Installing 4-in speakers in W124 dash - question! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

gsxr · #1 11-21-2002, 10:43 AM

Hi all,

I went to install my new Kappa 42.5i coax dash speakers this weekend, and discovered that the factory hole is too big. I know a lot of people have installed these, and other 4-inch speakers, in the 124 dash openings. How do you do it? Do you make a baffle plate out of sheet metal and mount the speaker in that? If you put the speaker into the stock opening, there is a huge air gap around it that will kill any bass response. How do you make these somewhat airtight?

I'm almost thinking of just using Rainbows and not messing with the custom install hassles. Scott, if you're reading this, how much are they per pair? And do they fit front AND rear with no cutting or extra air gap?

Thanks!

SCLJA · #2 11-22-2002, 01:11 AM

The rainbows fit front and rear with no mods and are an exact fit. For one pair they are $160.00 and if you buy 2 pair they are $150.00 per pair.+ s@h. I guarantee you would be happy with not only the ease of installation but also the sound! If you are interested or have any questions you can reach our shop at 800-467-6545 m>f 8:30 to 5:30 pst ask for Donald and he will be more than happy to help you....

Scott@lajollaaudio

gsxr · #3 12-19-2002, 12:29 PM

OK, here's the aftermath. The factory holes were enlarged for some a/d/s speakers installed by the previous owner. So, the Rainbows wouldn't fit properly. I tried fitting some 5.25 Quarts I had but the basket is too big, it hits the firewall. So I decided to use the Infinity 4-inch coaxials I picked up fairly cheap ($65 new, IIRC), model 42.5i.

Of course they were much too small for the gaping hole in the dash. So I made a baffle plate from sheet metal. You have to do this or any little bit of bass the 4's produce would be lost, since speakers need a baffle to separate the front sound wave from the rear of the speaker cone. Making the baffle was EXTREMELY tedious... had to make a paper pattern first, then transfer that to sheet metal, and painstakingly cut, fit, trim, adjust, etc until they fit properly. I think it took at least 3 hours per side (seriously). I'll post some photos below of before, during, and after. My amp isn't connected yet so I can't comment on sound quality, I did test them with a home stereo and they do work.

My other car, with an unmolested dash, will be getting Rainbows. Sure, they cost TWICE what most other decent 4's cost, but the savings on install make it worth it to me (6+ hours of my time is worth at LEAST the ~$75 difference.) I'd love to go with the full Jehnert pro setup, but at $1000 shipped from Europe that's too steep for me. They're looking for a US distributor which would hopefully allow for a lower price over here (hint hint, Scott!!)

Photos of the install, plus the 143A alternator upgrade, are at this URL (more photos will be added in late December and January as I finish more of the install):

http://www.meimann.com/images/mercedes/W124_stereo/

Best regards,

gsxr · #4 12-19-2002, 12:32 PM

Here's a photo of the hole in the dash, which is larger than stock (not obvious though):

gsxr · #5 12-19-2002, 12:33 PM

And here's a shot of the speaker & baffle plate before installation:

gsxr · #6 12-19-2002, 12:34 PM

Here's the plate installed, before the speaker was mounted. I stuffed a little poly fiberfill underneath and in some of the gaps between the dash & A-pillar:

gsxr · #7 12-19-2002, 12:34 PM

Finally, here's the speaker sitting in its new custom baffle:

SCLJA · #8 12-21-2002, 01:28 AM

It looks like you a good job on your install! It takes time to do it right..I hope it sounds good too ! When I did my wifes 92 sportline I took the whole dash out and installed ads 325 Is speakers and it took me @7 hours total. (this is before I found the rainbows)

Scott@lajollaaudio

edge · #9 07-05-2003, 01:26 PM

Why didn't you just go with the Infinity 52.5i's?

gsxr · #10 07-05-2003, 02:55 PM

Because most 5.25" speakers will NOT fit in the dash of a W124. The 42.5i barely fit. Mine already blew up (woofer voice coil failed open, not burned). I replaced them with MB Quart RKC-110 coaxials, which sound SO much better! Wow, I'm sorry I wasted time with the Infinitys at all. For my other car I splurged and ordered the fantastic-looking Jehnert setup (http://www.jehnert.de/en), which I should receive in about 3 weeks. They put a 4in mid in the dash in a custom adapter plate, with a soft-dome tweeter angled out better than the coaxial, plus TWO 6.5's in the door. The installation guide has some photos here (1MB PDF file).

BTW, here's a photo of my Quart coaxials in the dash:

gsxr · #11 07-05-2003, 03:03 PM

Edge - tried sending you reply to the PM, but you inbox is full...

edge · #12 07-05-2003, 04:52 PM

gsrx, please try again, I just cleaned it up!
thanks.

wjm · #13 07-06-2003, 10:45 AM

gsxr,

You don't happen to have a template for that baffle, do you? It would save tons of time in installing the non standard size speakers.

Also, you say:

They put a 4in mid in the dash in a custom adapter plate

I didn't see this on the website. How much?

gsxr · #14 07-06-2003, 11:36 AM

WJM,

No, I don't have a template. I should make one, huh. Note that each car is slightly different and you'd need to modify the plate slightly to make it fit properly, as well as drill different mounting holes for each brand/model of speaker. I had to make new plates for my MB Quarts, the Infinity plates would not work (hole too big & shaped wrong).

About the Jehnert setup. There is one small photo in the installation guide that shows the mid/tweeter setup. You need to look carefully for it in here:

http://www.meimann.com/docs/mercedes/Jehnert_W124.pdf

The full W124 sedan setup includes both doorboards & grilles (in your interior color), four MB Quart 6.5in woofers, two MB Quart 4in mids, two German-made soft dome tweeters, external crossover, and instructions. Price with shipping is about $770 EUR, or $875-$900 USD (depending on exchange rates). That sounds high until you realize that having a stereo shop custom make door panels would cost at LEAST $500 (to have it done right), and then you would need to buy all the speakers. The Jehnert setup is already designed & engineered to work in the 124. When I get the kit, I'll take some good digital photos & post them to my website. Remind me in a few weeks if I forget...

ako · #15 09-13-2003, 05:41 PM

Gsxr or anyone,

1. Why do you think that the Infinity Kappa 42.5i speakers are blown/destroyed when the speakers are upgraded on the 124?

2. Does it have to do with the original dash speakers having 2 ohm resistance vs the Kappas 4 ohms?

3. Scott of La Jolla Audio sells the $160/pair Rainbows which I believe are also 4ohms. Would that also blow?

The reason I asked is I'd like to upgrade my speakers and later my head unit. I still have the original/stock speakers and Becker head unit.

Thanks,
RV
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