M-Class (W164) Produced 2006-2011: ML280CDI, ML320CDI, ML420CDI, ML350, ML500, ML550

Sub Bass Rattles in ML500-Harmon Kardon Sound

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Old Feb 24, 2009 | 07:01 AM
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dereko's Avatar
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2006 ML500, 2007 ML320 CDI
Sub Bass Rattles in ML500-Harmon Kardon Sound

I've got a ML500 with the Command APS-Harmon Kardon Sound Package.

I'm getting quite a lot of rattles and ugly vibrations from the sub bass area in the cargo area, even at very low volumes.

It improves quite a lot if I remove the carpeted cover panel, there seems to be no venting anywhere when the cover is in place, so of course it's gonna rattle, seems like a floored design, any one else noticed this, and have a solution?

The sub is pushing quite a bit of air and it needs to vent to somewhere, which doesn't seem possible with the cover in place
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Old Feb 25, 2009 | 08:08 AM
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I have the HK in my ML. Yes, you are right. I've had boomboxes with better sound.
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Old Feb 25, 2009 | 10:44 AM
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I had rattles also. I ported the sub by installing an 8" metal grill. Now bass is a lot cleaner, and no rattles.

The '09's come from the factory with a grill to port the subwoofer.
Attached Thumbnails Sub Bass Rattles in ML500-Harmon Kardon Sound-mlsub.jpg  
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Old Feb 27, 2009 | 04:21 AM
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OK, just as I suspected, poor design, someone should have been sacked over that one, pretty poor that one was let slip by.

I'll probably do the same and vent the cover with a grille, I don't think the HK is as good as the older Bose system in my old W163 ML500, which for a factory OEM system was pretty good, the HK sounds pretty flat and lifeless to me.

(I'm a speaker designer/engineer by trade)

Last edited by dereko; Feb 27, 2009 at 04:23 AM.
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Old Feb 27, 2009 | 08:32 AM
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Originally Posted by dereko
OK, just as I suspected, poor design, someone should have been sacked over that one, pretty poor that one was let slip by.

I'll probably do the same and vent the cover with a grille, I don't think the HK is as good as the older Bose system in my old W163 ML500, which for a factory OEM system was pretty good, the HK sounds pretty flat and lifeless to me.

(I'm a speaker designer/engineer by trade)
I agree, it should have been ported from the factory. My E53 BMW X5 had the same problem.

The Germans are not too swift when it comes to electronics and audio.
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