Polk DX5 Speaker in rear Dash of 89 300E - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 08-26-2002, 06:22 PM

I just got a set of Polk DX5 speakers to replace the factory speaker in my '89 300E. I'm having trouble installing it. Doesn't seem to fit the cut out in the rear dash.

I'm wondering how people are installing their DX5. Did you have to do any metal cutting? Did you use the plastic tray that the factory speaker uses? Anybody have a picture of their install?

Thanks

speedy300Dturbo · #2 08-27-2002, 02:02 AM

Rear speakers for the W124 are a bit tricky. When installing my Infinity Kappas (which have a large basket) I had to enlarge the metal hole JUST enough so I could securely "jam" the speaker inside. Not the most elegant install, but it works well and is covered up by the speaker grille.

I doubt that you'll be able to use the OEM plastic speaker "frame" but, do expect to do some cutting. Good luck!

#3 08-27-2002, 12:00 PM

speedy300Dturbo,

The DX5's basket is too big also. So you just jammed it in? Did you do any drilling to bolt it down?

I was hoping to somehow cut the plastic tray up and fit the DX5 in it, but I didn't want to do it w/o seeing how other ppl do it. No need to rush into something that can't be undone.

JCE · #4 08-27-2002, 07:57 PM

This worked for me in the front for installing, maybe it will work for you on the rear speakers. I purchased some thin adhesive backed rubber strip material at an auto parts store, cut notches at 1/2" intervals along one side, and formed a ring around the speaker cut out like below,

__..___...____..___...__..___
__\/___\/____\/___\/__\/___

and formed a ring around the speaker cut out.

I placed the speaker on this ring, and placed another similar strip on top of the metal part of the speaker, avoiding the flexible surround material of the speaker, and attaching only to the metal part of the speaker basket.

The speaker is acoustically isolated front to rear by this technique, and is held firmly in place by the downward force of the speaker grill, which only contacts the adhesive dense rubber foam. The foam comes in a variety of thicknesses, so you can choose one that may let the speaker sit high enough that the basket doesn't touch the metal of the shelf. The ones in my dash don't move around at all. For the rear, you might want to use a cable tie through one of the speaker mounting ears and attach to the rear shelf to restrain the speaker from flying around if you get in an accident.

This may not work, I haven't tried it on the rear, but it is only a couple dollars for the high density adhesive backed rubber foam at Pep boys, and it works perfectly in my dash location.