Is there a separate amp (Bose sound system)?
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Joined: Feb 2009
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98 ML320
Is there a separate amp (Bose sound system)?
I recently purchased a 98 ML320 with the Bose premium sound system (factory installed) which I'm considering replacing. I can't tell if the original system has a separate amp or not -- I haven't seen one anywhere. Can anyone tell me if there is a separate amp, and if so, where it's located? Thanks.
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: NJ
2004 ML 500
i believe the factory amp is behind the dash. I know when I got my subs installed that they mentioned something about being lucky that they didn't have to go to the amp because its somewhere in the dash. Don't take my word for it though
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 14,212
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From: Boston, MA
00 MB ML55, 91 Toyota Supra Turbo(sold), 06 E500(gone), 03 BMW M3
Bose amp is in the dash, behind the drivers side cup holder... you can interface into it pretty easily... In any case you dont really need to worry about it.
If you want to just change the deck you can wire up an aftermarket radio to use the factory amp just fine. Just make sure to purchase something with front and rear RCA pre outs. If you want to add a sub you will want to find something with all three sets of outputs then. If you want to change out all the speakers then you are going to want to rewire the car then... Let us know what you are trying to do and I can guide you through it
If you want to just change the deck you can wire up an aftermarket radio to use the factory amp just fine. Just make sure to purchase something with front and rear RCA pre outs. If you want to add a sub you will want to find something with all three sets of outputs then. If you want to change out all the speakers then you are going to want to rewire the car then... Let us know what you are trying to do and I can guide you through it
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
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98 ML320
Thanks for the info. My plan is to replace the factory radio with one that has integrated iPod functionality and an aux input for XM. I already have the replacement radio (purchased for my previous vehicle but never installed); unfortunately, it doesn't have pre-outs for the main speakers. So... I assume I'll have to remove the Bose amp, or at least bypass it.
Two questions:
(1) Is there anything special about the speakers that would preclude driving them directly with the new radio?
(2) How much of an ordeal is it to get to the amp? Will removing the lower panel of the dash provide adequate access? It looks like removing that panel may not be too bad -- as far as I can tell, just remove a few screws (including those in the glove compartment and behind the small panels beside the steering wheel). Is there more to it than that?
I found a harness adapter (70-1786) on Amazon. It has RCA jacks for the speaker connections, but I assume I can just remove the jacks and splice the wires. I also found an antenna adapter online. I think that should be all I need (not installing a sub at this point).
Thanks for the help!
Two questions:
(1) Is there anything special about the speakers that would preclude driving them directly with the new radio?
(2) How much of an ordeal is it to get to the amp? Will removing the lower panel of the dash provide adequate access? It looks like removing that panel may not be too bad -- as far as I can tell, just remove a few screws (including those in the glove compartment and behind the small panels beside the steering wheel). Is there more to it than that?
I found a harness adapter (70-1786) on Amazon. It has RCA jacks for the speaker connections, but I assume I can just remove the jacks and splice the wires. I also found an antenna adapter online. I think that should be all I need (not installing a sub at this point).
Thanks for the help!
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 232
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02 ML320 Sport, 04 350z,06 E350 4matic
Looking to rewire the truck I guess
Bose amp is in the dash, behind the drivers side cup holder... you can interface into it pretty easily... In any case you dont really need to worry about it.
If you want to just change the deck you can wire up an aftermarket radio to use the factory amp just fine. Just make sure to purchase something with front and rear RCA pre outs. If you want to add a sub you will want to find something with all three sets of outputs then. If you want to change out all the speakers then you are going to want to rewire the car then... Let us know what you are trying to do and I can guide you through it
If you want to just change the deck you can wire up an aftermarket radio to use the factory amp just fine. Just make sure to purchase something with front and rear RCA pre outs. If you want to add a sub you will want to find something with all three sets of outputs then. If you want to change out all the speakers then you are going to want to rewire the car then... Let us know what you are trying to do and I can guide you through it
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
2001 Ml 320
Bose amp is in the dash, behind the drivers side cup holder... you can interface into it pretty easily... In any case you dont really need to worry about it.
If you want to just change the deck you can wire up an aftermarket radio to use the factory amp just fine. Just make sure to purchase something with front and rear RCA pre outs. If you want to add a sub you will want to find something with all three sets of outputs then. If you want to change out all the speakers then you are going to want to rewire the car then... Let us know what you are trying to do and I can guide you through it
If you want to just change the deck you can wire up an aftermarket radio to use the factory amp just fine. Just make sure to purchase something with front and rear RCA pre outs. If you want to add a sub you will want to find something with all three sets of outputs then. If you want to change out all the speakers then you are going to want to rewire the car then... Let us know what you are trying to do and I can guide you through it
When wiring in a new HU does it matter about OHM output on HU with stock amp?
I have a April 2001 ML320 with a Audio 10 CD
Cheers
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Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 673
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From: Frederick
2000 ML320, 2005 E320 CDI
Not sure if they will respond.Since you will be using Pre-Amp outs...Ohms won't matter. You want a 4V pre-amp out if possible. My Pioneer is 2.2V and the sound is MUCH lower than stock.
If replacing your speakers...different story - Ohms matter.
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
2001 Ml 320
This thread is close to 4 years old Not sure if they will respond.
Since you will be using Pre-Amp outs...Ohms won't matter. You want a 4V pre-amp out if possible. My Pioneer is 2.2V and the sound is MUCH lower than stock.
If replacing your speakers...different story - Ohms matter.
Not sure if they will respond.Since you will be using Pre-Amp outs...Ohms won't matter. You want a 4V pre-amp out if possible. My Pioneer is 2.2V and the sound is MUCH lower than stock.
If replacing your speakers...different story - Ohms matter.
the standard is good but over the what seems like good reception clarity and no aux plugin lol,
once again appreciate the reply
