E Class (S212) audio upgrade successfully completed
Discussion
Nine years ago I bought a 2010 E500 estate in Tanzanite over Alpaca. It was on 54k and in great condition. It's now just ticked over 97k miles and it's still in great nick. It's got the 5.5 which is an excellent engine and loads of toys. I've thought about moving it on now and again but really not sure what to get next. So I've kept it.
Two things were letting it down; the front seats were looking a bit shabby so I had them resprayed by SPAU and they're back to factory. And the rather ancient COMAND system which was made worse by the fact that my previous S211 had an excellent HK factory install. The standard speakers in the 212 were trully awful.
So, about three years ago, I dropped it off at Comand Online and they stuck an Integrated Automotive Apple/Android unit in, fitted Morel tweeters in the dash, front Morel door speakers (with 2 x layers of Dynamat) and a hidden Phoenix sub in the boot. This made a huge difference, the only thing letting the sound down being the horribly muddy rear door speakers.
Three years later and my OH asked what I wanted for my birthday and I said "Morel rear door speakers". I called SPAU who said they could fit them, add 3 x layers of Dynamat to the rear doors and also Dynamat the boot floor and spare wheel well.
The result is exactly what I'd hoped for. Excellent balance across the whole range, loads of detail and crystal clear when cranked right up. The Dynamat in the floor really helps as I took it for a long run on Saturday and the noise at high speed is significantly reduced; noise (and reverberating door cavities) are the enemy of ICE.
I reckon I'll keep it for a while more now. The new quieter cabin and excellent tunes just add to its ambience as a very relaxed mile muncher.
Two things were letting it down; the front seats were looking a bit shabby so I had them resprayed by SPAU and they're back to factory. And the rather ancient COMAND system which was made worse by the fact that my previous S211 had an excellent HK factory install. The standard speakers in the 212 were trully awful.
So, about three years ago, I dropped it off at Comand Online and they stuck an Integrated Automotive Apple/Android unit in, fitted Morel tweeters in the dash, front Morel door speakers (with 2 x layers of Dynamat) and a hidden Phoenix sub in the boot. This made a huge difference, the only thing letting the sound down being the horribly muddy rear door speakers.
Three years later and my OH asked what I wanted for my birthday and I said "Morel rear door speakers". I called SPAU who said they could fit them, add 3 x layers of Dynamat to the rear doors and also Dynamat the boot floor and spare wheel well.
The result is exactly what I'd hoped for. Excellent balance across the whole range, loads of detail and crystal clear when cranked right up. The Dynamat in the floor really helps as I took it for a long run on Saturday and the noise at high speed is significantly reduced; noise (and reverberating door cavities) are the enemy of ICE.
I reckon I'll keep it for a while more now. The new quieter cabin and excellent tunes just add to its ambience as a very relaxed mile muncher.
olliete said:
What an awesome place to listen to some beats and munch the miles.
I have an S212 350 petrol, id love a V8 back in the garage!
The 350's turbine smooth - also a great engine.I have an S212 350 petrol, id love a V8 back in the garage!
I had a good look at 530i's last year as a sensible replacement for mine. But I couldn't find one with the right spec/colour combo so gave up.
Also, people in the trade keep telling me to keep it as Mercs of this gen are generally seen as being well made cars.
Hence finishing the audio upgrade. Glad I did.
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