E class stock sound system HORRENDOUS
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E class stock sound system HORRENDOUS
(NO HK) Anyone else having problems with the max volume being real low? Any way to fix this? This car has the worst stereo system of any car I have ever been in, including a stock 96 Camry. I want to add an aftermarket amp to see if it helps but my car is leased and I don't want to do irreversible damage. Any suggestions?
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From: McLean, VA
S4
sounds like you've got a problem w/it, I personally think the HK system is one of the BEST I've heard, and I've used the standard system and its not as good, bit it definately blows a camry's system away. Take it dealer, search the e-class forum, I think someone had a similar problem.
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From: Las Vegas, NV USA / London, UK
GL320CDI / C63 Edition 507 Coupe (EDP) / E63 S (on order) / G500 / Smart Brabus
Originally Posted by spubar
(NO HK) Anyone else having problems with the max volume being real low? Any way to fix this? This car has the worst stereo system of any car I have ever been in, including a stock 96 Camry. I want to add an aftermarket amp to see if it helps but my car is leased and I don't want to do irreversible damage. Any suggestions?
Other than that, no suggestions without doing a lot of work that would be double when it is time to return the car.
-s-
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: San Clemente, CA
2003 E-500
We have been very satisfied with our HK sound system in two E-500's. In fact, my wife complains about it being too loud when I play CD's and it's not close to the maximum. One of our friends ended up buying an E-320 after riding in ours and one of the reasons was the good sound system. They also liked the large trunk.
I would have the dealer check it and sit in a new one and see if it's better. If the new one sounds OK, you have a clear case for their fixing yours.
I had a software audio upgrade done last month when they did my annual service but really didn't notice any difference afte it was completed.
I would have the dealer check it and sit in a new one and see if it's better. If the new one sounds OK, you have a clear case for their fixing yours.
I had a software audio upgrade done last month when they did my annual service but really didn't notice any difference afte it was completed.
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: S.F. Bay Area, CA
'18 E63S AMG
I'm pretty satisfied with the HK system overall. The bass is a little lacking when the volume is higher. In my younger days, when I wanted to make my ears bleed, I may not have been as satisfied. However, I'm probably a little tone deaf now. 
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Super Member
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: S.F. Bay Area, CA
'18 E63S AMG
Originally Posted by atssystems.com
Can you tell me what wires you used to power these amps..
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 768
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From: S.F. Bay Area, CA
'18 E63S AMG
Originally Posted by atssystems.com
Yes, it is in there although this is the main battery. You need a connection that only comes on when the key is turned otherwise it will drain the battery..
For an HK system, I know KYEE put in an external amp and subwoofer with great success.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...0&pagenumber=3
He would definitely know.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: San Antonio, Texas
04' E500 w/Appear. PKG, Panorama Roof
HK Sound
I personally think nick is right. I like my sounds loud and with full tonality meaning full bass and full treble. The HK has lost 3 speakers (2 rear) and sounds like crud. I have been visiting local high end audio folks looking for help- Dealer agrees the HK is not really meant to be played loud. I guess the normal MB buyer is too refined to crank up Billy Idol or INXS. 
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 12
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From: Los Angeles
2005 E500, Premium Package
VERY HAPPY with the HK System - Traded Up
I bought my 2004 E500 with Sunroof and heated seats in July 2004. Seemed like a fully equipped car. I LOVED driving it - until I played a CD in the Front Load CD player. Horrible sound system - couldn't get any volume or richness of sound. No highs, no lows. Very dull. Even the radio was just OK. Added a 6-CD changer. Didn't make a difference.
I thought for sure something had to be wrong with the amp - the system couldn't possibly be this bad. Even my 1998 M-Class had a better sound system. Dealer told me that's just the way the stock sound system was - nothing I could do. I sat in another E500 and confirmed - all the stock sound systems had no power and no richness of tone, especially in the CD function. Could not believe that poor a sound system in a $55,000 car.
Finally took one of my CD's and played it in an E500 with Premium Package (Harmon Kardon Sound System). Difference was NIGHT and DAY. Rich tones, classical music sounded like I was in the middle of an orchestra pit, and rock is awesome.
So after ten days in my stock E500, I paid an extra $3500 and they put me into a 2005 E500 (no more 2004's available) with Premium package and wood/leather steering wheel. The HK Sound system is awesome. I lost my free maintenance, but it is worth it. And the drive dynamic seats with massage are fantastic. It was money VERY well spent. And the new sound system plays MP3's as well (I hope Mercedes has realized that most of their customers probably know what an MP3 is and would like the option of a kegger or something like that).
My dealer in the San Fernando Valley, Keyes European, really went the distance to make me happy and keep the cost of trading up DOWN, and I highly recommend them.
Randy
I thought for sure something had to be wrong with the amp - the system couldn't possibly be this bad. Even my 1998 M-Class had a better sound system. Dealer told me that's just the way the stock sound system was - nothing I could do. I sat in another E500 and confirmed - all the stock sound systems had no power and no richness of tone, especially in the CD function. Could not believe that poor a sound system in a $55,000 car.
Finally took one of my CD's and played it in an E500 with Premium Package (Harmon Kardon Sound System). Difference was NIGHT and DAY. Rich tones, classical music sounded like I was in the middle of an orchestra pit, and rock is awesome.
So after ten days in my stock E500, I paid an extra $3500 and they put me into a 2005 E500 (no more 2004's available) with Premium package and wood/leather steering wheel. The HK Sound system is awesome. I lost my free maintenance, but it is worth it. And the drive dynamic seats with massage are fantastic. It was money VERY well spent. And the new sound system plays MP3's as well (I hope Mercedes has realized that most of their customers probably know what an MP3 is and would like the option of a kegger or something like that).
My dealer in the San Fernando Valley, Keyes European, really went the distance to make me happy and keep the cost of trading up DOWN, and I highly recommend them.
Randy
Last edited by E500Meister; Aug 28, 2004 at 03:30 AM.
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From: SoCal
MB
Originally Posted by E500Meister
I bought my 2004 E500 with Sunroof and heated seats in July 2004. Seemed like a fully equipped car. I LOVED driving it - until I played a CD in the Front Load CD player. Horrible sound system - couldn't get any volume or richness of sound. No highs, no lows. Very dull. Even the radio was just OK. Added a 6-CD changer. Didn't make a difference.
I thought for sure something had to be wrong with the amp - the system couldn't possibly be this bad. Even my 1998 M-Class had a better sound system. Dealer told me that's just the way the stock sound system was - nothing I could do. I sat in another E500 and confirmed - all the stock sound systems had no power and no richness of tone, especially in the CD function. Could not believe that poor a sound system in a $55,000 car.
Finally took one of my CD's and played it in an E500 with Premium Package (Harmon Kardon Sound System). Difference was NIGHT and DAY. Rich tones, classical music sounded like I was in the middle of an orchestra pit, and rock is awesome.
So after ten days in my stock E500, I paid an extra $3500 and they put me into a 2005 E500 (no more 2004's available) with Premium package and wood/leather steering wheel. The HK Sound system is awesome. I lost my free maintenance, but it is worth it. And the drive dynamic seats with massage are fantastic. It was money VERY well spent. And the new sound system plays MP3's as well (I hope Mercedes has realized that most of their customers probably know what an MP3 is and would like the option of a kegger or something like that).
My dealer in the San Fernando Valley, Keyes European, really went the distance to make me happy and keep the cost of trading up DOWN, and I highly recommend them.
Randy
I thought for sure something had to be wrong with the amp - the system couldn't possibly be this bad. Even my 1998 M-Class had a better sound system. Dealer told me that's just the way the stock sound system was - nothing I could do. I sat in another E500 and confirmed - all the stock sound systems had no power and no richness of tone, especially in the CD function. Could not believe that poor a sound system in a $55,000 car.
Finally took one of my CD's and played it in an E500 with Premium Package (Harmon Kardon Sound System). Difference was NIGHT and DAY. Rich tones, classical music sounded like I was in the middle of an orchestra pit, and rock is awesome.
So after ten days in my stock E500, I paid an extra $3500 and they put me into a 2005 E500 (no more 2004's available) with Premium package and wood/leather steering wheel. The HK Sound system is awesome. I lost my free maintenance, but it is worth it. And the drive dynamic seats with massage are fantastic. It was money VERY well spent. And the new sound system plays MP3's as well (I hope Mercedes has realized that most of their customers probably know what an MP3 is and would like the option of a kegger or something like that).
My dealer in the San Fernando Valley, Keyes European, really went the distance to make me happy and keep the cost of trading up DOWN, and I highly recommend them.
Randy
thats cool, you got a great deal for only 3500 extra more??? how many miles did you have, GL with the new car.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 12
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From: Los Angeles
2005 E500, Premium Package
It only had 600 miles on it - I am only 7 minutes from my office. Basically I was losing money anyway, as I did put a lot down on the first one - but with the loss of dealer incentives on the 2004's, yes, I did get a great deal Apparently though the 2005's squeaked by the gas guzzler tax this year, and that saved me some. I don't know what they did, but the 2005 seems to be getting MUCH better mileage - I got almost 90 miles on a quarter tank so far. It also seems to drive better, though I can't put my finger on what it is. Is it true that every car just feels different?
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From: So Cal
2010 RRS ; BMW K1200R; 14 E350 ; 14 RRS on order
My buddy has HK and I don't.
His is an 03 320
mine is an 04 320
they sound almost exactly the same to me. His gets just a bit louder. Mine is loud enough but could stand to be a bit louder I guess. There is probably something wrong with your car if its that bad.
His is an 03 320
mine is an 04 320
they sound almost exactly the same to me. His gets just a bit louder. Mine is loud enough but could stand to be a bit louder I guess. There is probably something wrong with your car if its that bad.
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I have a '03 E320 and had a '98 E230. The sound system in my W211 is definitely worst than the standard system in my W210. I think the wrong is with Bose. That's why there is the saying "No high, no low, it must be a Bose".
That's why I had a separate system put in. Focal KP165 front speakers, AVI SL250 10" subwoofer on the rear shelf, Soundstream Van Gogh 500.4 putting out 125W/c for the front and 500W for the sub, and a AudioControl equalizer running out of the standard head unit and CD changer.
Damn the sound is good. One of the best sounding system I had in 10 years. It has great extended high and really tight bass. The staging is very good. The best is that it looks so standard. No one can tell from the inside of the car. The only thing is the amp mounted on the back of the rear seat. All these only costed $2k.
Sorry to say that I think my system sounds better than the HK system.
That's why I had a separate system put in. Focal KP165 front speakers, AVI SL250 10" subwoofer on the rear shelf, Soundstream Van Gogh 500.4 putting out 125W/c for the front and 500W for the sub, and a AudioControl equalizer running out of the standard head unit and CD changer.
Damn the sound is good. One of the best sounding system I had in 10 years. It has great extended high and really tight bass. The staging is very good. The best is that it looks so standard. No one can tell from the inside of the car. The only thing is the amp mounted on the back of the rear seat. All these only costed $2k.
Sorry to say that I think my system sounds better than the HK system.
