C32 Dodgy Amp
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Hampshire, England
C32 AMG
C32 Dodgy Amp
My C32 has got a 10 speaker Bose setup and whenever the weather gets hot (which is pretty much all the time these days) the amp starts playing up after 15 minutes or so and cuts out speakers all over the place.
Once it starts, even turning off the stereo doesn't stop it. It still makes weird noises through the speakers until, presumably, it has cooled down again. The only way to avoid this is to leave the stereo off whenever the weather is hot.
Mercedes answer to this is, as ever, to simply replace the amp. This is an £800 option which I would rather not take. They also said that the amp does more than simply control the speakers so I can't replace it with an aftermarket item. I don't know if that's true or not, I'm simply taking their word for it.
My local Mercedes specialists have never come across it before and can't really advise me. The experiences with the so called ICE 'experts' in these parts don't fill me with much confidence.
I can't be the first owner to experience this so does anyone out there have any ideas how this can be fixed or know of anyone who might
Once it starts, even turning off the stereo doesn't stop it. It still makes weird noises through the speakers until, presumably, it has cooled down again. The only way to avoid this is to leave the stereo off whenever the weather is hot.
Mercedes answer to this is, as ever, to simply replace the amp. This is an £800 option which I would rather not take. They also said that the amp does more than simply control the speakers so I can't replace it with an aftermarket item. I don't know if that's true or not, I'm simply taking their word for it.
My local Mercedes specialists have never come across it before and can't really advise me. The experiences with the so called ICE 'experts' in these parts don't fill me with much confidence.
I can't be the first owner to experience this so does anyone out there have any ideas how this can be fixed or know of anyone who might
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,034
Likes: 6
From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
uhmm cheapest and easiest thing is, just to fold the rear seat down so the ac can get to the trunk. Mercedes pretty much sealed the trunk from the rest of the cabin so the ac never reaches the trunk.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Hampshire, England
C32 AMG
Sorry, didn't mention that mine is an estate.
Strangely it doesn't matter how cool the inside of the car is, it still plays up. I'm wondering whether it is simply the heat of the metal in such close proximity to the amp.
Appreciate the help though.
Strangely it doesn't matter how cool the inside of the car is, it still plays up. I'm wondering whether it is simply the heat of the metal in such close proximity to the amp.
Appreciate the help though.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,948
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From: Houston, TX
C32/C55 AMG
If you do decide to replace your amp, I think your best bet would be to go with the command unit. I believe the command unit comes with a built in amp. The next step if you would not like to go with the command would be to use an aftermarket amp. If I remember correctly the speakers run off of a 2 ohm load and you would just need an amp that will work in a 2 ohm load. I went and replaced all the speakers and just used an aftermarket amp and used the stock wiring. All I had to do was run wires to my front speakers because my crossover would not fit.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,948
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From: Houston, TX
C32/C55 AMG
Check out this link as well: https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...s-problem.html
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 846
Likes: 45
From: ATL
2017 GLS 550
my old C280 had an issue with the Bose amp... everything you are describing, then one day.... I smelled electrical fire smell... stopped the car opened trunk and smoke coming out of left side trunk support hole in the trim. pulled the trim quickly and there were flames coming out of the amp.
be careful.
be careful.
