Need suggestions on 300sd stereo overhaul - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

E150GT · #1 09-21-2011, 10:14 PM

Hey
Since i just acquired a completely stock '84 300SD, it needs a modern stereo and speakers because I like driving it more than my mazda. As far as the head unit I dont think it matters too much as I am not an audiophile and I just need an aux in to plug my BlackBerry in to and go. I need speaker recommendations. I dont want to modify any part of the dash or rear deck to fit speakers and I have been reading conflicting info on actual speaker size. What do you guys run in your SD? On my 420SEL I did have fit issues with the speakers I bought and I dont want that now. Also the factory fader switch is in place. Do I in fact have to bypass it? I rewired the speakers in my old car and it was a mess. Just looking for suggestions so I can be hearing music and not just turbo whine. Thanks

weird beard · #2 11-24-2011, 04:51 AM

no you don't need to rewire it. I have a basic JVC deck in mine running through the fader. Only front channel is used off the deck running both sets of speakers via the fader.

I am also wanting to redo my speakers.

Search for a deck called "USA-4DIN" by customautosound. I am really considering one of these. They look really cool and you can connect with a usb cable.

69shovlhed · #3 12-01-2011, 11:00 PM

lots of radios have usb ports now. i would contact crutchfields and they should be able to hook you up with the correct size speakers, and an adapter harness to get your new head unit hooked up right.
and lose the fader. its a hunk of stupid $#!+. if you dig into it a bit, you will find where the krauts soldered all the - leads into a glob, and you can separate it and use the factory speaker wires if you don't want to run better wires.

Yak · #4 12-02-2011, 08:54 PM

I'd recommend checking the OE harness is still intact before starting your search. Odds are it will be if the original radio is in there, but there's always the chance the PO re-installed it and hacked the wires.

Assuming an intact harness, I'd second going the Crutchfield's route for the adapter. Their M-B adapter and some crimp splices and you're fine for the HU. It's a color-match after that: yellow-yellow, red-red, etc.

They also include speaker wire adapters. You can trace the fader harness, unplug the rear speakers and plug-and-play with those. Snip the front speaker wires and it's easy.

Crutchfield's doesn't have great info on speaker fitment. They also may not have accurate info on height under the grills.

Maybe not exactly your style, but things like the remote USB plug might be nice: RetroSoundUSA.com - Classic Radio Systems, Speakers, and Accessories

The retromod 3.5 speakers should fit in the front, or there are some wider available 4" that should fit.
RetroSoundUSA.com - RetroMod&#153 3.5" 30 watt 2 way Upgraded Replacement Speakers (sold as a pair)

PM me if you want a hand with the install or the wiring.

E150GT · #5 12-03-2011, 07:23 PM

I have pulled the radio and the harness is original. My grandmother never bothered to change anything. I was thinking of speakers only and just doing the auxilary cable mod. Im not a huge audiophile and the thought of someone breaking in and destroying my wood to get my stereo scares me. They did that to my brothers car and they didnt even get the radio. His interior got destroyed.

weird beard · #6 12-05-2011, 04:32 AM

I just started into upgrading my speakers and audio setup. My '82 300sd has 4x6 front and rear speakers.

I just replaced my old JVC deck with one of these. Its a kenwood KDC-BT945U. Looks nice in the classic MB dash and is loaded with every option. I can make hands free bluetooth calls through it and stream my music via bluetooth. Back lighting color is adjustable so I tuned it to be off white to match the incandescent back lighting in the rest of the car. Not hard to set up and easy to use. My android phone automatically syncs to it when I get in the car and can charge it from the glove box via the rear usb input. Price was good as well. Payed $150 for it used.

Just ordered pioneer 4x6 2 way speakers for it as well. Will update on the fitment. I am still running through the fader but thinking of switching the fader to be a sub woofer volume control in the future. (assuming i decide to install one) If I do this I will obviously be running the speakers on all four channels instead of just the front two. I don't want a earth shaking system, just one that sounds good. (and still want the fader to perform some sort of function) I will update on how just upgrading the speakers sounds.

If you're not looking to spend a lot on this - ebay and craigslist have tons of good used audio. This is where I got all my equipment. All said and done I will be into the audio for around $200 with new deck and four speakers.

weird beard · #7 12-05-2011, 04:38 AM

as far as theft goes, play you music loud and you are just broadcasting the fact you have stereo equipment worth stealing.

When I mounted the deck I did not secure it. It stays in place and does not move. It fits tight but you can remove it just by pulling it out. I figure if the want it they can take it, just leave my dash intact. I also take the face off if i'm parked in a bad area.

E150GT · #8 12-08-2011, 01:00 PM

That deck looks good. I look forward to hearing how the new speakers fit and sound.

510300sd · #9 03-07-2014, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weird beard

I just started into upgrading my speakers and audio setup. My '82 300sd has 4x6 front and rear speakers.

I just replaced my old JVC deck with one of these. Its a kenwood KDC-BT945U. Looks nice in the classic MB dash and is loaded with every option. I can make hands free bluetooth calls through it and stream my music via bluetooth. Back lighting color is adjustable so I tuned it to be off white to match the incandescent back lighting in the rest of the car. Not hard to set up and easy to use. My android phone automatically syncs to it when I get in the car and can charge it from the glove box via the rear usb input. Price was good as well. Payed $150 for it used.

Just ordered pioneer 4x6 2 way speakers for it as well. Will update on the fitment. I am still running through the fader but thinking of switching the fader to be a sub woofer volume control in the future. (assuming i decide to install one) If I do this I will obviously be running the speakers on all four channels instead of just the front two. I don't want a earth shaking system, just one that sounds good. (and still want the fader to perform some sort of function) I will update on how just upgrading the speakers sounds.

If you're not looking to spend a lot on this - ebay and craigslist have tons of good used audio. This is where I got all my equipment. All said and done I will be into the audio for around $200 with new deck and four speakers.

Bump! I have the same headunit which I'm taking out of my Audi, I was just wondering if you could update us with the fitment of your 4x6 speakers?