Help with sound system components

[papayars4]

Hi guys,

Earlier this year I took delivery of my Azzurro Blue E500 that I imported from Japan. Nearly all the cars from Japan I’ve come across have an insane amount of aftermarket electronics. This car was no exception. Yesterday I finally got around to removing the spaghetti of wiring. On the positive side I may have unlocked some performance due to the weight savings. The downside, I’m missing some factory parts.

Since they installed an aftermarket head unit, they chopped off the factory connectors. Thankfully all the wires are there. My plan was to source these from a junkyard or parts car unless anyone has a better idea.

The biggest thing I need help with is the trunk components. They are missing and after reading several threads I’m still uncertain what I need to buy. My car’s datacard shows it came with Code 814 Active Bass, which I assume is the lower/middle end option.

Three questions:
1. If I swap to the factory headunit, what headunit would that be and what trunk components do I need? Part#’s please!

2. Can I upgrade to the highest tier sound system Mercedes offered at the time just by buying different components? Or is some wiring different?

3. If I decide to go with a Continental or Kienzle headunit, do I need any of those factory components in the trunk?

Thanks,
Markos

 

[gsxr]

My car’s datacard shows it came with Code 814 Active Bass, which I assume is the lower/middle end option.

Correct. Active Bass typically has a single amplifier in the trunk.

The top-end option was code 810 "Sound System", which has dual amplifiers.

Three questions:
1. If I swap to the factory headunit, what headunit would that be and what trunk components do I need? Part#’s please!

Great question. Since the car was Japan delivery, I'm not sure what was factory equipment. And, Japan radios have a different FM frequency range vs USA, so if you want to actually listen to the radio in USA, you may not want a Japan-spec head unit.

2. Can I upgrade to the highest tier sound system Mercedes offered at the time just by buying different components? Or is some wiring different?

Yes you can upgrade to Sound System by obtaining different components, but the wiring harness is different. Need to remove most of the interior (all seats & carpet) to do this. Not easy, but possible.

3. If I decide to go with a Continental or Kienzle headunit, do I need any of those factory components in the trunk?

Depends if you want to retain factory amplifiers, or go with full aftermarket amplification. You won't want to use head-unit amplification, if you want the system to actually sound decent.

 

[papayars4]

Thanks GSXR!

I should have clarified, the car is actually a euro spec first delivered in Germany and eventually making its way to Japan.

Does Sound System sound good enough to go through with all that work?

 

[bb1]

I would not deal with a reinstall of the original “active Bass” system today. This 814 or Sound System 810 was not bad back then.. but was setup with a lot of different Ohm Rating in the speakers itself.. not everything like 2/4 Ohm of today. nearly every speaker had a different one! Smallest cables are used, speakers are 25years plus old too, if not working, would have to found some used ones. Quality is nothing compared to new ones of today. The old AMP would have to be rebuild too!

I would buy a US-Version if the Becker Exquisit (BE1490/1690) out of R129/W140.. (looks very original, ISO connectors on the back for easy new install) buy 1or 2 nice small amps, like Mosconi Pico with or without DSP. Install good aftermarket speakers of today, run them active if you got DSP, new cables. Will Sound way better the the old stuff! And nobody will see the upgrade!

If you go the original way, disable CenterConsole Rear/Front Fader, if one is installed.. kills everything!

 

[gsxr]

If you go all aftermarket, consider Jehnert doorboards to add bass up front without having to add a subwoofer. Cost is substantial though, and DSP is highly recommended to get optimum sound with aftermarket equipment.

:spend

 

[gsxr]

Does Sound System sound good enough to go through with all that work?

Good question. I would find a 124 sedan with Sound System and listen for yourself before making a decision. The 124 Sound System was the best option available from the factory, but I've never listened to it back to back vs 814 Active Bass. And, a proper aftermarket system will always sound better (but will cost far more, and won't be "original", if you care about that).

 

[Markus-MD]

Yes Sir .The Original Fetischist.This an open end Discusion. .Honestly all of the speakers are min 30 years old.warm cold wet and dry conditions.The most of them are robisch.I prefer new Speakers into the orig position and upgrade with new digital Amp.s. and ready.you can hide thisinto the car properly.Nobody want drive with new 30 years old tyres or??
but is my point of view
I have here 2 CLK 208 Cabrio with subwoofer Sound Mount in Orig. From 6 speakers into the doors and sub in the rear is nobody in working shape. Nobody and this is not the first expirence.
New speakers has no Papier Mebrans and self destroing Beadings.Are made of good silcons and Kevlar parts.I prefer Focal.in my sight ist good Compromise from Price and sound.And the good old Beckers can firing the new amps