Sound System and Speakers Upgrade
 

After a month of driving my new 2018 GLS450, I am very disappointed in the sound. I got the stock sound system because the dealership convinced me that it is just the same as HK system...today I just realized that the 3rd row speakers do not have any sound. I read in another forum that the 3rd row speakers are meant for the HK sound system only.

I don't think I can stand this poor audio anymore. I don't understand why an expensive luxury car like this would even ship out with terrible sound. I want to upgrade the speakers, but not sure what to do and how to do. I've only upgraded the head unit in my old 2000 E320 with Bose speakers.

It would be extremely helpful if someone could help me with these questions :

• ​​​​​​are the 3rd row speakers empty?
• Could I just add speakers to the 3rd row and have them magically work?
• If not, what other type of wiring would I have to do?
• Does anybody have instructions on how to replace the speakers? I usually like to do this type of upgrades on my own, but I am inexperienced on this one...

Thanks in advanced!


Just another complaint...
The sound is different when playing through CD, Bluetooth, and Android Auto. The satellite radio is even worse! The sound is just mono and flat sounding.

Yes, your dealer lied to you, the HK sounds much better than the stock system. I wonder if you could get the speakers from a GLS that has been totaled like the 550 in the other thread?

The 3rd row speakers are not empty but when I adjusted the sound, I turned them very low because it sounded better having more sound coming from the front speakers. The subwoofer seems to be totally hidden, I can't see but feel it when I lift the cargo cover and the bass is coming from next to the spare tire passenger side. I think the little speakers in the doors next to the mirrors plus the big speakers in the doors and whatever it is under the windshield, that's where most of the sound comes from.

I totally agree with the Satellite radio, I don't use it at all but I'm still figuring out the differences between bluetooth vs apple car play and itunes vs spotify. The music playing from my memory card sounds definitely great

i was going to suggest the parted out/totaled route but the problem with that you still need to wire the whole thing, including the subwoofer, which from mine looks like its in the front (W166), but if you can do so its well worth the upgrade.

So on the GLS the only premium feature is the Ambient lighting and the BSA, not the HK7 system? B and O i understand but come on..

I had a 2014 ML and the subwoofer was in the trunk as well. I think models without HK system have a storage area where models with HK system have the subwoofer.

How do you adjust the sound? I played with the equalizer as well as the fader. I faded the sound to the back and sat in the 3rd row, I didn't hear anything. I even put my ear directly in the speaker back there with different songs. Is there something else I'm missing when adjusting?

I haven't had a chance to look for her bass either, but I agree with hearing it mostly in the front.

I emailed my salesman earlier this morning about speaker information and wiring, and he forwarded me to a product specialist. I hope he is able to give me instructions on how to remove be panels and more information on the 3rd row speakers. This is a new project for me so I have to research a lot more. I'll update when I get some answers from the dealership!

I was contemplating upgrading my BMW sound system to Hi-Fi Premium. Problem is that while two subwoofers that come in my BMW and higher end version are at same spot, processor and amplifier as well as wiring is different.
I would check some good local shop and see how much they would ask to upgrade it by installing amplifier and processor made by Alpine, Pioneer etc.
I did numerous upgrades on my previous cars using Pioneer and it was worth it.

If you found the fader, that's all there is. The HK system has settings for Pro-Logig sound or whatever it's called which can be on or off. You still think the 3rd row speakers make a big difference? Btw if you use Spotify, there is a setting in the app to boost the sound but I think if you turn that on plus the equalizer in the car it gets too much and it starts to sound weird

Adding bad speakers and amps to a system with bad speakers and amps does not give you better sound. It just gives you louder bad sound. The only sound system upgrade in the entire Benz range maybe paying extra for is the Burmester one, but that's not available in the GLS.

If you can not live with the 'standard' system consult a professional on having it upgraded.

the top of the line in the GLS/GLE Line is the B/O system but the difference between that and the HK7 is about a 100 watts and you have your spare tire. The E, C, S have burmester as the premium option

The Car Stereo Specialist - go in behind the COMAND Center - and put a in-line adapter - and drive a DSP digital amp - and then the DSP amp drives the speakers - either the OE speakers or upgraded speakers with/without added mono sub. A decent DSP amp "about" $1,200 plus install labor to pull the COMAND and do the adapter/rewiring. All is reversible when trading/returning the car.... check the W205 forum for some of the work done there - which applies to any current MB frankly - not so much a question of wattage - more a question of signal clean-up and clean power

Up Grade Stock Stereo 2018 GLS
 

I read the previous late 2017 posts regarding this subject. Another unhappy camper here with the stock stereo. I went to a reputable car audio shot today, who had Austins and other MB's in the shop so felt they know their stuff. However they had no particular experience with a GLS or for that matter a GL. They weren't concerned but I was. I'd like to give them some "help" ffrom others experiences, hopefully in this forum
First discusion was the sub. I don't want a 'box" in the trunk, so I found the replacement HK sub part listed in another site and saw it fits into the passenger side trunk wall behind the 3rd row seat panel. I removed the panel and saw the cavern stuffed with sound deadening pads. No wire was evident I did reach up to the rear side speaker area only to find a grill and no speaker.. at all. This is above the wheel well area. So lots of work. I can buy a HK sub for $500 and feel good about the fitment. I will replace all door speakers too. Next question is the location of the stock amp. Anyone know where that is? Most likely the shop will have to replace that with a +800 watt system compatible with the control unit up front. Shop said all four door panels will come off and replace stock speakers with high grade ones. The side tweeter, mid and base will provide some base too. All this will cost, I'm guessing, north of $2K. With is spent I won't know how well the new sound will be till the job is finished, so some risk. My other question is if anyone has gone through this process and has advice on components and sound quality after upgrading The deal I got on the MB Exec car was good, 3K miles so virtually new, had all the other bells and whistles. I can't for the life of me understand why this was configured with a stock stereo. I'll give up on surround speakers in the read 3rd row area and the center dash speaker probably and I don't want to get into a dash board head unit on a car with 4 years warranty left. Bad enough removing door panels.
Thanks in advance for any help here.

Here is the entire layout, minus the amp: https://www.mercedesbenzstarparts.co...--sound-system

On my W166 the subwoofer is in the left (driver's side in North America) side rear compartment.

There is a video showing the W164 amp below the driver's seat.

Recently bought what I thought was a loaded 2018 GLS
 

But it also has the stock sound system. I mean who gets spends the extra $ to get a GLS with leather, adaptive cruise and heated rear seats but neglects to at least get the HK sound system? Anyway, I would appreciate any feedback and experiences from someone who has gone through this upgrade. This video seems thorough but everyone can’t do this. I live in the DC area. Thanks - (my first post on MBWorld). -

Welcome! Please post a photo of the GLS.

The "Match" series of amps from Germany are designed to be plug-in-play w/pro installation - even with a Mercedes - and give you DSP sound profiles - and clean power...

The amp has to be installed - head unit pulled - amp harness plugs between head unit and existing speaker harness - amp has subwoofer channels out to add sub amp/woofer if you want.

Speakers come last in the equation..

@fabbrisd1
 

Thank you for the suggestion but what exactly do you mean when you say that speakers come last in the equation?

I guess I could upgrade with any of the speakers? Thank you

Tim