Just bought a w163 2005 SE ML500. Audio system questions
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 3
w210 E430
Just bought a w163 2005 SE ML500. Audio system questions
Hi all,
Thanks in advance for responding. I just picked up a near mint 2005 ML500 SE. Platinum blue with tan or khaki colored interior. I have some questions about the audio system
After some quick research I learned that some years of the W163 come with a fiber optic system that makes it a bit more difficult to install an aftermarket radio.
Can you guys take a look at the back of my radio ( pictures below ) and tell me if this is the fiber optic one? There is a fiber cable plugged into the back of it, but my 2001 E430 had a cable just like that for the CD changer only
Here is the back of my radio
My goal here is to remove the CD changer and factory head unit, and install an Apple car play head unit. I'd like to integrate with the factory bose amp if possible. My w210 e430 could do that easily, but I understand that if I have the fiber system that will not be possible.
This is my OEM HU
---------------------------------
Second question- My factory bose system works great, except I have no sound coming from the subwoofer, which I was told is under one of the front seats. All other speakers work properly. I have what seems to be an air vent on the side of the lower plastic trim on the front passenger seat. I assume the subwoofer is under there.
Is this a common issue with these bose systems? Is it as simple as a blown fuse?
---------------------------------------------
Third question for now- What is the actual location of the bose amp? I've read conflicting opinions that it is located either up under the driver side dashboard, or under one of the front seats.
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance for responding. I just picked up a near mint 2005 ML500 SE. Platinum blue with tan or khaki colored interior. I have some questions about the audio system
After some quick research I learned that some years of the W163 come with a fiber optic system that makes it a bit more difficult to install an aftermarket radio.
Can you guys take a look at the back of my radio ( pictures below ) and tell me if this is the fiber optic one? There is a fiber cable plugged into the back of it, but my 2001 E430 had a cable just like that for the CD changer only
Here is the back of my radio
My goal here is to remove the CD changer and factory head unit, and install an Apple car play head unit. I'd like to integrate with the factory bose amp if possible. My w210 e430 could do that easily, but I understand that if I have the fiber system that will not be possible.
This is my OEM HU
---------------------------------
Second question- My factory bose system works great, except I have no sound coming from the subwoofer, which I was told is under one of the front seats. All other speakers work properly. I have what seems to be an air vent on the side of the lower plastic trim on the front passenger seat. I assume the subwoofer is under there.
Is this a common issue with these bose systems? Is it as simple as a blown fuse?
---------------------------------------------
Third question for now- What is the actual location of the bose amp? I've read conflicting opinions that it is located either up under the driver side dashboard, or under one of the front seats.
Thanks in advance!
Newbie
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2002 ML320 W163
Hi,
Good looking ML congrats! Your radio system is a fiber optic unit. I just replaced my radio with a new head unit and just ran wires from the new radio to the speakers. There are some adapters that will allow you to use your Bose amp, however I did not use one.
On your second question, my 2002 ML did have the sub woofer under the driver's seat. I am not using a woofer on my system.
Good looking ML congrats! Your radio system is a fiber optic unit. I just replaced my radio with a new head unit and just ran wires from the new radio to the speakers. There are some adapters that will allow you to use your Bose amp, however I did not use one.
On your second question, my 2002 ML did have the sub woofer under the driver's seat. I am not using a woofer on my system.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 3
w210 E430
Hi,
Good looking ML congrats! Your radio system is a fiber optic unit. I just replaced my radio with a new head unit and just ran wires from the new radio to the speakers. There are some adapters that will allow you to use your Bose amp, however I did not use one.
On your second question, my 2002 ML did have the sub woofer under the driver's seat. I am not using a woofer on my system.
Good looking ML congrats! Your radio system is a fiber optic unit. I just replaced my radio with a new head unit and just ran wires from the new radio to the speakers. There are some adapters that will allow you to use your Bose amp, however I did not use one.
On your second question, my 2002 ML did have the sub woofer under the driver's seat. I am not using a woofer on my system.
I'm worried that since the bose speakers are all 2 ohms, that my HU will not be able to power them properly. If that's the case I was considering picking up something like a Kenwood KAC-M3004 mini amp to put in place of the bose amp. Rated to deliver 75x4 @ 2 ohms
What is the adapter that will allow me to use the bose amp?
