2018 E Coupe 350d (C268) Premium Audio Upgrade Options..?

[simonbarnett]

Hi,

I'm considering upgrading the audio in my 2018 E Coupe and would appreciate some advice on my options. Ideally I'd like to preserve the stock state of the car but would consider more destructive options that don't go too far. Also, I'm not looking to go mad, I just would like a clearer sound coming from more speakers.

The Premium model that I have comes with, from what I can see, 7 speakers. A door speaker and door tweeter each side in the front, a 'door' speaker each side in the back and a sub behind the dashboard in front of the driver. No parcel shelf speakers.

Any guidance welcome, thanks in advance
Simon

 

[BfgSLKMan]

I think your best option will be find a used Burmester system and install that? Could be some coding issues though to make everything show in the Comand Display? Have a chat to Comand UK in Lightwater.

PS: Model code for the E Class Coupe is C238

 

[simonbarnett]

I think your best option will be find a used Burmester system and install that? Could be some coding issues though to make everything show in the Comand Display? Have a chat to Comand UK in Lightwater.

PS: Model code for the E Class Coupe is C238

Hi,

I'm considering upgrading the audio in my 2018 E Coupe and would appreciate some advice on my options. Ideally I'd like to preserve the stock state of the car but would consider more destructive options that don't go too far. Also, I'm not looking to go mad, I just would like a clearer sound coming from more speakers.

The Premium model that I have comes with, from what I can see, 7 speakers. A door speaker and door tweeter each side in the front, a 'door' speaker each side in the back and a sub behind the dashboard in front of the driver. No parcel shelf speakers.

Any guidance welcome, thanks in advance
Simon

Thanks BfgSLKMan. I chose premium plus when I leased a 2019 e class cabriolet for the Burmester system but was very disappointed with it (just the same configuration as the standard audio but with the addition of nice shiny Burmester speaker covers and 2 shelf speakers, which were very quiet when the system was up high). I've seen better looking used burmester systems and assume you mean something like the one attached? What kind of unreversable changes would I need to make to the car to accomodate?

 

[Londonscottish]

Hi,

I'm considering upgrading the audio in my 2018 E Coupe and would appreciate some advice on my options. Ideally I'd like to preserve the stock state of the car but would consider more destructive options that don't go too far. Also, I'm not looking to go mad, I just would like a clearer sound coming from more speakers.

The Premium model that I have comes with, from what I can see, 7 speakers. A door speaker and door tweeter each side in the front, a 'door' speaker each side in the back and a sub behind the dashboard in front of the driver. No parcel shelf speakers.

Any guidance welcome, thanks in advance
Simon

I'd try @Alfie at Comand online. They do various speaker upgrades for MB's inc those with Premium systems

 

[simonbarnett]

I'd try @Alfie at Comand online. They do various speaker upgrades for MB's inc those with Premium systems

Thanks Londonscottish

 

[BfgSLKMan]

I think the issues might be coding just so that the Comand system has the right audio menus open to allow you to change the sound focus etc. I have to say I think the difference between the basic and the Burmester system were greater? I am sure the later has more speakers aswell as subwoofers in the two front footwells. I would also say that the sound (focus) in my Estate sounds completely different from her Cab, yet they both have the Burmester system. Could be because in the cab the rear speakers are in the middle of the door panels and facing upwards in the boot deck cover, where as in my estate they project sound down from the roof by the tailgate?

 

[Londonscottish]

I think the issues might be coding just so that the Comand system has the right audio menus open to allow you to change the sound focus etc. I have to say I think the difference between the basic and the Burmester system were greater? I am sure the later has more speakers aswell as subwoofers in the two front footwells. I would also say that the sound (focus) in my Estate sounds completely different from her Cab, yet they both have the Burmester system. Could be because in the cab the rear speakers are in the middle of the door panels and facing upwards in the boot deck cover, where as in my estate they project sound down from the roof by the tailgate?

FWIW hen I asked Comand Online about this issue they told me that MB commonly charge plenty for the 3rd party amp (HK, Burmester, etc) and just stick cheap speakers in.

 

[Fastcar155]

Hi , my C207 has the HK system and its OK but nothing more.

Mega bucks to change !

 

[simonbarnett]

FWIW hen I asked Comand Online about this issue they told me that MB commonly charge plenty for the 3rd party amp (HK, Burmester, etc) and just stick cheap speakers in.

This is the impression I got, just same configuration but with nice shiny speaker covers. Maybe the subwoofer was bigger..? not sure, it was loud and had loads of bass but it certainly wasn't anything like the crystal clear sound I expected after paying for Premium Plus : /

 

[simonbarnett]

I think the issues might be coding just so that the Comand system has the right audio menus open to allow you to change the sound focus etc. I have to say I think the difference between the basic and the Burmester system were greater? I am sure the later has more speakers aswell as subwoofers in the two front footwells. I would also say that the sound (focus) in my Estate sounds completely different from her Cab, yet they both have the Burmester system. Could be because in the cab the rear speakers are in the middle of the door panels and facing upwards in the boot deck cover, where as in my estate they project sound down from the roof by the tailgate?

It seems that not all Burmester systems are not created equal - MB can create a Burmester system to suit any budget : /

 

[Londonscottish]

This is the impression I got, just same configuration but with nice shiny speaker covers. Maybe the subwoofer was bigger..? not sure, it was loud and had loads of bass but it certainly wasn't anything like the crystal clear sound I expected after paying for Premium Plus : /

I spotted this when they sent me a price list for audio upgrades. I was after a sub + speakers for my regular set up on my 212 but I noticed speaker packages for HK, etc on the list too. I had an excellent HK set up on my 211 - no complaints there - but I've read loads of threads by MB owners being underwhelmed by their Premium systems. When I asked Comand about it their answer was that it was most likely down to cheap speakers.

FWIW I had a 10 inch boot sub fitted and want to get the Morel door speakers & tweeters next.

 

[BfgSLKMan]

To be fair, its not a good as the Bose system I put in my 2001 C Class Coupe - that rattled your teeth if you turned it up loud enough !

 

[Londonscottish]

To be fair, its not a good as the Bose system I put in my 2001 C Class Coupe - that rattled your teeth if you turned it up loud enough !

The HK in my 211 was fantastic. Crystal clear even when cranked right up. The rear view mirror used to vibrate and I could almost feel my trouser legs flapping as the front door speakers were shifting so much air.

 

[Londonscottish]

Hi , my C207 has the HK system and its OK but nothing more.

Mega bucks to change !

£500 for tweeters, front door speakers & dynamat might be worth it.

 

[HB]

We

The HK in my 211 was fantastic. Crystal clear even when cranked right up. The rear view mirror used to vibrate and I could almost feel my trouser legs flapping as the front door speakers were shifting so much air.

Oh yes the HK in my S211 was brilliant as a standard “upgrade” stereo. The HK in the 212 E63 was useless.

 

[Londonscottish]

We

Oh yes the HK in my S211 was brilliant as a standard “upgrade” stereo. The HK in the 212 E63 was useless.

....seems like MB started some serious skimping on the speakers. There's absolutely no point having a powerful, quality amp and shit speakers. It's shameless on their side as sticking in 4 decent door speakers & a couple of tweeters is £1k+

On the other hand, it unlocks all the capabilities of the amp I suppose.

But you shouldn't have to pay twice......

 

[simonbarnett]

you think that just upgrading the speakers might have a significant effect then..? I was looking at Focal Inside MERCEDES E Class | Coupe (2017-2021) | C238 | Focal Inside.

 

[Londonscottish]

you think that just upgrading the speakers might have a significant effect then..? I was looking at Focal Inside MERCEDES E Class | Coupe (2017-2021) | C238 | Focal Inside.

It's what Comand Online have recommended to me. Well, speakers, tweeters plus lots of dynamat inside the doors. They sell Morels, Focals seem the common alternative.

My front speakers are rubbish; this became much more obvious on my recent holiday when the kids in the back asked me to send all the sound to the front. Horrible sound.

So far Comand have recommended and fitted an Integrated Automotive Android Auto/Apple Carplay unit and a Phoenix 10 inch sun and I'm very happy with both of them.

I've got a slush fund waiting for the door speakers.......

 

[simonbarnett]

Thanks, I just had a chat with them on the phone. They seem very genuine, the guy suggested starting with just a pair of front door speakers and see what if that's enough.

 

[AndrewOl]

Speaker upgrade every time for me. I’m sure you will be amazed at the difference. When they take out the main driver just compare it physically to the Morel unit and you will see where your money is going even before your ears do!