I want to mount a new sub (jl 10w7) in place of the stock one. As they are both 10" units, it shouldn't be too difficult (how hard can it be? famous last words).

My problem is that the new sub would have a significantly lower mounting depth, and i would need to cut away some of this metal brace under my rear shelf in my trunk.

Does anyone know what its for? It is a problem to remove, or should i just cut a hole through it?

I dont want to compromise structural rigidity in my car for better sound...

thanks//Richard

edit: i originally posted a similar question in the audio& electronics board here but decided to ask here as you guys here will be more familiar with the w211 e55 than anyone else...

i think u need to have a inclosed box for the w7

i intend to mount a sealed enclosure directly below the sub, mounted to to rear shelf, provided i can cut through the metal brace and not ruin my car

It would not be a problem. Back in the Day I ported 3 holes through the deck lid on my Volvo and it sounded sweet!

its not just the deck lid though, its the metal brace that runs across the car under the deck lid, in the trunk...

im trying to figure out what purpose it serves...

Ohh, well it probably makes the car more rigid, taking it off may make the car a little less solid. If this is the case you could likely weld a rod under the car to make up for it. My idea for a system is to put one 12 in the spare tire well inclosed with a flush fiber glass box.

It's a roll cage for your track days....

theres no prob. u can cut that off

If it didn't serve a purpose MB wouldn't have put it there. I would do more research before cutting up the car.

I've seen it done with no issues. You will need to cut a hole for the magnet to fit through. There are no issues with true integrity. Worst case is that you weaken the rigid shelf and it starts to rattle. Keep the cutting to a minimum and you will be fine. Again, I've seen it done on at least 3 W211s.

thats why i am asking...

Im sure it serves as a roll cage as much as my panoramic sunroof does...

thank you everyone for your responses, i guess ill just keep the cutting to a minimum and hope for the best..

What i really wanted to do was either remove the whole thing, or cut away a significant section from the middle, and mount the enclosure closer to the rear shelf. I think i've got like 10cm of space between the metal brace and the rear shelf... Maybe its better to just put the sub somewhere else...

//Richard.