The below blog will inform about the best practices for upgrading the audio on the
Mercedes Benz C Class W205 (2014 – Present) keeping things reliable.
C Class W205 (2014-Present)
Main Entertainment Touchscreen Upgrade:
Aftermarket entertainment upgrades for the Mercedes Benz C Class are available from many brands and manufacturers today, a reliable and premium option among them is EUROFIT.
EUROFIT android entertainment touchscreen upgrade fits in straight / bolt-on to the car’s screen slot and integrates seamlessly with the car’s electronics via a bolt-on harness and connectors.
This upgrade includes features like,
Capacitive Touchscreen interface,
BMW iDrive controller fully integrated with menu functions,
Dual USB slots,
Bluetooth handsfree and music streaming,
WiFi connectivity for internet and screen mirroring,
inbuilt GPS navigation like Google Maps, Sygic, etc,
HD video playback in motion,
Front and Reverse Camera integration,
Google play store to install new apps,
Lossless Music playback with latest formats support,
Optional Apple Carplay and Android Auto support through USB,
Optional aftermarket Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS),
ODB Car diagnostics through Bluetooth or WiFi dongle.
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SYNOPSIS – STANDARD SLOTS IN THE CAR – UPGRADES & SOLUTIONS
Core Audio Upgrade Synopsis:
The Mercedes Benz C Class is a good compact sedan for a premium audio upgrade. The car has a total of between 8 to 12 speaker slots (depending on variant) which are evenly distributed and staged for an excellent stereo response. This is mainly in front to give the driver and co-passenger a rich and clear music experience. The 12 speaker, Harman OE audio setup on the top end C Class reproduces a clear and natural sound output. The factory amp is paired very well with the speakers in the car, positioned in appropriate slots, and tuned to deliver a crisp and clear audio response to the cabin occupants. Though this audio setup sounds quite balanced, it lacks headroom at higher volumes. However, anyone seeking a higher-end sound quality is the one who considers upgrades over the Harman setup. The Harman audio setup is a good benchmark to match or to beat in case of an audio upgrade on a C class.
The basic built speakers in the non-Harman Audio variants do sound good to passive listeners. But, the sound response does not work for anyone who is used to a higher level of sound quality at home, in their AV rooms, or in another one of their premium cars with a higher-end OE audio like Bang & Olufsen or Burmester.
Mercedes Benz has installed large 6.5” speakers in the front doors in a way that brings acceptable lows (bass) right up front in the C Class. There is a Subwoofer / Bass speaker installed below the rear parcel tray to add lower frequencies, creating a roomy feel in bass reproduced in the cabin. The problem actually lies in the actual build of the speakers and OE amplifier, which are purpose-built and are meant to sound average to the experienced listener or music lover, or audiophile.
Standard Speaker slots / locations of equipment in Non-Harman variants:
8 speakers in four doors, 4 mid-woofers / speakers, and 4 tweeters. This setup comes with a Basic entertainment unit upfront with standard features.
Standard Speaker slots / locations of equipment in Harman variants:
8 speakers in four doors, 4 mid-woofer / speakers on all four doors, 4 tweeters / high-frequency drivers on all four doors, 2 bass speakers in front under the dash, 1 speaker on top of the dashboard (Center channel speaker), 2 surround speakers on the roof in the C pillars. These variants come with an amplifier which powers all the speakers in the car and is located in the boot.
Pros:
Due to the compact build and overall cabin volume, the C Class does not need very powerful speakers in order to produce a clear and balanced music experience. The doors are built quite strong and sealed off with full acoustic foam damping, which produces a deeper bass response compared to other cars in the same category. On the Harman variants, speakers are placed in locations to emulate a surround sound effect. The Bass speakers up front deliver strong lows/bass to the driver and co-passenger to create a properly staged sound.
Cons:
Almost all Mercedes Benz cars suffer plastic creaking and degradation. Though this problem can be addressed with damping and soundproofing, some minor creaks here and there crop up in some Mercs’. The rear parcel shelf inside which the factory fitted subwoofer is mounted jarr at higher volumes, though it can be rectified with some damping and soundproofing.
Solutions:
Full Upgrade on Non-Harman / Non-Bose Basic Variants:
The cleanest method of upgrading the audio on any premium car is to follow the least invasive wiring method. The right way of upgrading the audio on the non-Harman variants is to start with installing an aftermarket sound processor/signal processor connected to the Mercedes entertainment unit acting as the master controller for the rest of the equipment to be added. The next step is to select sets of speakers and matching amplifier(s) staying well within the provided space in the car, which in the case of a C Class is a medium amount of clearance (4 to 10mm). The final speaker configuration is a front 2 Way (Mid-bass speakers and tweeters in front doors) and a Rear 2 Way speaker setup (Tweeter and Mid-bass speakers in the doors). An 8” Sub-woofer replacement is to be placed in the stock location in the rear parcel tray or a Sub-woofer in an enclosure for deeper and more powerful bass response. All of this has to be powered by amplifiers with matching power and sound signatures as per individual listening preferences.
“ Some Tech Talk-
A Digital Signal Processor sums up the signals from the Mercedes-Benz Main Entertainment Unit to flatten the input signal to provide a clean and controlled output signal to the aftermarket amplifier(s) to reproduce a very clear audio experience in the cabin. “
Full Upgrade on Harman / Bose Audio Variants:
Now, this variant of the C Class already has a decent-sounding setup but lacks depth and headroom. What is needed is a compatible pre-amp unit that will allow the existing Harman amp to operate seamlessly with the aftermarket equipment we plan to add. Tuning and Room / Cabin analysis have to be performed extensively to recognize the points at which the Frequency responses have to match and merge. The installation is very similar to the Non-Harman variants, however certain source wiring configuration changes based on whether the Harman OE amp is retained or not. Room / Cabin Analysis and Tuning of the audio takes some time and patience in order to achieve a perfect balanced sound. A stunning sound stage can be achieved with the right equipment and setup.
