Nightmare Bose Problem
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Decatur, AL
Lexus LS460, Infiniti JX35, Corvette Z51, Kawasaki Nomad, Dodge Ram 1500
Nightmare Bose Problem
Maybe someone has a clue here...I'm lost.
I bought a used CL500 from a man and there was no sound from the left side speakers at all (front & rear). I found the problem after we agreed to trade so he gave me $500 back on the car to make up for it...whoops, my bad.
I took the car to the Mercedes dealership and they said I needed a $1200 amp and charged me $250 for the diagnosis.
I tried to have my amp repaired at two places but the problem persisted. The last amp repairman said he didn't understand the problem because he thought the amp was fine now.
I bought another amp online for $300. When I plugged it in I was still without my entire left channel. I am concluding it is something else malfunctioning.
It must be my head unit or is there something else that could be broken? Is there a way to test? I'm going back to Mercedes and ask for my diagnostic money back because I think they mis-diagnosed the problem to begin with. Any help or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Tom
I bought a used CL500 from a man and there was no sound from the left side speakers at all (front & rear). I found the problem after we agreed to trade so he gave me $500 back on the car to make up for it...whoops, my bad.
I took the car to the Mercedes dealership and they said I needed a $1200 amp and charged me $250 for the diagnosis.
I tried to have my amp repaired at two places but the problem persisted. The last amp repairman said he didn't understand the problem because he thought the amp was fine now.
I bought another amp online for $300. When I plugged it in I was still without my entire left channel. I am concluding it is something else malfunctioning.
It must be my head unit or is there something else that could be broken? Is there a way to test? I'm going back to Mercedes and ask for my diagnostic money back because I think they mis-diagnosed the problem to begin with. Any help or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Tom
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 934
Likes: 2
From: Boston
NSX
I am guessing you have checked the obvious "balance" on the radio and it is still bad.... It sounds like the head unit may not be outputting sound on one side... rare... but possible. It could even be a cable... I mean whats the chances of boh amps being bad on the same side? its probably not the amp. You have this problem no matter what source is playing? NAV commands and stuff are OK?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,221
Likes: 11
From: Sydney, Australia
W203 slightly modified
Originally Posted by tcounts
Maybe someone has a clue here...I'm lost.
I bought a used CL500 from a man and there was no sound from the left side speakers at all (front & rear). I found the problem after we agreed to trade so he gave me $500 back on the car to make up for it...whoops, my bad.
I took the car to the Mercedes dealership and they said I needed a $1200 amp and charged me $250 for the diagnosis.
I tried to have my amp repaired at two places but the problem persisted. The last amp repairman said he didn't understand the problem because he thought the amp was fine now.
I bought another amp online for $300. When I plugged it in I was still without my entire left channel. I am concluding it is something else malfunctioning.
It must be my head unit or is there something else that could be broken? Is there a way to test? I'm going back to Mercedes and ask for my diagnostic money back because I think they mis-diagnosed the problem to begin with. Any help or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Tom
I bought a used CL500 from a man and there was no sound from the left side speakers at all (front & rear). I found the problem after we agreed to trade so he gave me $500 back on the car to make up for it...whoops, my bad.
I took the car to the Mercedes dealership and they said I needed a $1200 amp and charged me $250 for the diagnosis.
I tried to have my amp repaired at two places but the problem persisted. The last amp repairman said he didn't understand the problem because he thought the amp was fine now.
I bought another amp online for $300. When I plugged it in I was still without my entire left channel. I am concluding it is something else malfunctioning.
It must be my head unit or is there something else that could be broken? Is there a way to test? I'm going back to Mercedes and ask for my diagnostic money back because I think they mis-diagnosed the problem to begin with. Any help or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Tom
Someone may have had a ***** woofer in it before and actually cut some of the left channel lines.
My approach, 20 metres of wire, one end in the door sill where the floor harness joins the door harness and the other end at the amp and check for continuity.
Sitting on a diagnostic is three fifths of jack. Someone needs to have a look and figure things out.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Decatur, AL
Lexus LS460, Infiniti JX35, Corvette Z51, Kawasaki Nomad, Dodge Ram 1500
Originally Posted by AMG2GO
I am guessing you have checked the obvious "balance" on the radio and it is still bad.... It sounds like the head unit may not be outputting sound on one side... rare... but possible. It could even be a cable... I mean whats the chances of boh amps being bad on the same side? its probably not the amp. You have this problem no matter what source is playing? NAV commands and stuff are OK?
Yep, I checked all the obvious things; NAV, CD, Cassette, Balance controls, Reset....all to no avail. Still only R-side channels. Left is dead dead dead.
Thanks,
Tom
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Decatur, AL
Lexus LS460, Infiniti JX35, Corvette Z51, Kawasaki Nomad, Dodge Ram 1500
I thought the input to the amp was via fiber optic. Would there be a harness to the door? Or are you saying I'm getting signal out of the amp but the direct speaker wires might be cut? I'll check the pins on the amp to see if I'm getting a signal out! Now, to begin my search for a pinout...if anyone has a pinout diagram PLEASE send it to me or post it for all to enjoy.
Thanks,
Tom
Thanks,
Tom
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 934
Likes: 2
From: Boston
NSX
Originally Posted by tcounts
I thought the input to the amp was via fiber optic. Would there be a harness to the door? Or are you saying I'm getting signal out of the amp but the direct speaker wires might be cut? I'll check the pins on the amp to see if I'm getting a signal out! Now, to begin my search for a pinout...if anyone has a pinout diagram PLEASE send it to me or post it for all to enjoy.
Thanks,
Tom
Thanks,
Tom
You really need a wiring diagram of this system. See if some parts or service guy at MB can make a photocopy of a service manual for you....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,221
Likes: 11
From: Sydney, Australia
W203 slightly modified
THIS IS THE D2B VERSION NOT THE UPDATED MOST VERSION, the colour markings are in German.
SW = black
RS = ROSE and so on.
SW = black
RS = ROSE and so on.
Last edited by benzmodz; Aug 25, 2005 at 11:01 PM.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Decatur, AL
Lexus LS460, Infiniti JX35, Corvette Z51, Kawasaki Nomad, Dodge Ram 1500
Eureka
After much trouble...and thanks specifically to the fine members of this forum, I found the problem. It was a broken wire all along.
Anybody want to buy a spare CL500 amp?
Thanks again everyone!
Tom
Anybody want to buy a spare CL500 amp?
Thanks again everyone!
Tom
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
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
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 934
Likes: 2
From: Boston
NSX
I think you should take it back to MB and get your money back! what the hell it was a misdiagnosis and it didn't solve your problem, why should you have to pay for it? did they diagnose it or you? if they did then take it back. If they give you trouble call MBUSA. Make a stink...
Otherwise I will take that P.O.S. off your hands if you pay me like... $100. :p
Otherwise I will take that P.O.S. off your hands if you pay me like... $100. :p
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Decatur, AL
Lexus LS460, Infiniti JX35, Corvette Z51, Kawasaki Nomad, Dodge Ram 1500
You betcha...got MB to fix it finally for no add'l charge
After mis-diagnosing it, causing me to find another amp (one heckuva hard thing to do..harder than I would've thought), and all the pain and suffering of figgerin' it out, they finally fixed it.
If it wasn't for the pinout diagram left by benzmodz I would've never diagnosed it properly. I ohmed out each pair and found the left side completely open. I knew I had the problem licked then and left MB with the labor to get it done. I didn't really want to pull the car apart without knowing where to pull without breaking clamps & hooks.
Keep your eyes peeled on e-bay for a nice amp!
Tom
If it wasn't for the pinout diagram left by benzmodz I would've never diagnosed it properly. I ohmed out each pair and found the left side completely open. I knew I had the problem licked then and left MB with the labor to get it done. I didn't really want to pull the car apart without knowing where to pull without breaking clamps & hooks.
Keep your eyes peeled on e-bay for a nice amp!
Tom
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Orlando
1987 Volvo 740 GLE, 06 TUNDRA, 2000 CL 500,2005 Toya Highlander
Amp Problem
Dear Tcounts,
I hope you are still on this forum as I have the same problem same side with my CL500.
As it turned out, I went to MB as you did they gave me the same analysis for $132.00.
If you still have said information could you email (derryg@yahoo.com) me as to where wire was located and maybe I can get my money returned. Thanks in advance and thanks to this forum.
I hope you are still on this forum as I have the same problem same side with my CL500.
As it turned out, I went to MB as you did they gave me the same analysis for $132.00.
If you still have said information could you email (derryg@yahoo.com) me as to where wire was located and maybe I can get my money returned. Thanks in advance and thanks to this forum.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Decatur, AL
Lexus LS460, Infiniti JX35, Corvette Z51, Kawasaki Nomad, Dodge Ram 1500
Pinout Diagram
I'm re-attaching the pinout for everyone to share as long as it lasts on the site. I'm happy to e-mail it to anyone looking as well, just give me a shout and I'll get it right out to you. I can't stress how much this helped in solving the problem.
Cheers,
Tom
Cheers,
Tom
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
MB
Sorry to bring this thread back from the dead but does anyone know where this broken wire was located? I have this same model car in my shop right now with the exact same problem. PM'd the OP but no reply yet. Thanks in advance for the help!!!
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2000 Mercedes CL 500
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,340
Likes: 22
From: Southern California, USA
2003 CL55 AMG
The wires that generally break are located inside the accordion hinge in the door or thereabouts very closely. This is a common problem after several hundred door open/close cycles.
