I'm trying to upgrade the horrible Bose system in my 97 S500, but I'm unable to locate accurate speaker sizes. I've went on several websites, contacted the dealer, and mbusa.....no luck! No one will give out the data. I mainly want the speaker sizes for the front and rear doors. Please help! If anyone has the info....please email me at ebland79@yahoo.com.

Thanks again!

each front door = 1tweeter (2.5inch) 1 speaker = (5 1/4 inch)

each rear door = 1 (3.5 inch) speaker

back shelf = 4 (6.5 inch) woofers

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99 C43
98 S420
99 C230K
01 C240

I believe there's two speakers installed in the dash and wanted to know if anyone knew the size. 97 S500 Sedan.

It's my understanding the Dash Speakers on a w140 are for the intergrated cell phone - not for the sound system.

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Russell McMahon
Tulsa, OK
2001 CLK 320
1992 400se
1993 400e
2000 320ML

yup those are for the phone.

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99 C43
98 S420
99 C230K
01 C240

if you are looking to replace all the speakers and amps, rmemeber that the bose is a a different ohm rating usually.

Alon

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'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon

Why on earth would you want to change the sound system?

The BOSE system in the W140 is a 7-channel, 13-speaker, 350-watt system which has been described by many as possibly the best sounding audio system ever fitted to an automobile. It sounds better than my home theatre system, and most owners would agree (unless of course you own a BOSE home theatre system as well ).

The 350-watt power rating is actually much louder, clearer and more responsive than most 1000+watt systems because the speakers are of a very low impedence (approx. 0.5 ohms per channel). The system uses a special "impedence management system" to achieve the amazing clarity you often associate with a BOSE system.

This W140 BOSE system however, does have frequent problems with the amplifier (located in the boot). This can cause hissing, crackling, popping, low/no volume and a general lacking in responsiveness and clarity. Perhaps your amplifier is shot and this is why your system sounds so terrible! I have also heard that a defective tuner box and/or headunit can also cause sound quality problems.

The BOSE system in my S320 is amazing, with exceptional clarity, bright, full featured highs, strong mids, and very very deep, rich, full sounding bass. The system is very very loud, and can be played at maximum volume without any distortion whatsoever. It is also perfectly balanced with amazing spacial qualities, whilst also have enough "thump thump" to make everyone gawk at the traffic lights. I've had many many compliments about the BOSE sound system, even from teenage owners of boombox-fitted Supra's and the like.

Being a hat-backwards-wearing 21 year old myself, I appreciate the "thump thump" aspect as much as the overall quality of the sound stage.

I would strongly recommend getting your amplifier looked at! They are expensive, but I very much doubt you will achieve a better sounding or louder system spending any less.

Cheers

Bose SUCKS!!! I get so tired of people defending them, they are garbage!! All their equipment is over priced and does not perform as well as the competition. As far as the w140 goes all the Bose parts are OUTLANDISH in price!! You must admire the detail that went into designing that system but let me just say, I would rather have the 6 speaker system in the w126 that WORKS than the NEWER Bose system that doesn't and whose parts are so expensive to replace, it is not even worth it. If I recall correctly just an amplifier for those systems is like 900 usd I don't even think McIntosh amps are THAT expensive! There is a reason premium luxury brands are moving away from Bose systems. Nissan uses Bose now, no offence Nissan owners, but I am sure that they have no clue what kind of mess they are getting themselves into!!

Bose is good PERIOD. Especially the system fitted into the w140.

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99 C43
98 S420
99 C230K
01 C240

Yes well the best of anything is usually the most expensive

I agree the BOSE systems are very expensive, but you do get what you pay for.

It is not neccessary to replace the amplifier, you are better off having the amp rebuilt. The problem with the amplifiers starts with leaking electrolytic capacitors. All electrolytic capacitors have a limited life span (generally 1000-5000 hours). As they get older, they leak acidic electrolyte onto the circuitry. Eventually, this can lead to PCB corrosion, damaged MOSFET's and IC's.

A new unit may have been sitting in a warehouse for years before you buy it, during which time it will likely have developed the same problems as the used unit. The new unit is therefore no better than the old one in terms of longevity.

Your best bet is to have the old amp rebuilt at a cost of around US$400, and that amp will last you for many years. And your system will sound much better than any other junk you may be tempted to install.

Keep in mind also, that removing the original system and possibly causing irreversable damage to your wiring/housings/trim/console, will most likely adversely affect the resale value of your car. Given that you are concerned with the price of a new BOSE amplifier, I'm assuming you would also be concerned with your car's resale value.

For me, the BOSE sound system was a significant reason I purchased the W140 in the first place.

As for premium brands moving away from BOSE systems, it is actually the complete opposite. BOSE now attracts brands as diverse as Mazda (6, RX8), the MAYBACH, Audi (all models), Porsche (all models), Ferrari (latest 612 Scaglietti), Maserati (Quattroporte), Alfa Romeo (147, 156, GT), Honda (Legend and NSX), Infiniti (most models), Cadillac (most models) and of course, Mercedes-Benz which currently offers BOSE systems in all classes, just to name a few...

Cheers