If you're looking for a quick and easy way to add some bass to your stock system, this might be the solution!

I've just completed a prototype wiring harness that allows the addition of an amplifier/subwoofer combination in the trunk of the W211 sedan. This wiring harness connects the car in several places, using all original-equipment connectors, and has all the connections required to fit an amplifier in. Because all original equipment connectors are used, no modifications to the car are made AT ALL, and the harness can be removed easily with no indication that anything was plugged into the car. Installation requires removal of a few liner panels in the trunk and in the rear seat area, and should be easily managed by anyone with minor car electrical skills. Using this harness is as easy as installing a stereo in most cars (and easier than most Mercedes). The original subwoofer is passed through so you can leave the original subwoofer connected, or disconnect it. As far as I know, it connects to the HK subwoofer. Not sure if you don't have HK sound, or if you don't have a subwoofer at all.

It connects to these places:

1) subwoofer connectors, pass through
2) amplifier remote turn on, pass through
3) prefuse box
4) grounding point

The other end is bare wire and connects to your amplifier as:

1) constant power
2) remote power
3) speaker inputs

Of course you will have to wire your amp to your speaker box, and it is recommended to disconnect your sound system microphone if you have HK sound. It already includes the fuse, and plugs in like a factory wiring harness (nothing out of the ordinary attached to your battery or fuse box).

Most amplifiers will have high level inputs that can be used. This harness is suitable for amplifiers drawing up to 35 amps or so, which most 350-500 watt amps use. One Sony I checked draws 48 amps, so it is not suitable. The power/ground wire are rated at around 55-60 amps conservative, and the fuse is at 40 amps, so the 35 amp draw should be fine.

I expect 10 of these harnesses in within a week so anyone who would like one, let me know. The price is around $200 shipped. You can add something like an Infinity Basslink for a small amount of extra bass, or something like an Audiobahn single loaded box and amplifier for under $400 for a bit more bass. If you need a lot more kick, one of the members here has a JL 500/1 amplifier using a 40 amp fuse, so that's another solution.

I'll have some pictures after I fit it to my car. Right now I only have pictures of the bare wiring harness which isn't very exciting.

Inevitable questions:

Why does it cost so much? Well, the dollar is weak now, there area lot of genuine Mercedes parts in a wiring harness like this, and those parts aren't cheap. Hey, wire isn't either.

Can I install it myself? Only you can judge that. An instruction sheet is included indicating where things should be connected. All the connectors pretty much only fit in one place.

Will it work with amplifier X and speaker Y? Dunno. It should. But that's for you to figure out. It seems most powered sub boxes will work, and if that's the case, most everything else will work as long as it has an adjustable high level input and draws under 35 amps (or 40 if you are adventurous).

I don't have HK sound. Will it work? I don't know... I only have cars with the HK system to test with. The connectors are the same on the subwoofer though. Why don't you just give it a try?

-s-

 

Keep 'em coming ....

 

but if you want to add L7 to your car then you have change all speakers since L7 gateway needs 2 ohm speakers. If the impedance of speakers does not match the amp outputs then amp will burn out after some time.

have fun

 

Not sure what you're responding to but we never spoke about adding L7 to a car. And generally, the speakers for HK sound are lower impedence than the normal speakers; so using higher impedence speakers with an amplifier intended for lower impedence generally does not cause a problem, where the reverse often does.

But still not sure how we got on to this point.

-s-

 

So . . . When are the pictures coming?
Steve

 

Well, I have the pictures. If people mail me I will send them to them. I thought I would save a bunch of trouble by not having to send out one picture to 15 people that asked for it, but so much for that!

-s-

 

Is this item still available?

 

I guess not...

 

So what's the best way to add an amplifier and subwoofer to HK L7?

 

JL Audio has a product called CLEANSWEEP that would probably meet your needs.

 

Much thanks there, is it the general consent that the first step to improve the sound of HK Logic 7 is to add the sub/amp, followed by front speakers?

 

I have the w211 c220cdi wiht very basic stereo (audio 20)and would love to upgrade to a HK system. but im very afraid to rip my car apart for the installation. So im going to put in a active sub only. Can i draw a parallel line from my rear door speaker to go to the sub? and power the sub from the main battery line in the trunk?
also im told that the best active sub is from Rockford but its now out of production, does anyone know where to get it? pls help/ thanks

 

Better not connect power directly from the main battery line but from an appropriate output of a SAM, rear SAM likely.