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SLS/R197/C197 AMG: Is the Bang and Olufsen Really Worth It?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
Mercedes S63 Coupe
Is the Bang and Olufsen Really Worth It?
Hi All,
New to the forum and strongly considering purchasing an SLS Roadster.
The one I found has everything I want except the Bang and Olufsen stereo.
For those of you who have it, Is the stereo worth waiting for a different car with the exact specifications I want to come on the market?
For those of you who have the stock stereo, Does it ever leave you wishing for more sound?
Does anyone know if a factory unit can be installed in a vehicle that didn't come with it?
I'm somewhat of an audiophile and always "check the box" for an upgraded stereo, but would love some input from owners with the stock set up.
Thanks in Advanced,
DS
New to the forum and strongly considering purchasing an SLS Roadster.
The one I found has everything I want except the Bang and Olufsen stereo.
For those of you who have it, Is the stereo worth waiting for a different car with the exact specifications I want to come on the market?
For those of you who have the stock stereo, Does it ever leave you wishing for more sound?
Does anyone know if a factory unit can be installed in a vehicle that didn't come with it?
I'm somewhat of an audiophile and always "check the box" for an upgraded stereo, but would love some input from owners with the stock set up.
Thanks in Advanced,
DS
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 352
Likes: 61
From: Encinitas, CA
'00 SL600
Many people who bought new said that it wasn't really worth it. Let's put it this way, it isn't worse than the stock system - nobody ever claimed that.
Having it on a used SLS doesn't really move the price at all, i.e., you're not going to pay a premium to get a SLS with the B&O. So as a used buyer, I'd hold out to get one with the stereo.
I don't think retro-fitting the B&O is feasible or practical. The dashboard top speakers alone would involve an entirely new dash?
PS I just looked at some closeup pics of the dash and it might be possible to swap out the topside speakers. Unrelated, you may need a SW update as well because the upgraded B&O has some special menu options. If that's the case, good luck trying to explain to the service department what you need done.
Having it on a used SLS doesn't really move the price at all, i.e., you're not going to pay a premium to get a SLS with the B&O. So as a used buyer, I'd hold out to get one with the stereo.
I don't think retro-fitting the B&O is feasible or practical. The dashboard top speakers alone would involve an entirely new dash?
PS I just looked at some closeup pics of the dash and it might be possible to swap out the topside speakers. Unrelated, you may need a SW update as well because the upgraded B&O has some special menu options. If that's the case, good luck trying to explain to the service department what you need done.
Last edited by Sandy Eggo; Dec 16, 2016 at 10:59 AM. Reason: PS
MBWorld Fanatic!
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SLS AMG
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 897
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From: Parkland FL
C63 BS, 2011 SLS, 2014 CLS63-S
The car is pretty loud and if you value your tunes get the B&O. I have it in my SLS and its pretty good, but it does have to compete with glorious SLS sounds that the car emits. Very tough job for any sound system :-)
Senior Member
Joined: May 2015
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From: Mandeville, La.
2011 SLS AMG coupe, 1997 Yellow/Blk Hummer H1, 2014 Monterey Blue SLS AMG GT roadster
I have BO in my car but like everyone else said, I spend most of my time driving listening to my exhaust note.
Last edited by Rbcj50cal; Dec 17, 2016 at 07:17 AM.
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 352
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From: Encinitas, CA
'00 SL600
Nobody ever said the B&O was worse than stock so I'd personally hold out for an example with the B&O but not lose any sleep over it if you have the money burning a hole in your pocket and want to pull the trigger.
Happy hunting.
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SLS AMG
Here is the write up on it.
http://www.bang-olufsen.com/en/car-a...nz,-,SLS,-,AMG
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SLS AMG
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From: SoCal
GT3RS, Jeep SRT, Sportsmobile, 65 Jag, Highly Modified Jeep Cherokee, SLS FE, GL450 (wife's)
Agreed.
I am disappointed with it. Sounds fine, but not awesome.
However it looks very cool at night because the tweeters on the dash light up. I think aftermarket stereos sound better for the $, but I wouldn't put one in.
I do agree with Sandy if you can find one with it you won't pay anything extra and it is a cool option for the reason I mentioned.
I am disappointed with it. Sounds fine, but not awesome.
However it looks very cool at night because the tweeters on the dash light up. I think aftermarket stereos sound better for the $, but I wouldn't put one in.
I do agree with Sandy if you can find one with it you won't pay anything extra and it is a cool option for the reason I mentioned.
