Speaker compatibility

[lzamora]

Hi guys,

Most of my speakers are dead, therefore I'm looking to replace them. Thinking on going for second hand OEM, but there's quite a lot of confusing information out there. There are a lot of treads as well, but I'm looking for something easy and simple I can work with, so questions are:

Are E500s sound system compatible with the late E420 94?

What are the correct speakers part number?

Regarding the last question, when browsing through the online vendors catalog, most of part numbers are showing as 66 82 8944 and similar, therefore I can't figure out exactly what's the one I should be looking for, and eBay search throws a lot of different part numbers that don't show on the catalog....

Thanks!!!!

 

[gsxr]

Depends which audio system your car has, assuming it's not USA-spec. Would need your VIN to confirm.

For USA-spec cars, all 1994-95 E420 have identical audio components as the 1994 E500. (Pre-facelift have different audio systems.)

 

[Kyiv]

Dave, aren't speakers the same though for 93 and 95 model years? I know the amps and receiver are different

 

[Jlaa]

Dave, aren't speakers the same though for 93 and 95 model years? I know the amps and receiver are different

In the worldwide market, preface lift w124.034 can have two kinds of systems with their own speakers

• "Sound System" system with 1 amp for left side, 1 amp for right side. The receiver module in the trunk does not power any speakers. The fader wheel is before the amps.
• "Aktiv Bass" system wherein the receiver module powers 4 speakers and a separate black-colored amp powers the door speakers. The fader wheel is *after* the amps.

USA market preface lift and post facelift w124.036 all have one kind of system:

• "Sound System" system with 1 amp for left side, 1 amp for right side. The receiver module in the trunk does not power any speakers. The fader wheel is before the amps. The amps are different preface lift vs facelift.

It gets super confusing, so that's why its best to start with a VIN number wrt the parts...

 

[gsxr]

Further confusing: All USA-spec 034/036 have the same equipment (Sound System) for 1992-1993 model years, and when the components changed for the facelift (1994-95), they continued to share the same parts between 034/036. Yes, ALL of the USA-spec 034/036 came with Sound System as standard equipment.

HOWEVER, outside USA, both 034 and 036 can have either Active Bass system, or an even simpler setup without front door midbass drivers. There was a Euro-spec 500E for sale a few years back without the door speakers, which was really confusing.

In USA, all 124 chassis from 1990-up had the front door speakers, and either Active Bass or Sound System. IIRC, only the 034/036 had Sound System (the best setup) as standard equipment. On all 5/6-cylinder sedans, Sound System was optional. (And, Sound System was not available on wagons. Not sure about coupe/cabrio.)

 

[gsxr]

Dave, aren't speakers the same though for 93 and 95 model years? I know the amps and receiver are different

See prevoius post... but no, the components changed pre/post facelift. All USA_spec 034/036 1992-93 share the same components, and all components changed for 1994-95 (but still shared between all 94-95 V8 models).

Non-USA spec, and non-V8's are totally different.

 

[northNH]

Sound System was for sure standard for USA coupe, and cabrio as well I believe.

My ‘92 400E parts car has a complete intact working Sound System, including all speakers...
Tho’ inaccessible before Spring.

 

[lzamora]

Depends which audio system your car has, assuming it's not USA-spec. Would need your VIN to confirm.

For USA-spec cars, all 1994-95 E420 have identical audio components as the 1994 E500. (Pre-facelift have different audio systems.)

My car is 100% USA.... here's the VIN WDBEA34E2RC111086

 

[gsxr]

My car is 100% USA.... here's the VIN WDBEA34E2RC111086

Excellent! That makes it easy. All 1994-1995 USA-spec E420/E500 will have identical components, for everything. Even an E320 sedan with optional Sound System will have the same stuff.