Hey all, I got a ML 320 with the bose system. I recently got some
speakers to replace the stock ones. I know that the bose system has amps for the speakers, but a local installer told me that I have to take the amps out to install the speakers? Is this true? Or can I just leave the existing bose amps and just pop in the new speakers?? Thanks.

The OEM Bose system is just that...a complete system, designed to complement and work together. Simply swapping out speakers will probably not give you the sound you desire.

First, not only does it come with powered speakers, but the amp and speaker pairs are in a acoustically tuned self-contained enclosure...if the speakers you have are of the same size, you CAN just pull the stock speaker out and drop in the aftermarket. But since the enclosure was tuned for the Bose speaker, you may be disappointed with the results.

I believe Bose typically builds an equalization curve after the output signal to compensate for speaker limitations and ML interior acoustics. This is classic Bose "rocket science" stuff, and just dropping in a couple of speakers throws off the balance. Plus your speakers will now be playing through an "enhanced" signal optimized for the old speakers instead of a true "flat" eq.

You can bypass the amps, but the head unit is sending a line-level signal, requiring you to then purchase at least a two-channel amp.

Unless you are completely fed up with the Bose system, I would forego the swap, or go full circle and install a complete system.

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

thx for the info G-benz, i think i'll try and replace the whole thing

One more quick question- Does anyone know where I can find the front speaker amp? or the wire going to the front speakers?
I need to conenct a hi/low signal converter so I can connect an external amp. I am having a hard time finding it. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Goto any Car Audio store thats worked on high end Cars whould know. I tried step by step, and just found the BOSE system clear, but not as clean up high, and inadequate lows.

After adding the TVs, I wanted to get nicer sound. So I swapped out the speakers, not enough since its really only 4 speaker housings, with the front having tweeters house in front of the mids.

We first tried the upgrade in a friends ML320 w/ the Bose Package. Used an Alpine flip-out LCD screen w/ built in DVD. we had an adapter that worked with the existing amps, and just used the wires to the speakers. We used MB Quart Coaxs up front and rear. It worked with the stock Bose Sub, but also pulled the CD-Changer out. Installed a nice 3 12" setup of subs underneath the middle bench. We used the pre-outs to a crossover and amp (believe Eclipse) and the setup worked nice, because the BOSE "Bass Module" covered the lows that were blow mid-bass but above the Sub's crossover cut in. Its a beautiful setup. Only problem, we want to get a nice set of tweeters, but don't know where to put them w/o looking out of factory location.

I deff agree on switiching head units rather then using a line convertor, you will still not get a clean enough signal. I belive the Eclipse uses a 5v out, which is quiet clean.

Hope to do the same setup in the SUV, as soon as the Car Audio company gets their actogether and produces a head unit that plays DVDs, CDs, and encoded MP3s, with a pop out flip LCD screen and navigation.

I'll wait till then.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel
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