Audio system on c230 sedan 2004
 

I love my car but I have a one regret. I have standard radio system with cd changer.
When I was buying the car the broker found it with out Bose system.
Any idea how can I improved the sound with out messing up my warranty?

Any input will be appreciated.

Hi.

New or used car?
After market or high end OE stereo?
I don't know what exactly it is that you want.

But here are both options.

If you just want to upgrade to the high end OE stereo
then have a MB dealer install it and your warranty
should not be affected.

If you're going the after market route, that shouldn't
be a problem either.
Better speakers are available that just drop in the
stock locations.
A good stereo specialty shop can integrate a custom
stereo into your car and make it look stock.
Don't use Best Buy or the likes.
Most important is that quality material and
work practices are used.

A hack job will lead to electrical problems which could
affect your warranty.
But as said before if the shop doing the work does
a quality job then all should be OK.

Do some research on the shop your planning on using
if you're going that route.
Ask to see some of their work on previous cars.
Look for the MECP certification, all good shops should
have it.
Also important is that the sales person is listening to
YOU and not trying to sell you stuff he wants to see sold.
If they start by doing that walk out, they are only interested
in selling you stuff that most likely you don't need.
The sales person also should consult with the installer(s)
and inform him of YOUR wishes and to get his opinion.
Since he has the experience, he can give you alternatives
to what you have in mind, if needed.
Not everything that a customer wants is do-able and if it is,
it might be to expensive.

Louis.

New car.

I will say that I’m looking for the Mercedes/Bose system, looks like they are places for speakers and amps and subwoofer in the trunk; I did not see any wires though.

Going with the dealer probably will be very expensive

To be honest.

I would go the aftermarket way, because for the
money you would spent at the dealer you can
have a better sounding after market system.

I think that you have a din head unit now so
any after market HU will fit.
The front speakers are most likely components
and are easily replaced too.
Rear speakers probably are 6 1/2" and can be
replaced.
Nice 5 channel amplifiers are fairly cheap these
days.
A good subwoofer with cabinet can easily be added.

HU: $250
Components: $250
Rear speakers: $200
Sub+cabinet: $350
5 channel amp: $500
Wires and stuff:$300
Installation: $500 (more or less)

Total: $2350


I'm pretty sure that a OE/bose system at MB
would be about the same price including installation.

But this set up will blow that Bose system out
of the water.
And the best part is you can remove this system and,
exept maybe for the front and rear speakers,
put it in your next ride.

Prices are a ball park # so it could be less or more
but not by much.
Biggest difference would be the installation price.
And this depends on level of customazation and
hourly rate.
But a good shop should be able to give you a
pretty close estimate as to what it would be.


Louis.

I'm in the exact same situation. I just bought my 2004 C230K Sport Sedan and was told it has a Bose system in it. Well, it doesn't. It's the low-end HU with 6 CD changer in the glovebox. I don't need mega-watts of power, but just some nice clean sound with flexible tone control. I heard about the Audio 10 being a better head unit. Can anyone tell me if it's a simple swap out or is there more involved? Thanks for your help. -Norm

Whats wrong with the stock system though? I know we have all different ears but the clarity is there!


Bass is deep aswell.

Hello. Yes, the clarity is there, but the mid-frequencies are a bit to strong for my tastes, with no ability for adjustment. At lower volumes, I find the bass a little on the weak side, don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for heart-pounding bass, but a nice tight clean bass like I get with the Bose system in my ML430. But, I do understand that tastes do vary and the lower-end HU is not too bad. I just heard that the Audio 10 is more flexible with regards to sound adjustments and that's what I was inquiring about. -Norm

Oh I see. I acutally agree with you there....the bass is low when turned down to normal listening levels.


I suggest ordering the audio 10 from europe because I heard the bass levels and adjustements are better on it.