1999 SL500 intermittant door speaker - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

skybound · #1 01-16-2007, 10:03 PM

Just wondering what to look for. The upper speaker(s) in the R.H. door of my 1999 SL500 is intermittant. It seems to come on when the volume is turned up high. I was just wondering if anyone else here has had this problem. If so any suggestions as where to look for the cause or solution before I commence removing the door panel................ugggggh not looking forward to removing the door panel. Thanks, John

cudaspaz · #2 01-18-2007, 04:57 PM

Alot of times the speakers in those doors eventually get water damage on them and act up.

You can take the door panel off, not really a big deal if you pay attention and work gently.

I have, in many cases just replaced the factory speaker or put a boston accoustic in it's place which are usually a direct bolt in without mods, although sometimes you may have to drill holes in the plastic housing and secure the new speaker with zip ties which works well, but that's if you get odd brand speakers.

The aftermarket speakers, regardless with require modification of the wire connectors to the speakers.

But like I said, mostly the cause is moisture damage to the speakers and you will see white hard water residue on the speaker with door panel removed.

skybound · #3 01-18-2007, 07:04 PM

Thanks for the response, I haven't taken the door panel off yet but will be sure to check out what you mentioned.

Dee8go · #4 01-19-2007, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cudaspaz

Alot of times the speakers in those doors eventually get water damage on them and act up.

You can take the door panel off, not really a big deal if you pay attention and work gently.

I have, in many cases just replaced the factory speaker or put a boston accoustic in it's place which are usually a direct bolt in without mods, although sometimes you may have to drill holes in the plastic housing and secure the new speaker with zip ties which works well, but that's if you get odd brand speakers.

The aftermarket speakers, regardless with require modification of the wire connectors to the speakers.

But like I said, mostly the cause is moisture damage to the speakers and you will see white hard water residue on the speaker with door panel removed.

Did you put any kind of foam or gasket-type material between the speaker frame and the door? I noticed whan I was removing some old factory speakers, there was something that looked sort of like a gasket. I didn't give it much thought at the time and haven't heard any rattle or vibration since, so I guess it's not an issue. This was on dashboard speakers not door speakers.

cool · #5 01-20-2007, 03:02 PM

first check out the wire terminal connecting to the door speakers and make sure they are not loose, you may also want to spray some contact cleaner to the terminals and the connectors, make sure you don't spray any excess on to the speakers, that is basic step. Second you have to check the amplifier which is located on the rear trunk, left side if you will, make sure all these systems are working and cennected coreectly before you decide to have them changed, is your equipt with the Bose sound package?

skybound · #6 01-21-2007, 01:12 AM

Well, as for now I haven't done a thing. I posted this with hopes that someone here may have had a similar problem and would be able to give me some advice as to where they found the source of the problem. I have had problems with my E320 and with luck have found other owners with the same exact problem and that has saved me countless hours of labor and exspense. As for your question, yes my MB has the Bose system. I will commence taking the door panel off within the next week and will report my findings here on this post, so anyone else with the same problem may benefit. This board is a lifesver and moneysaver when it comes to doing-it-yourself. I don't know if I could afford owning a MB if I had to pay a mechanic for repairs and maintenance. Once again, I will report back when the problem is solved

skybound · #7 03-15-2007, 04:49 PM

well, after taking off the lower speaker grill (just one screw on the bottom and pull toward the front of the car) I found the speaker appeared to have gotten wet at one time. I then did an exchange with the speaker from the R.H. door and it worked just fine in the L.H. side. So problem solved, just need to replace the speaker. That is the next task to see if I can get one and hopefully it will not cost a small fortune. Luckily though no problems with the radio or the amp.

Cleeve · #8 03-19-2007, 09:20 PM

To All,
Just to let everyone know. I have the 6 1/2" BOSE speaker raw without the enclosure and at a big savings over buying the whole enclosure w/spk from the dealership. If you need one or two let me know. Thanks for using the ShopForum.

Cleeve Morrison
La Jolla Audio Repair
www.lajollaaudiorepair.com