Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Tech Help

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12-01-2001, 02:24 AM
Laura
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Question 2000 C230 with standard stereo

Can you tell me whether the speakers can be changed? If so, where are they and what size are they?

Thanks!

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12-01-2001, 03:08 AM
David C Klasse's Avatar
CheFrac is Back!
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Mission Hills in the City of San Diego
Posts: 2,355
Nope, if you want to change the sound in your car, you will pretty much have to gut the system.
Your 230's stereo is in the crappy department for a Mercedes! My friend has a 99 C230k and the stereo is relatively clear, but the bass is what's really hurting. So I know how you feel.
I have the Bose in me 95 C280, and it is definitly better than the standard stereo for the 202.

But the Bose still lacked some bass... so here's what I did:
Bought a 10 inch sub and a box (sub goes in box [enclosure]), and I bought a 250W amp. I then had the guys install the sub and amp. The install costs more than normal, because extra wiring is needed because of the more advanced Mercedes stereos (have to bypass factory amps). But the bass is not overwhelming or "ghetto" or anything of the sort, just a nice solid thump; of course you can always adjust the level if desired.
Anyway, I had this done @ Circuit City for a little over $500. I am now totally satisfied with the stereo... it's very impressing.
What my point is... Your C230's stereo isn't all that bad... but one of the major downsides is the bass, or lack there of! So if you did what I did (sub and amp), I think you might be satisfied... only because your stereo still gives fair still more than fair clarity at high volumes. But it would cost about $500. (And make sure the place you go to is very familiar with Mercedes...!!

Sound like a good idea for your needs? Good luck and hope this helps!!
__________________
2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver)

Previous:
1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles
2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's)
2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
2000 C230k Sport sedans
2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's)
1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12-01-2001, 06:07 AM
J.HIDALGO's Avatar
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Jax, FL
Posts: 1,785
Talking Welcome to the forum!

If you want to change just the speakers, I guess you can do it. If you want to change the complete sound of your system, you may have to change the whole system. Any good high end stereo shop should be able to help you out or you can go to the audio forum in this site and do a search (upper right corner) on speakers and you will find a lot of info.
Good luck!
__________________
J.H.
'86 300E
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12-01-2001, 10:25 PM
christenson
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Post Sound

The 2000 C230 contains its very own amplifying system, much like all of the mercedes benz's of its kind. I have a 95 220 and a 99C43 I have made both adjustments on both vehicles, including the head unit. Some say you can not change the head unit but i was able to; as well as the speakers. One manufacturer that does make fitted speakers for Mercedes is Nakamichi, those will fit quite well. But all other factory models will not, such as bose, kenwood, etc, etc. So this is your new venture, the cutting and wiring. I replaced my front side panels with 3x5's and added tweeters underneath the briarwood. The rear side panels contain 6x9 and one 12"subwoofer from MOMOM through a plexiglass plate behind the back seats, also included are three 4 channel 500 watt amps, for one set of tweeters and 3x5's, two 6x9's and one for the subwoofer. This process was actually the cheapest way for me to go, and spent close to 11k for both vehicles, but it does sound very good, much like a theatre or even better.

You can email me for pics if you wish to see.

Chris.....Hope this helps
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12-02-2001, 12:35 AM
JCE's Avatar
JCE JCE is offline
Down to the Wear Bars
 
Join Date: May 1999
Location: So Kalifornia
Posts: 2,189
Chris:

I have a 98 C230 and am just mapping out the speaker/stereo system for future attention. I purchased a pair of front door speaker sub frames from MB for about $3 each, and think I can mount some 5 1/4" on them, but would really like to see what you have done before I start - it sounds interesting! (but way beyond my budget )

Laura:

I guess modification depends on how much improvement you want. I am planning on starting off slowly with my wifes car by seeing what kind of results occur with just new front door speakers and maybe the dash tweeters as well. Speakers are always the weakest link, and even a mediocre head unit will usually improve with better speakers. Maybe Blackmercedes will contribute to this thread, he has a C230 and was involved with competition class stereo systems, if I recall.
__________________
John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E

Last edited by JCE; 12-02-2001 at 01:22 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12-02-2001, 01:43 AM
Laura
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Question Does someone know the sizes of the speakers?

Thanks for all the information about the possibilities.

I think I would like to start small and maybe just replace a few of the speakers. Does anyone know what sizes the various speakers are from the factory for the standard set up? I did a search on the site, but can't seem to find the sizes.

Thanks again!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12-02-2001, 12:09 PM
christenson
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Post speaker system

John:

I am going to go ahead and take some pictures of the two ladies
and their stereo systems. I will post the pictures as attachments for all of you to see. If you need any future assistance, please feel free to email me. Thanks...

Chris

Laura:

I am not sure whether or not MB has changed the skematics for the 2000 C Class, besides from the KOMPRESSOR engine modifications, so I assume that the speaker system and sizes have remained the same from 97 to 2000...I will check up on that and post another reply, including the various sizes; one thing though... Is your First aid kit still located on top of the back panel, and are your speakers on the right and left side of it?

Chris
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12-02-2001, 02:41 PM
JCE's Avatar
JCE JCE is offline
Down to the Wear Bars
 
Join Date: May 1999
Location: So Kalifornia
Posts: 2,189
Laura:

I did some measuring this morning on the front door speaker. It looks like many 5 1/4" round speakers will go in that position. The distance across the face of the speaker and the grill opening, (not counting the thick rubber isolation pad surrounding the speaker and meant to contact the removable grill) is about 5 1/2". The depth from the door panel to the back side of the speaker grill varies from about 1 1/2" back by the armrest, to 3/4" up at the bottom front of the door. The depth of the basket that holds the speaker varies from ~1 1/4" to 1 1/2".


"Basket that holds the speaker"

This means that the thickest (deepest top mounting depth) 5 1/4" or 5x7" speaker that should fit in there is about 2" 'top mounting depth' specification. It would seem that a spacer ring of some sort will be needed between the 'basket' and the speaker to allow the depth clearance, and that the least complicated install would be a 5 1/4" round speaker. as I see it at this point, the speaker would mount to home made spacer ring mounted on the 'basket', and the whole assembly should mount back in the original speaker position. A ring of dense foam (from the original speaker?) would be needed to isolate the speaker face from the rear of the speaker. Also, the tweeter in the center should not have a lot of protrusion above the surface of the woofer if it is to clear the grill.

I have not tried this install yet, and all the numbers are approximate, as are the installation details. For example, if there is clearance behind the speaker 'basket' and the windows/locks/outer sheet metal don't interfere, the back could be cut out of the 'basket' to gain some additional mounting depth (a waterproof shield would be needed to deflect away from the speaker back). Also, 2" is a worst case number - measured at the forward edge of the door. Towards the center or armrest end, there may be more clearance. These details will probably be modified as I proceed, but this may be a useful starting point.

Chris:
On my 98 C230 the first aid kit is on the top of the rear shelf and the subs are on each side, to the rear of the headrest. just for my own info, where is the amp located, and how is it accessed? Thanks for any advice.

__________________
John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E

Last edited by JCE; 12-02-2001 at 04:23 PM.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
FOR SALE: C230 Kompressor 2000 smanar Mercedes-Benz Cars For Sale 0 12-20-2003 01:21 PM
c230 stereo thebd Car Audio and Multimedia 2 01-27-2003 01:04 PM
Stereo questions for 2000 C43 (W202) C43AML Car Audio and Multimedia 0 01-08-2003 01:43 PM
"Premium" Standard C230 stereo David C Klasse Car Audio and Multimedia 1 01-09-2002 10:10 AM
Mercedes Press release - 2000 models Webmaster Featured Cars 8 10-06-1999 11:54 AM



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:38 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2018 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page