E-Class (W124) 1984-1995: E 260, E 300, E 320, E 420, E 500 (Includes CE, T, TD models)

My audio head-unit and speaker install

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Old 08-08-2009, 01:44 PM
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'90 300TE (S124)
Thumbs up My audio head-unit and speaker install

I recently installed a new stereo and speakers in my 300TE because I wasn't really impressed with the stock system. I bypassed the fader in the center console and routed the USB cable for the iPod to the center console. Bass is still lacking a bit but the sound quality and iPod control are a very nice improvement over the stock system with a cassette adapter. I am thinking of adding a small subwoofer to get some more bass.

Kenwood Excelon KDC-X693
KFC-1382ie 5-1/4" 3-way speakers
KFC-1062S 4” 3-way speakers

All this can be had for $280 from Crutchfield (including a $50 speaker promotion). It's not a high-power, high-end system like some of you have but I am very happy with it so far.

I like the clean look of the head unit and the ability to select different display colors. The white works just fine for me. Most head units are too flashy for me but this one has a nice basic look. There are lots of audio settings to get a nice sound for each individual interior.

The dash speakers fit nicely and I only had to make a few modifications. I think the pictures will show most of it.

A few more pictures can be found here:
http://wulfers.net/automobilemb/mods...res/index.html





I cut off 2 of the speaker mounting tabs and had to cut out just a little of the dash. I still need to find way to make a few small holes in the dash (thin metal plate under the vinyl) so I can use screws to secure the speakers. But they fit in nice and snug and are not really going anywhere so I left it as-is for now.



There is enough clearance for the speaker grille to fit.



I removed the 2 top mounting tabs for the rear speakers and the lower tabs fit nicely for the existing holes. I just used another screw into the vinyl to secure it on the top.



Stock dash speaker on the left, Kenwood on the right

Old 08-08-2009, 02:41 PM
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RHW
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94 Wagon and 94 Cabriolet
Having done some excessive and simple set ups, I can appreciate a moderate sound upgrade with simplicity in installation very much.

Looks good, looks unmolested.

We have the same 90 wagon, same color, mine is 4matic, and I molested a rear panel to fit an air chamber in for a 10" subwoofer.
Old 08-08-2009, 03:20 PM
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w211 & w124
Nice setup, thinking of doing an upgrade soon. The fader is a big source of headache for me right now.

Good job!
Old 08-08-2009, 08:44 PM
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1994 E420
Nice clean install. I am badly in need of some new speakers thanks for the help with the fronts.

I dont mean to thread jack or anything but does anyone know of the closest speaker size for the rear in a sedan?
Old 08-08-2009, 10:24 PM
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1990 300ce 24v I6
Rockford Fosgate t142c Front and T152c Rear fit fine. Just have to figure out a way to get them to not move around as they dont use the stock clip mount method.

T142c:
http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/produ...n_US&p_status=
T152c:
http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/produ...n_US&p_status=

Last edited by Saijin_Naib; 08-08-2009 at 11:41 PM.
Old 08-08-2009, 11:22 PM
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Brian, if you need help with the fader, I can walk you through it. I spent many hours getting past that step.
Old 08-09-2009, 12:29 AM
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'90 300TE (S124)
Originally Posted by ps2cho
Brian, if you need help with the fader, I can walk you through it. I spent many hours getting past that step.
I forgot to mention.... your write-up was very helpful!

For some reason, the front and rear speakers were reversed in my situation but I got it all figured out.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...=247493&page=2
Old 08-09-2009, 03:54 PM
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300TE, 300CE
I used silicon sealant to secure replacement speakers in the dash. No rattles, and easy to remove if I ever need to.
Old 08-09-2009, 06:39 PM
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1990 300ce 24v I6
Ah, very nice. I need to look into that. Right now they are a little bouncy if I have it cranked.
Old 08-12-2009, 03:44 PM
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'90 300TE (S124)
What do I need to add some more bass? Do I just need the subwoofer or do I need an amplifier as well? I am not looking for something that will make the entire car shake, just adding a bit more punch to the sound.

A powered subwoofer like the Kenwood KSC-SW10 for about $150 seems like the best way to go for what I need?


Last edited by Wulf; 08-12-2009 at 03:57 PM.
Old 08-12-2009, 04:37 PM
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look into pioneer shallow mount subwoofers. they take up very little room and will work well for what you need
Old 01-06-2010, 05:01 AM
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1992 300TE
Originally Posted by ps2cho
Brian, if you need help with the fader, I can walk you through it. I spent many hours getting past that step.
ps2cho, I'll take you up on that... I need help with the fader!

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