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,