99 CLK 430 - Can you use a aftermarket headunit and changer with the stock speakers

and amps. I know that the OEM changer is fiber optic, but are the amps and speakers fiberoptic too. Do I need an adapter. Thanks.

[ss109]

I don't believe the speakers could be fibreoptik because fibreoptik is used to move data. Anyway, there are wiring harnesses available that will allow you to uses all of your factory speakers and amps with an aftermarket HU.

Do you know where I can get an adapter or who sells them? Thank You.

[ss109]

I don't know particulars, but you can ask a local shop and they can get you one; I believe they run around $100-$150

if you are going to change the stock head unit out for an aftermarket, I suggest you also change the front door speakers as well. This will provide a very noticeable difference in the sound quality.
The front speakers are relatively easy to change out, and the doors will accept a 6" driver. If you buy a "component" set (seperate tweeters) then you can use the stock tweeter mounting location (upper door).

The smaller rear door speakers are a 4" full range and unless you really care about the sound in the back seats, I wouldn't bother to change.

Do NOT attempt to replace the rear shelf speakers unless you are an experienced professional installer. Removing the two 7" rear shelf speakers requires taking most of the rear interior apart. Believe me, the rear shelf is not something you want to mess with.
Also, for some reason, MB decided to angle the lower front door speakers down and toward the front. This is not optimal for soundstaging. If you want optimal sound, custom moutning plates can be created that will alter the angle to improve this. If done correctly, they will not damage the car, and you will not even know they are in the door. Again, only a pro should attempt this.

The fiber optics are for the OEM changer and the cell phone. Speakers and amps are not fiber optic.

Good luck with your sound upgrades

trent, i hope you can help. you say that the front speakers are easy to change. the triangle is easy, but what about the doors. do you have to take the door panel off?? if so, how do you do it. i have a unique situation with my CLK320. it would be HUGE if i could easily get to the front door speaker. i aggree, the rear door speaker is insignificant to the driver.

Yes, the door has to come off. Be extremely careful with this. If you do not have a panel popper (special tool) do not attempt.
There are several bolts and screws that need to be removed, and the panel needs to be moved in a specific direction or it will not come off. There is also an airbag in the rear part of the door, so if you are not familiar with this stuff, I recommend to leave to a pro. No sense meesing up a door.

If you will be replacing the front speakers with an aftermarket brand of high quality, I would say to diconnect the small speakers in the rear part of the door. They will probably hurt the sound quality more than help.

I called Crutchfield and they dont know of any sort of conversion hardware to allow aftermarket head units and changers use the MB stock Bose speakers.

i am at a loss too. i really do not like the set up of the supposedly awesome MB BOSE sound system. the premium sound system of my brother's Toyota 4runner Limited blows this MB system away...

any leads on shops that have experience with 1999 MBs in NY/NJ area?

thanks!!

[Ashman]

Here is my 2 cents on the bose systems for cars.

They were deisnged by someone who thinks thats what the sound should be like.

I like to install my own stereos in cars. if I could buya car new with out a stereo at all, meaning no speakers, radio, changer or anything, It would be a perfect world.

The problem with bose is that they design the system for the car to sound the best it can for that car ( I believe this is how they do it.) I also think they have seperate amps on each speaker each adjusted differently. The Ohm load on the speakers is also probably different.

Bose EQ's the sound to how they think it should sound. personally I hate that they do this.

Alon

[jnee]

Originally Posted by BlokDok

trent, i hope you can help. you say that the front speakers are easy to change. the triangle is easy, but what about the doors. do you have to take the door panel off?? if so, how do you do it. i have a unique situation with my CLK320. it would be HUGE if i could easily get to the front door speaker. i aggree, the rear door speaker is insignificant to the driver.

I have a 2001 CLK320 and would like to install a Strada or Z1/Z3. Does the HU fit witout a special collar? I was told that the collar it comes with fits perfect in the CLK320 dash? Any help would be appreciated.