subs and amp. Pulled power from Sam module with installation of power distribution block. Works perfect. High level inputs to RCA converter taken from rear speaker. Remote wire taken from cigarette lighter in glove box. One week no issues, except my car massages me now.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
From: Norway, Bergen
S204,200 CDI, 2008
Just installed two 10" subs and amp. Pulled power from Sam module with installation of power distribution block. Works perfect. High level inputs to RCA converter taken from rear speaker. Remote wire taken from cigarette lighter in glove box. One week no issues, except my car massages me now.
I have installed my Focal Sub, and I used a hi to low converter with remote control signal. Since I have a diesel car, I have the battery in the trunk, and just pulled power from the battery.
It works very well I think, with an increased sound performance.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,136
Likes: 5
Corrolla
Just finished installing my sub. I ran power from the fuse box in the back of the car. I spliced into the wire that leads to the fuse box. I also tapped into the stock sub that is in the top deck. Everything sounds great. Is was easier than doing everything on this DIY. i would suggest doing this instead of the other way. My car sounds really good now
Andy
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
C300
300yoz,
I am about t install a sub amp and sub box tomorrow and I was wondering if you or anyone else out there who's gone before me remembers if it was difficult to remove the factory HK sub from the rear deck and if the + & - cables are clearly marked? From the pic TRDRunner posted the left side has two different colors and the right side looks to have the same color for both.
Nate
I am about t install a sub amp and sub box tomorrow and I was wondering if you or anyone else out there who's gone before me remembers if it was difficult to remove the factory HK sub from the rear deck and if the + & - cables are clearly marked? From the pic TRDRunner posted the left side has two different colors and the right side looks to have the same color for both.
Nate
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
GF owns C300
Nate, what sub and amp are you installing? I'm getting ready to do the same thing you are and have the same question about the +/- on the HK sub. Do you plan to just disable the HK sub?
I'm going to use Audiocontrols new LC2i instead of a standard LOC, I've heard great things about it.
I was talking with a guy on Caraudio.com who installed a sub in his C300. He said he wasn't happy with the output so he cut holes in the metal behind the rear seats, which made a big difference...according to him. Here's what he wrote:
"I didn't cut plates in the rear deck, but moreover make "ski" holes in the plate of steel behind the rear seats. several circular holes with a hole saw and a large squared off hole where the armrest flips down for skis. The black plastic shroud behind the fold-down armrest pops right off so you can get access to it.
As far as obtaining a signal for amplifiers goes, I used an OEM integration unit. Of course it keeps absolutely every steering control, phone, etc useful. Which I HIGHLY recommend using way over a LOC."
I'm going to use Audiocontrols new LC2i instead of a standard LOC, I've heard great things about it.
I was talking with a guy on Caraudio.com who installed a sub in his C300. He said he wasn't happy with the output so he cut holes in the metal behind the rear seats, which made a big difference...according to him. Here's what he wrote:
"I didn't cut plates in the rear deck, but moreover make "ski" holes in the plate of steel behind the rear seats. several circular holes with a hole saw and a large squared off hole where the armrest flips down for skis. The black plastic shroud behind the fold-down armrest pops right off so you can get access to it.
As far as obtaining a signal for amplifiers goes, I used an OEM integration unit. Of course it keeps absolutely every steering control, phone, etc useful. Which I HIGHLY recommend using way over a LOC."
Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 243
Likes: 1
From: Hanoi
Mercedes C300 AMG
Is there any problem when you disconnect the battery from system? When you reconnect the battery everything are normal? Any error appear?
Because some guys said should never disconnect the battery on Mercedes, when you reconnect it the engine won't start and many error appear on dash....
Because some guys said should never disconnect the battery on Mercedes, when you reconnect it the engine won't start and many error appear on dash....
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
C300 2011 4Matic
my only current prob with my system is my bass hits hard and i think its rattling the tools in the tool kit and that box is a PITA to get out -___- it only happens when the truck is closed and i padded up the license plates to i know its not that. im waiting for the day to fix this problem x=
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,056
Likes: 47
From: Orlando, Florida
E350 Sport/ML350RWD
You will not have an issue as long as you don't underpower the subs.I installed the Infinity Basslink (10"w/200 watt amp) and the bass passes into the passenger compartment with ease. My previous car had 2 12" JL's and then 2 12" MB Quart Premium subs so I was accustomed to heavy bass output. If I am happy with the 1 10", you should be more than pleased.
