I would like to ask the assembled wisdom of this group for advice.

OBJECTIVE
Improve on the 1998 E320 "factory sound".

SOUND PROBLEM
It is "mid-bass" boomy.

PROPOSED SOLUTION
Use the following staged approach:

1. Replace the two rear deck speakers (4 ohms each) with four better quality units (8 ohms each - 2 in parallel each side, larger magnets, plastic cones, roll surrounds, likely separate tweeters.) Also add sound deadening material to trunk and gas tank area.

Note: I don't want to just add a subwoofer since: a) it takes up too much space, and, b) the mid-bass boom would still be there.

2. Replace door speakers (similar specs - not yet looked at.)

3. Replace, or add, larger power amplifier (haven't found the factory one, if any, yet - where is it?)

4. Perhaps replace Becker(?) AM/FM head unit with better one (not urgent). Alpine CD player to be kept - works very well.

MY PROBLEM
***** I can't get at the rear deck speakers to replace them!!!

The back seat removes easily enough (seat bottom with two latches - now, that's good design! The seat back with three screws - two top hooks - quite well designed.)

But that where it stops. The back parcel shelf cover doesn't seem to be easily removable. The headrests seem to be in the way and the plastic rivets at the edges don't seem to release anything.

BTW, you can't get at the speakers from inside the trunk. The are in plastic mounts that clip to the punched body panel - you can loosen them but they have to be removed upwards.

Can anyone help me with this? Please reply to group and/or e-mail me directly (LandRJones@sprint.ca)

Many thanks in advance.

Cheers,

Roger,

I think I may have emailed you in the past.

1) You can add a sub, just disconnect the so-called subs that are in the factory locations. They are the culprit of that mid-bass CRAPPY NOISE they put out.

2) Good idea. 6 1/2" or 7" will work in the front (I used Focal 165V which have a 7" mid/woofer). 4 or 5 1/4" will work in the rear doors. (I used tiny 4" Focals because I never actually have them on)

3) Your factory amp is right behind the driver side rear wheel well. You will have to remove the trunk liner to get to it. Not too hard to get out.

4) Highly recommended. If you want something closer to "stock looking" with better performance than Alpine, check out the Nakamichi Head Units. The 45z gives you changer control, aux input if you ever want to add video, and 20 bit DAC that is difficult to find in any unit under $500.

Romoving the rear deck is incredibly difficult. I tried myself and gave up, going a different route (I am very happy with the results). If you really want to change the rear deck speakers, go to your dealer and have them do it or have them show you how to do it yourself. Mine is very cooperative and yours should be too.

Good Luck!
Matt

Thanks, Matt. Yes, we spoke before.

I'm still working on this problem but, in the meantime, the right hand channel (front and rear) of the factory system has failed.

It's due in the MB dealership on Aug 8th under warranty!

Cheers,