Bose Sound System
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 22
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From: Hong Kong
CLK 230K Cabriolet 2000
Bose Sound System
When I ordered my CLK 230K Cabriolet last year I went for the optional (here in Hong Kong) Bose Sound System (approx. US$1000 extra) without actually knowing what it comprised other than I expected better sound.
I do not know whether this has indeed been fitted, I have been told by a friend that one of the functions of the system is that it automatically increases the volume when the background noise increases and vice versa. My system does not do this. I would imagine that this would require a sensor somewhere in the car - where would I find it?
Can anyone tell me what to expect from the Bose Sound System - the dealer here does not know and cannot advise whether I actually have it installed.
In addition, I am not impressed with the sound quality getting distortion from many of my CDs.
A friend has a ML320 with the standard Mercedes sound system and it sounds considerably better than mine.
I do not know whether this has indeed been fitted, I have been told by a friend that one of the functions of the system is that it automatically increases the volume when the background noise increases and vice versa. My system does not do this. I would imagine that this would require a sensor somewhere in the car - where would I find it?
Can anyone tell me what to expect from the Bose Sound System - the dealer here does not know and cannot advise whether I actually have it installed.
In addition, I am not impressed with the sound quality getting distortion from many of my CDs.
A friend has a ML320 with the standard Mercedes sound system and it sounds considerably better than mine.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 13
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From: Atlanta, GA
CLK 320 Cab
In the US the CLK320 Cab has a seven-speaker Bose system while the coups have an eight-speaker system. The seventh speaker for Cab is a sub-woofer, which located below or behind the rear seat armrest. The sound adjusts by the speed of the car instead of noise level in the car. You can also control the radio from the steering wheel, when you are in the audio menu.
Administrator
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 12,265
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From: THE Orange County, California
2024 C8 Z06- 2025 BMW CS- 2022 Porsche 992 GTS
In my E55 I had the Bose System with 8 speakers. The rear deck lid speakers are supposedly subs but they cant handle any sort of bass. Personally I found the Bose System subpar to higher quality systems in other cars (Nakamichi, Mark Levinson). I swapped all my factory speakers out and put in amps too.
My radio came with the speed sensitive volume- it is a pain in the a$$. The speed to volume is not right. When you are going fast the volume increase is too much and when you slow down the volume drops too low. I had mine removed by the dealer. In your case if you dont have the option/system to adjust the volume in the first place you may not be able to get it added. But I wouldnt want it anyways.
My radio came with the speed sensitive volume- it is a pain in the a$$. The speed to volume is not right. When you are going fast the volume increase is too much and when you slow down the volume drops too low. I had mine removed by the dealer. In your case if you dont have the option/system to adjust the volume in the first place you may not be able to get it added. But I wouldnt want it anyways.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
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From: Southern CA
Funny, I was about to post this question. Both the E and ML Class systems sound better than my Bose system. Is that because of more speakers/better amps? Or do I potentially have a problem with my system?
Administrator
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 12,265
Likes: 903
From: THE Orange County, California
2024 C8 Z06- 2025 BMW CS- 2022 Porsche 992 GTS
Originally posted by Mach430
Funny, I was about to post this question. Both the E and ML Class systems sound better than my Bose system. Is that because of more speakers/better amps? Or do I potentially have a problem with my system?
Funny, I was about to post this question. Both the E and ML Class systems sound better than my Bose system. Is that because of more speakers/better amps? Or do I potentially have a problem with my system?
I got to think its the amount of speakers, I dont think the quality of the Bose line in ML's is better than my AMG. But with more speakers comes more amps and better sound reproduction in the cabin. Either way, Bose is weak!!
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 340
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From: Long Island
2001 CLK 320
Bose Sound System
In the U.S., dealers can pull up a Vehicle Master Inquiry (VMI). The inquiry for my car shows the Bose Premium Sound System as Accessory Code 810. If I understand correctly, the codes are literally the menu from which the factory builds your car. If I were in your position, I would ask your dealer to get you a copy of the VMI for your car.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10
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From: New York, New York
clk430 Cab
Bose in US
Correct me if I am wrong, but in the US model clk Cabs the upgraded Bose system is standard, right? I saw no option available to upgrade, and according to spec sheets (e.g., kbb.com), it is a standard feature on the cabs (possibly on the coupes as well).
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 22
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From: Hong Kong
CLK 230K Cabriolet 2000
To all those who replied to my original post - thank you.
I have 7 speakers in my cabriolet. The subwoofer under the rear seat arm rest is tiny and produces little sound that I can hear. The volume is definitely not speed adjusted, I have to adjust manually up for higher speed and down for lower speed.
On many of my CDs, when the sound is loud enough for travelling with the top down at 110 kph, considerable distortion is present. The dealer insists on testing the system in the workshop at low sound levels and swears there is no distortion. I will ask to check the VMI, thanks.
Again. my friend's ML with the standard sound system sounds far superior to mine - could it be that the hard top makes a difference?
gray
I have 7 speakers in my cabriolet. The subwoofer under the rear seat arm rest is tiny and produces little sound that I can hear. The volume is definitely not speed adjusted, I have to adjust manually up for higher speed and down for lower speed.
On many of my CDs, when the sound is loud enough for travelling with the top down at 110 kph, considerable distortion is present. The dealer insists on testing the system in the workshop at low sound levels and swears there is no distortion. I will ask to check the VMI, thanks.
Again. my friend's ML with the standard sound system sounds far superior to mine - could it be that the hard top makes a difference?
gray
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Dallas, TX
W212 E63, Audi R8 4.2, Panamera S, Range Rover Sport GT
I have a 96 E320 without Bose and a 98 CLK320 coupe with Bose. I think that the quality of the overall sound is better in the Bose, but at loud volumes, the mid-bass drivers can't handle the bass too well. The speakers in the regular system can be louder, but the sound is not as "clean" IMHO.
