I read the thread posted earlier...any updates if anyone upgraded their 2002 G speakers yet? BTW, I'm new here...to the G forum.. .had a designo clk cab and just got this one. silver black 2002 G500...I love it! But I miss the xenon lights too! Has anyone upgraded the lights too? Thanks guys

Sam C.

 

As far as speaker upgrades go, I've visited a bunch of car audio places in the SF Bay Area to get a feel for what options we have and here's what I've found out.

The cheapest option to improve audio quality is to replace just the front door and dash speakers with 2-way components driven by the built-in amplifier. This will result in some improvement, but not a whole lot.

In order to really improve the audio quality significantly, you'll really need to invest in the following:
- 4 or 5 channel amplifier
- 2 or 3-way crossovers with matching speakers in the front
- Front tweeters should be mounted near the door speakers (by cutting a whole above the 6 1/2" door speakers or by having them custom installed in the kick-panels...factory tweeters in the dash will need to be disconnected
- coaxial speakers in the rear doors
- cargo-area speakers are used only for audio fill, so they don't need to be replaced and will continue to be driven off the factory amplifier
- 8-12" subwoofer in the trunk driven by either your main amplifier (if you got a 5-channel) or by it's own amplifier.

Total investment for this type of setup is $1500 and up depending on your selection of equipment. MB Quart speakers are a favorite among MB-owners, but there are many other options as well.

There really are a lot of options with the G-class because there is so much interior space. It gives a lot of freedom to the installer to pick and choose equipment and installation locations for optimum audio quality.

One thing I learned is that most of the audio install places will suggest the same set of upgrades. The most important thing is to find someone who has lots of experience with the COMAND system.

I went to one installer who does show cars for Monster Cable. They don't have a showroom, no signs outside, and you can only visit them by appointment. When I did go there, they had a Ferrari 360 convertible completely stripped being worked on for Monster Cable. They are really expensive (the setup I described above would cost me about $4k installed), they need the car for 4-7 days to do a proper install, and the earliest they can give me an appointment to do the work is late October; but you get what you pay for. They will build custom kick panels using carpeting from Mercedes, and use the highest quality speakers and components. They really do give you your money's worth and the quality of their work is so good that I'm sure it will increase the resale value of the car.

Again, you can spend anywhere from $500 to $5000, depending on what you want and who you go to. You really need to do research on the net before you go. For example, MB Quart has like 13 different families of speakers. They are not created equal. If someone offers you an install for $800 using MB Quart speakers, and another says it will cost $1900, they are probably using a different quality of speaker.

 

For headlights, the quickest and easiest upgrade is to switch from the Philips H4 Premium bulbs that come stock (they are actually pretty good bulbs) to Philips H4 VisionPlus bulbs.

Another adjustment is to slightly flatten the angle of the headlights. Outside the US, the G-class comes with a knob which allows you to adjust the headlamp angle. Those knobs are removed in the US verison (there is round plastic cover in its place), but the adjustment can probably still be made by the dealer. In my case, I find that I can see the edge of the beem on the road pretty close to me...much closer than I see it on other vehicles of this size.

HID/Xenon upgrades are difficult and there are none that are street legal here in the US...but they are available. Check http://www.orc.de/

 

I'm buying and taking delivery of a G-500 this week. I did not want to wait 4 to 6 months for a truck with the Harmon Kardon option "$800" As well I was told its not much better then the stock stereo. So at this tome I will consider an upgrade. Do you think its a mistake not to wait or will I get more for my money after market. I'm planning on spending around $100 to $1500?

Thanks

CFF

 

You did the right thing. I had a Harmon Kardon system in my BMW M Roadster and it wasn't very good. They system you'd get for $800 aftermarket will sound much better. If you wait a bit, I'll do a bit more research and post more "expert" info on suggested upgrades.

 

Glad to hear it! And I would really appreciate more advice.

Thanks

CFF