Amplifier question
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W216
Amplifier question
Hi guys, my CL500 (which as far as I can tell is identical to the S500/S550) has the fabled Harman Kardon amplifier failure.
Having investigated the options there are no aftermarket solutions available at all due to the integration of the amplifier with the MOST system and the COMMAND unit, along with a few other reasons.
Currently the Harmon Kardon amplifier is running at $1,000 (ish) for a used and unwarranted model off ebay, versus a more reasonable $200 for the non HK (but still OEM) amplifier. Does the amplifier from the non-HK cars fit a car which had a HK amplifier?
Looking at photos and my wiring loom all the cables and sockets appear to be identical bar the lines out to the speakers (the HK system appears to have two speaker outputs, I guess to account for more speakers) - I can live with a handful of speakers not working, and can add in a higher quality non-OEM amplifier to power those speakers at a later date. However I do need an OEM amp of some form in the chain to allow the Nav, Radio and COMMAND to work, and to send a signal to any external amp I subsequently install.
Thanks everyone.
Having investigated the options there are no aftermarket solutions available at all due to the integration of the amplifier with the MOST system and the COMMAND unit, along with a few other reasons.
Currently the Harmon Kardon amplifier is running at $1,000 (ish) for a used and unwarranted model off ebay, versus a more reasonable $200 for the non HK (but still OEM) amplifier. Does the amplifier from the non-HK cars fit a car which had a HK amplifier?
Looking at photos and my wiring loom all the cables and sockets appear to be identical bar the lines out to the speakers (the HK system appears to have two speaker outputs, I guess to account for more speakers) - I can live with a handful of speakers not working, and can add in a higher quality non-OEM amplifier to power those speakers at a later date. However I do need an OEM amp of some form in the chain to allow the Nav, Radio and COMMAND to work, and to send a signal to any external amp I subsequently install.
- So in short, can I install the smaller and much cheaper amp out of a S320 W221 in to a CL/S500 and get the functionality back and a number of speakers working again?
Thanks everyone.
Out Of Control!!
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Are you searching for replacement by specific part # or simply model year/model ($1000) if the latter, provide VIN and I will pull compatible part #s to expand search. To answer your question, IMHO choose HK replacement.
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W216
In the mean time, if the HK was a brand new item and great quality then $1,000 would be reasonable, but it is such a poor quality item I'm investigating the alternatives. The amp from the S320 is way cheaper and could potentially provide the solution I need, i.e. a piece of hardware that can integrate with the unique way the W221 Mercedes audio system works. I can add a hi-fidelity amp in series at a later date once the system is up and running.
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W216
Thanks for the offer, I sent you a PM with my VIN, but feel free to post the results in the forum. Thanks
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S500
until you move to the end of line 221s (I'm guessing) post 2011 ,where people on ebay show a totally different design by a different manu. you can fit any small amp from 2005 to the big amp HK systems - some speakers will stop working as the HK does logic 7 (nasty surround sound) the little one has fewer speakers and does not support logic 7, but everything else will work. And all are plug and play
Sound quality wise I never thought much of the HK one and the little one is pretty much just as good, bit warm, lacks proper treble and looses it at silly volume levels (where its all about hearing damage anyway).
Post 2010 (facelift) the graphics are mildly jazzed up but its only the view the rest is the same
If you go secondhand the fan will be on its last legs - (if the amp even works), swap it out before fitting. it has the most stupidly small fan plug ever (that no one else uses), there was some on ebay years back but couldn't find on a mega through search recently
It should be noted the little amps die at the exact same rate of designed in failure as the HK ones
Sound quality wise I never thought much of the HK one and the little one is pretty much just as good, bit warm, lacks proper treble and looses it at silly volume levels (where its all about hearing damage anyway).
Post 2010 (facelift) the graphics are mildly jazzed up but its only the view the rest is the same
If you go secondhand the fan will be on its last legs - (if the amp even works), swap it out before fitting. it has the most stupidly small fan plug ever (that no one else uses), there was some on ebay years back but couldn't find on a mega through search recently
It should be noted the little amps die at the exact same rate of designed in failure as the HK ones
Last edited by BOTUS; Feb 22, 2020 at 08:38 AM.
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2020
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From: Dominican Republic
W219 CLS 500 2006
Hi guys,
Hope I can receive an answer.
I have a W219 - CLS500 - 2006. My AMP is damaged, however I can´t find one with this code A2118701489. The technician told me he needs one with this exact number A2118701489. But, is there any replacements for this one in particular?
Will appreciate your help.
BR
Hope I can receive an answer.
I have a W219 - CLS500 - 2006. My AMP is damaged, however I can´t find one with this code A2118701489. The technician told me he needs one with this exact number A2118701489. But, is there any replacements for this one in particular?
Will appreciate your help.
BR
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2020
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From: Dominican Republic
W219 CLS 500 2006
Dear konigstiger and BOTUS, thank you very much for your replies. Truly appreciated.
This morning I went to a new shop and surprising, the issue was not the AMP, but the optic fiber. They tested the audio with a smaller AMP from another MB, and after checking the fiber they noted it was a bit damaged. It was fide and audio came up. The best part, my old AMP was not damaged at all, it is in great shape. The other technician almost made me buy a new AMP.
All the best.
This morning I went to a new shop and surprising, the issue was not the AMP, but the optic fiber. They tested the audio with a smaller AMP from another MB, and after checking the fiber they noted it was a bit damaged. It was fide and audio came up. The best part, my old AMP was not damaged at all, it is in great shape. The other technician almost made me buy a new AMP.
All the best.
Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 145
Likes: 11
2010 S550
I have also experienced the amp in my 2010 s550 failing and wanted any recent insight on possible fixes. The part numbers on my amp are as listed"
2219000502
2218705389
2219026101
I am also not adverse to using a smaller amp, which may sacrifice a some sound quality from another benz model or aftermarket amp that is plug and play. Any advice and assistance is greatly appreciated. I am in the Raleigh, NC area if anyone knows of a good repair shop and as well am frequently in Maryland
2219000502
2218705389
2219026101
I am also not adverse to using a smaller amp, which may sacrifice a some sound quality from another benz model or aftermarket amp that is plug and play. Any advice and assistance is greatly appreciated. I am in the Raleigh, NC area if anyone knows of a good repair shop and as well am frequently in Maryland
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
W216
I have also experienced the amp in my 2010 s550 failing and wanted any recent insight on possible fixes. The part numbers on my amp are as listed"
2219000502
2218705389
2219026101
I am also not adverse to using a smaller amp, which may sacrifice a some sound quality from another benz model or aftermarket amp that is plug and play. Any advice and assistance is greatly appreciated. I am in the Raleigh, NC area if anyone knows of a good repair shop and as well am frequently in Maryland
2219000502
2218705389
2219026101
I am also not adverse to using a smaller amp, which may sacrifice a some sound quality from another benz model or aftermarket amp that is plug and play. Any advice and assistance is greatly appreciated. I am in the Raleigh, NC area if anyone knows of a good repair shop and as well am frequently in Maryland
You will definitely need an amp from another W221. The only thing I couldn't determine was whether a smaller W221 amp would work - didn't want to be in for hundreds of dollars to find it wouldn't work. In the end I had to find a used amp that had the correct serial numbers. It is a massive massive ball ache.
Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 145
Likes: 11
2010 S550
I never found anyone who could reliably repair these amps and warrant their work. New ones were over $2,000 from Mercedes, and Harmon Kardon refused to either repair or replace them (irrespective of cost). The amp is more than an amp, it is a core component to the Command system; therefore you can't plug in any old amp (it isn't a standard phono cable / RCA in) , and nor can you plug in any Mercedes amp.
You will definitely need an amp from another W221. The only thing I couldn't determine was whether a smaller W221 amp would work - didn't want to be in for hundreds of dollars to find it wouldn't work. In the end I had to find a used amp that had the correct serial numbers. It is a massive massive ball ache.
You will definitely need an amp from another W221. The only thing I couldn't determine was whether a smaller W221 amp would work - didn't want to be in for hundreds of dollars to find it wouldn't work. In the end I had to find a used amp that had the correct serial numbers. It is a massive massive ball ache.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 20
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W216
