M-Class (W166) Produced 2012-2015

Stock sound speakers upgrade

Old Dec 16, 2025 | 03:39 PM
  #1  
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ML350 BlueTEC
Stock sound speakers upgrade

Is there a valid point in changing any of stock (OEM) speakers like fronts or something like that to enhance overall sound, or changing amp with something better, with limited or restricted budget in general? It could be a few hundred euros investment at most? Is it worth a hassle, or is it better to stay with current system?
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Old Dec 16, 2025 | 05:17 PM
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2020 GLE350 2020 Toyota Rav4H AWD XLE
Originally Posted by sm13
Is there a valid point in changing any of stock (OEM) speakers like fronts or something like that to enhance overall sound, or changing amp with something better, with limited or restricted budget in general? It could be a few hundred euros investment at most? Is it worth a hassle, or is it better to stay with current system?
There is a way to upgrade the sound system, there have been people that have done it DIY way (search this section). However, it is a PITA to do it and money wise it isnt cheap.
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Old Dec 17, 2025 | 05:11 PM
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audio upgrade options

Its not cheap and easy because the audio is an integrated system with fiber optics digital amp and all independent speakers without filters.

Budget is well North of $1,000: Speakers + Amplifier + frequency filters.
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Old Dec 17, 2025 | 08:12 PM
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Originally Posted by sm13
thank you for your answer, I was looking forward to any “cheaper options” like changing amp.. but I can survive with “as-is” option… thanks for sharing.
Here is the thing, Option 810 on the ML is the Harman Logic 7 system which is $810 on the build sheet. If you know what to look for when searching for this car, then your best bet was to find one with the system on it. OR if you find the model without the system (which a-lot of people here have, not just you) then your considering to add a system that packs in 800w of sound including a subwoofer that they install in the front of the car (if you have the system). Your adding it to a 50-70k MSRP car, in no way shape or form that will give you a "cheaper option" if you wanna change the stock system that comes with the car.
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Old Dec 18, 2025 | 11:49 AM
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Originally Posted by sm13
Thank you all for your updates, unfortunately, this model is basically 15 years old, and like any other technology present in it, it ages as time passes, parts gets cheaper etc. The question was, if there was any significant improvement with exchanging one simple unit or set of speakers. Upon further investigation, it is obvious that more than half of price of any meaningful upgrade is actually labour cost, as they made sure the system is not in any way plug&play.

If, by any chance, I would have time and skills required to do it all alone, it would probably cost me, like CaliBenzDriver said, north of 1000$, so this is not acceptable in my situation.

As drwolf said, I would have that in mind when I would swap my car in future for the new one that has "all the ticks". Unfortunately, the MSRP of 15 years old car has no much meaning now, as firstly it does not cost that amount of money any more, secondly its technology is, by far, inferior to the newer models, therefore, having in mind age and everything, it seemed reasonable to make inquiry regarding possible further improvements that fit my personal budget.

Thank you so much for all the input, it was really helpful to know in which direction to go from this point. I will stick with what I got, as there is no particular issues with my OEM system.
If your car is the 2010 model, i would suggest you ask the 2010 section as well.
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Old Dec 23, 2025 | 03:55 PM
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over rated sound

Originally Posted by drwolf
Here is the thing, Option 810 on the ML is the Harman Logic 7 system which is $810 on the build sheet. If you know what to look for when searching for this car, then your best bet was to find one with the system on it. OR if you find the model without the system (which a-lot of people here have, not just you) then your considering to add a system that packs in 800w of sound including a subwoofer that they install in the front of the car (if you have the system). Your adding it to a 50-70k MSRP car, in no way shape or form that will give you a "cheaper option" if you wanna change the stock system that comes with the car.
How are you getting 800 Watts ?
I dont think it's meaningful to add the peak power of each individual speakers into a total.

Max sound system output is really pushing 40 to 60 Watt RMS or about half of 100W in total besides wooder peaks.

A real sound system takes thick power cable... simply look at the wiring harness.
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Old Dec 23, 2025 | 08:07 PM
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Originally Posted by CaliBenzDriver
How are you getting 800 Watts ?
I dont think it's meaningful to add the peak power of each individual speakers into a total.

Max sound system output is really pushing 40 to 60 Watt RMS or about half of 100W in total besides wooder peaks.

A real sound system takes thick power cable... simply look at the wiring harness.
I read somewhere that the logic 7 in the W166 chasis packed that much wattage, maybe my source was wrong.

Otherwise, the point I was saying that option is not something that can just be added at a low cost, even if its aftermarket system.
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Old Dec 24, 2025 | 10:46 PM
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I have the Logic 7 Harmon/ Karden in mine and it is FANTASTIC! Best sounding sound system Ive ever had. ROCKS, and has crazy spacial presence. Way better than the B&O "upgrade" system also offered on a 2013. If you can get hands on one of these, it is fantastic.
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Old Dec 29, 2025 | 02:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Leetom
I have the Logic 7 Harmon/ Karden in mine and it is FANTASTIC! Best sounding sound system Ive ever had. ROCKS, and has crazy spacial presence. Way better than the B&O "upgrade" system also offered on a 2013. If you can get hands on one of these, it is fantastic.
Completely agree. In addition, if you get the newer GLE the Burmester systems is pretty amazing too.
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