Clk500 Harmon Karden

[PaulXC]

Sorry, long time no post ....

I've been looking for a post 2006 CLK500 Cabrio for a while to run alongside my daily driver - a 135000 mile 2006 E320cdi estate which I've had from new. I reckon that I'm only going to be doing 5000 miles odd a year in the CLK so the extra fuel consumption is not a big issue.

However one option on my must have list is the Harman Kardon audio upgrade.

I've spotted one which meets all my requirements apart from the HK.

So question ... is it worth waiting for one to come up with HK or is it possible to upgrade the existing audio in any other way to give me a really decent sound in the car - and at what price?

 

[sjmaxwell]

I've got a 2005 CLK cab with HK and although it was slightly better than the thin sounding 2003 CLK500 without HK or Bose it is no where as near as my 2012 W212 sound quality, and that isn't HK either but sounds so much better!

I wouldn't worry about HK as there are probably a lot better sounding systems that could be put in the right CLK500 IMHO

 

[GP801]

If the rest of the car is right then go for it. We have the HK kit in the SLK. To be honest its pretty disappointing. For me it would not be a deal breaker.

 

[W4E300]

I bought a beautiful 04 CLK 500 without the HK upgrade and stuck it out for a year....then caved in. The Comand head unit is perfect for me, but the amplification is weak especially in the mid & low ranges. I tested the HK upgrades and discounted it - along with my usual preferred speaker brand JBL (ex HK partners in my line of work) as there are certainly better options out there.

Unless you are looking to warp the windscreen with earth shattering sub bass, a high definition speaker upgrade and small powered sb in the passenger footwell will be more than adequate. It's then a simple installation and choice of speaker is obviously a personal choice. Allow around £500 for the kit + install.

I have just (this week) had mine done and went for Morel and Pioneer - all put in by Auto Audio in Park Royal. Perfect. Can't say anything against the kit, price or service. B&W were also very good and there are plenty of others at the same budget range.

Having now re-listened to many of my favourite albums I wish I'd had it done a year ago. I may also think about additional rear speakers in the side panels and an inline amplifier to add some further guts to the system - but it certainly doesn't 'need' it. Man Maths may make it a worthwhile investment(!)

Cheers.

Sent from my iPad using MBClub UK

 

[W4E300]

Sorry, long time no post ....

I've been looking for a post 2006 CLK500 Cabrio for a while to run alongside my daily driver - a 135000 mile 2006 E320cdi estate which I've had from new. I reckon that I'm only going to be doing 5000 miles odd a year in the CLK so the extra fuel consumption is not a big issue.

However one option on my must have list is the Harman Kardon audio upgrade.

I've spotted one which meets all my requirements apart from the HK.

So question ... is it worth waiting for one to come up with HK or is it possible to upgrade the existing audio in any other way to give me a really decent sound in the car - and at what price?

Did you see the 2008 CLK5.5 on Autotrader? - stunning and only £15k.....

Sent from my iPad using MBClub UK

 

[sjmaxwell]

I bought a beautiful 04 CLK 500 without the HK upgrade and stuck it out for a year....then caved in. The Comand head unit is perfect for me, but the amplification is weak especially in the mid & low ranges. I tested the HK upgrades and discounted it - along with my usual preferred speaker brand JBL (ex HK partners in my line of work) as there are certainly better options out there.

Unless you are looking to warp the windscreen with earth shattering sub bass, a high definition speaker upgrade and small powered sb in the passenger footwell will be more than adequate. It's then a simple installation and choice of speaker is obviously a personal choice. Allow around £500 for the kit + install.

I have just (this week) had mine done and went for Morel and Pioneer - all put in by Auto Audio in Park Royal. Perfect. Can't say anything against the kit, price or service. B&W were also very good and there are plenty of others at the same budget range.

Having now re-listened to many of my favourite albums I wish I'd had it done a year ago. I may also think about additional rear speakers in the side panels and an inline amplifier to add some further guts to the system - but it certainly doesn't 'need' it. Man Maths may make it a worthwhile investment(!)

Cheers.

Sent from my iPad using MBClub UK

I think you have confirmed what I said, the HK isn't worth it and nice to hear that £500 gets a much better system using Comand. One additional point is that with the HK system the front parktronic is very low volume due to the extra centre speaker going in the centre vent exactly where the Parktronic speaker is!

 

[W4E300]

I think you have confirmed what I said, the HK isn't worth it !

I didn't think it was - but I know a lot of people rate the add-on. Audio quality is such a personal thing & I don't think there's a 'good' or 'bad' here. as for the Parktronic thing....what a great invention that is....and it needs to be pretty loud to get heard above my new IC installation!

Sent from my iPad using MBClub UK

 

[PaulXC]

Did you see the 2008 CLK5.5 on Autotrader? - stunning and only £15k.....

Sent from my iPad using MBClub UK

Just looked that up - very nice. Might have to go and have a look at that one.

 

[PaulXC]

Many thanks for all of your replies and input on this - looks like HK ain't the only game in town so won't be a deal breaker.

Cheers

Paul

 

[W4E300]

Just looked that up - very nice. Might have to go and have a look at that one.

I was thinking of having a trip over there myself.....(!)

Sent from my iPad using MBClub UK

 

[sjmaxwell]

Did either if you check out the CLK500?

 

[W4E300]

Did either if you check out the CLK500?

Haven't been yet - hoping to get over there (Shepperton) on Wednesday.

Sent from my iPad using MBClub UK

 

[PaulXC]

Did either if you check out the CLK500?

Yes - I did yesterday. Its very nice but not 100% sure on the colour. Was really looking for black or silver, but its in pretty spot on condition - done 28500 miles not 23500 as on the advert though. Merc specialist service history rather than main dealer apart the first one - not sure how that would effect the price? They are asking about book or just under for it according to Parkers.

I'd forgotten how the V8's drive giving this one a quick blat down the M3 brought it back- I had a CLk55 Cabrio back in 2005 and a CL500 in 2003 so have some experience in these matters but have been in a E320Cdi since 2006...

Theres a silver one Autotrader which I want to check but has a light grey interior rather than the black I was after.

 

[W4E300]

Yes - I did yesterday. Its very nice but not 100% sure on the colour. Was really looking for black or silver, but its in pretty spot on condition - done 28500 miles not 23500 as on the advert though. Merc specialist service history rather than main dealer apart the first one - not sure how that would effect the price? They are asking about book or just under for it according to Parkers.

I'd forgotten how the V8's drive giving this one a quick blat down the M3 brought it back- I had a CLk55 Cabrio back in 2005 and a CL500 in 2003 so have some experience in these matters but have been in a E320Cdi since 2006...

Theres a silver one Autotrader which I want to check but has a light grey interior rather than the black I was after.

Just flashed up as 'SOLD'....thought it wouldn't take long!

Sent from my iPad using MBClub UK