Need Help! Stereo Install w/ HK for CLK55 (w209)
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CLK55
Need Help! Stereo Install w/ HK for CLK55 (w209)
Well, I'm a newbie (I also posted this under the CLK AMG forum, but decided I might get more attention in the CLK (w209) forum). I have been searching the forums in an effort to find information that will help me install a new sound system using my stock HU. I have a 2005 CLK55 (w209) with the Harmon Kardon sound system. My plans are to tap into the existing speaker wires connected to the HK amp in an effort to install a hi/lo converter on the output side of the amp. I understand from reading various posts that its possible to tie in on the output side in an effort to avoid messing with the fiber optic connections and to maintain all existing controls (steering wheel etc.). I'm hoping someone can give me some tips on first locating the HK amp and second any wiring diagrams or information to know which wire connects to which speaker. Also, any information as to the best location to tie into the existing speaker wires going to the sub will help. I haven't decided to do a full replacement or just the sub to start. If I do decide to install an entirely new system I'm wondering if anyone has tied into the existing speaker wires going to the doors from the new amps (connected to new speakers in the door obviously). I've found a lot about Bose systems, but very little about HK. I really appreciate any help any of you can provide to help with this install. Best I can tell I can do a complete speaker overhaul for about a third of the cost that's been quoted by a professional installer. I've got some experience with car audio from back in the day, so I'm hopeful this project will be like riding a bike. Thanks again.
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From: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
'05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)
Amp is in the trunk, right side behind the carpeting. If the amp you buy does not have high level inputs, you'll have to buy a line level converter. Keep in mind that if you are going to change all the speakers out - the system is 2ohm, not 4ohm.
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From: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
'05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)
Highly doubt you'll find 2ohm speakers mate, if you install 4ohm you are going to lose volume in the factory system. Same principle as installing home audio 8ohm speakers into a standard 4ohm car system.
As for the subs, what is your enclosure plan?
As for the subs, what is your enclosure plan?
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CLK55
I found some Infinity 2 ohm components and 6.5 mid/hi for the doors. I'm going to use a JL 320 4 way amp for these and install the crossover somewhere in the door. I'll use the existing factory speaker wires to get to the door and tie the crossover in there. As for the sub, I'm planning to use a JL 10w3v3-2 2 ohm with JL 500 mono amp. All this will be run through a JBL MS-8 Sound Processor. I'm planning to build a custom port through the rear armrest (cover the plastic insert with material matching the seat and insert a 3" port). The enclosure has to be 1.25 cubic feet, so with the width of the trunk I shouldnt' have any problem. You know there are two elevations in the trunk, so I'll probably build something not exactly square (almost like two separate boxes), assuming I can use the upper deck and still get the depth to top mount the speaker. I am going to use a flexible hose/pipe to run the port from the enclosure to my port in the armrest. Of course figuring all this out is the easy part. I've purchased a "factory service" dvd from ebay hoping it will contain wiring diagrams and instructions to remove panels, but we'll see if it is everything the seller promised. My two biggest concerns are getting power to the battery (through the firewall) and figuring out which speaker wires coming from the HK amp are for which speakers. Have you ever seen a wiring diagram or do you know if these are marked? Let me know what you think.
Last edited by benamg22; Nov 29, 2010 at 09:51 PM.
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From: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
'05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)
Nice find on the 2ohm speakers, I never thought of Infinity but now that you mention it, they have always had a very strong aftermarket for morphing into a factory system.
Sound like you've got it all figured out equipment wise and a good plan for the install. There is a wire guide and other info floating around on this and other boards.
This is an excellent thread;
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...o-upgrade.html
Another fantastic thread;
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...an-becker.html
Basic wire guide (post #7);
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...g-diagram.html
All you need to do in return for this info is to keep us up to date and post pictures
Good luck matey!
Sound like you've got it all figured out equipment wise and a good plan for the install. There is a wire guide and other info floating around on this and other boards.
This is an excellent thread;
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...o-upgrade.html
Another fantastic thread;
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...an-becker.html
Basic wire guide (post #7);
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...g-diagram.html
All you need to do in return for this info is to keep us up to date and post pictures
Good luck matey!
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CLK55
Kevwood - Thanks for the great links. I'd seen two of these, but the third with the amp wiring pics I had not. It will help! I'm planning on doing the install between Christmas and New Years, so be patient on my pics!
As for using the stock speakers, I've thought about at least trying them first with the upgraded amp. I've read people think these are pretty good. Worst case I can replace them after the fact since I am going to install a new 4 channel amp.
Big question....anyone know which wire is the "remote in" to the factory amp - surely it is not a fiber optic connection like the speakers from the HU, but I'd love some verification on that too? I am not going to install a new HU, so I don't want to have to run to the cigarette lighter, and the JBL MS-8 says you must cut the factory amp remote in, run it to the remote in on the JBL, then run the remote out from the JBL back to the factory amp. Don't know how it would know, but hate to ignore the instructions.
Thanks. You guys have been very helpful.
As for using the stock speakers, I've thought about at least trying them first with the upgraded amp. I've read people think these are pretty good. Worst case I can replace them after the fact since I am going to install a new 4 channel amp.
Big question....anyone know which wire is the "remote in" to the factory amp - surely it is not a fiber optic connection like the speakers from the HU, but I'd love some verification on that too? I am not going to install a new HU, so I don't want to have to run to the cigarette lighter, and the JBL MS-8 says you must cut the factory amp remote in, run it to the remote in on the JBL, then run the remote out from the JBL back to the factory amp. Don't know how it would know, but hate to ignore the instructions.
Thanks. You guys have been very helpful.
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From: A Canadian in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
'05 C200K SS, '05 Kleemann CLK500K, '08 Hummer H3 & '92 Z34 5sp (track car in Canada)
If you are going to use the factory speakers you need to keep in mind that you'll be placing a 2ohm load on the amp, other than sub amps 99% are 4ohm stable for high pass. You'll be working the amp harder and building up more heat than you would at 4ohm. Change the speakers out if you're going to be introducing a new amp.
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CLK55
Okay, so I took out all my trunk panels tonight and I can't find the amp. After searching I can't find any pics to help me locate the amp in my trunk. Everyone says it's on the passenger side behind the panels, but I just can't see it. I do see what appears to be all the speaker wiring, but before I start cutting I want to confirm these are truly for the speakers. Any advice? Thanks!
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From: Norfolk UK
2004 CLK 240
Okay, so I took out all my trunk panels tonight and I can't find the amp. After searching I can't find any pics to help me locate the amp in my trunk. Everyone says it's on the passenger side behind the panels, but I just can't see it. I do see what appears to be all the speaker wiring, but before I start cutting I want to confirm these are truly for the speakers. Any advice? Thanks!
If you have a cabriolet, the amplifier unit is located elsewhere (on another drawing).
Your vehicle type is important for trunk-mounted items that are often re-located in the cabrio version. You should always state the vehicle details.
Last edited by moondust; Dec 3, 2010 at 01:21 PM.
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2004 CLK 240
OK, here's the drawing for the cabriolet version of CLK. I can now understand why you had difficulty finding the location the amplifier, as from the drawing I can see that it is behind several other items.
Refer to drawing items 2, 3, and 4 for access information. Have a think about proceeding further, as you might need more detailed information from the specified drawings.
I have edited my earlier post, as I now realize some info there was incorrect.
Refer to drawing items 2, 3, and 4 for access information. Have a think about proceeding further, as you might need more detailed information from the specified drawings.
I have edited my earlier post, as I now realize some info there was incorrect.
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From: Jerzy
04 CLK 320 > CLK32K
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CLS550 4Matic
Keyhole posts here really? Lol he is the only member at benzworld who gives useful guides for the w209. I always thought you were the admin.
i am glad you are here too
Btw who owns this forum?
i am glad you are here too
Btw who owns this forum?
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From: Norfolk UK
2004 CLK 240
If not much, you might consider tapping into the cableform for +12v supply to the Amp, which is fused via f26 at 25A.
If you look at the circuit diagram I provided, on the extreme left hand side, you will see the supply line on a RED/VIOLET wire that goes to pin 26 on the amp.
Also consider using spare fuses on the fusebox in the trunk (l/h side). My fuse map shows f5 and f11 are spare on my CLK, so you could wire your new circuit into either of those.
Regarding the circuit diagram, note from the legend that where different, cabrio/coupe items are shown in a box with chained line around, eg - - - -
a) U23 = cabriolet
b) U611 = coupe
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CLK55
Moondust - I pulled the right side trunk liner and found the amp easily using your diagram tonight....very helpful and much appreciated. Sadly, the wires are tucked pretty snug behind the hydraulic pump for the the soft top, which is going to make it tricky trying to cut and splice into the speaker wires. It will take time and patience as I do not intend to pull the hydraulics out (nor the fuse panel). I think if I can loosen the amp I can get the harness out and get just enough slack to make it doable.
As for the 12v, all I need is a remote wire for the sound processor (which will then feed the new amps). Do you know or can you tell from the diagram if F34 at 26 is switched or contant power? The JBL MS-8 unit I'm considering wants you to take the 12v in from the factory amp and run its remote out back to the factory amp. However, upon my research I think it will take an alternative remote in and still get the job done. My other option is an Audiocontrol DQL, which has a remote turn on using the high level input from the amp. It then converts the signal to a 12v to trigger the amps. My preference is really the JBL just because I would be linking a Harman sound processor to the factory Harman system. Don't know if it makes a difference, but can't hurt. More to come.
Last question (for now), can I assume the other 2-pin connector (labeled U1/U2) is the fiber optic coming into the amp?
Keep the advice coming if you have any tips.
As for the 12v, all I need is a remote wire for the sound processor (which will then feed the new amps). Do you know or can you tell from the diagram if F34 at 26 is switched or contant power? The JBL MS-8 unit I'm considering wants you to take the 12v in from the factory amp and run its remote out back to the factory amp. However, upon my research I think it will take an alternative remote in and still get the job done. My other option is an Audiocontrol DQL, which has a remote turn on using the high level input from the amp. It then converts the signal to a 12v to trigger the amps. My preference is really the JBL just because I would be linking a Harman sound processor to the factory Harman system. Don't know if it makes a difference, but can't hurt. More to come.
Last question (for now), can I assume the other 2-pin connector (labeled U1/U2) is the fiber optic coming into the amp?
Keep the advice coming if you have any tips.
Last edited by benamg22; Dec 3, 2010 at 09:45 PM.
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From: Norfolk UK
2004 CLK 240
Moondust - I pulled the right side trunk liner and found the amp easily using your diagram tonight....very helpful and much appreciated. Sadly, the wires are tucked pretty snug behind the hydraulic pump for the the soft top, which is going to make it tricky trying to cut and splice into the speaker wires. It will take time and patience as I do not intend to pull the hydraulics out (nor the fuse panel). I think if I can loosen the amp I can get the harness out and get just enough slack to make it doable.
As for the 12v, all I need is a remote wire for the sound processor (which will then feed the new amps). Do you know or can you tell from the diagram if F34 at 26 is switched or contant power?
Battery > F32 (prefuse box) f1 (125A) > F34 (fusebox in cockpit driver's side) f26 (25A). So this supply is live with the ignition off.
However, the circuits inside A2/13 might not be energised until the 'wake-up' signal is received via the MOST fiber-optic highway on switch-on.
Last question (for now), can I assume the other 2-pin connector (labeled U1/U2) is the fiber optic coming into the amp?
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CLK55
Thanks again Moondust. I think I'll try the loosening to get the amp down far enough to pull the connector, as well as the surrounding components. The 2-pin I was referring to is the MOST connector, which is what I wanted to confirm. You've been a big help. If I run into any issues I'll probably message you. I really appreciate it!
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Not sure if this will be any help to you but this guy is a real genius and has done so much to his CLK
http://forum.evotechnik.net/showthread.php?t=21258
http://forum.evotechnik.net/showthread.php?t=21258
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Corrolla
Do these drawings help? But they are for the coupe only.
If you have a cabriolet, the amplifier unit is located elsewhere (on another drawing).
Your vehicle type is important for trunk-mounted items that are often re-located in the cabrio version. You should always state the vehicle details.
If you have a cabriolet, the amplifier unit is located elsewhere (on another drawing).
Your vehicle type is important for trunk-mounted items that are often re-located in the cabrio version. You should always state the vehicle details.
Andy
