Speaker fit in '90 300E

[Number11]

I have a 300E and i was wondering what the best speakers were for my car. I want ones that fit without much cutting or modifying. I was looking into some Infinity Kappas for the front and back, as i heard they are good speakers. 52.5is for the back and 42.5i's for the front. I heard of a fellow earlier who claimed that the .5s might not fit, while the .3s fit rather well. Anyway, i just want some that fit and sound good, price isnt really an issue (i know people ). Anyway, any information and suggestions would be extreamly appreciated.

-Ged

Here is some threads to read for w124 spkrs:

1. w124 front dash Speakers

2. 300E quality speaker options? Opinions please...

It' really hard to say. I've listened to the infinity's and they sound pretty decent off of deck power. Quarts will be bright firing off the windshield. There is tons of other smooth all around 4 1/2" speakers like Diamond audio, JL Audio, etc. You just need to keep in mind that what they sound like in the showroom firing at you is not realistic in terms of what they'll sound like in your car firing off your windshield. Also of course lotsa people on here have installed the rainbow speakers that drop in, so that is also an option though i haven't heard them.

My recommendation if you can fit them, JL Audio XR400 CX. A bit pricey but they sound tasty and are a pretty tight fit for the 124 dash.

good luck

[Number11]

Thanks but the biggest isue is fit over sound quality. Id rather have speakers that sound a little bit worse but are easy to fit. If the difference is black and white, then the cutting might be worth it. I also dont wana mess up my windshield.

Thanks

-Ged

[JCE]

The German Rainbow speakers ( http://www.rainbow-car-audio.com/home/ ) are available from Scott at www.LaJollaaudio.com and are supposed to be a direct snap in.

The Diamond Audios ( http://www.diamondaudio.com/MobileAudio/index.cfm?page=Speakers ) make a 4.5" m341i that should be an easy fit as well, and can be bi-amped.

I agree to go the rainbow route if you don't want to mess with anything. I can almost guarentee you that the M341i is going to be a challenge cause of the magnet size and depth. You will have to push down your vent duct or heat it up a little and push it down. On the passenger side speaker opening, there is some body frame that comes down at like a 45 degree angle right under the speaker opening that is fine with the stock speakers because their baskets slope in to a small magnet. The diamonds have a big basket and big magnet in comparison. But still if you can get them from a shop that will let you take them back if they don't fit, or let you take them to the parking and try them on the spot, then it's worth paying more for local prices for the service.

[Number11]

I dont think im going to get rainbows. I heard the difference between rainbows and stock speakers were minimal, while the difference between rainbows and infity kappas are great. i wouldnt mind cutting if the difffernece is night and day. Besides, i can get some kappas for under 100 bucks. Price isnt an issue. If it will take 3 hours of cutting and shaping ill do it, but if it takes 15, ill likely think twice.

thanks,
Ged

Good luck and let us know what you decide to do. The infinity's should cost well under $100 as I've seen them on ebay and other online car audio stores for between $55-65

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?iewItem&item=1361351572