Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 Audio Upgrade Review

Elevate Your Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 Sound System

If you've been driving your Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 for five years or more without the premium Burmester audio option, you might be feeling the limitations of the stock sound system. While adequate for casual listening, the original setup, especially in non-Burmester configurations, often lacks the depth and clarity that true audiophiles crave. This review explores a comprehensive car audio upgrade designed to transform your driving experience, focusing on enhanced sound quality, speaker performance, and amplifier integration. The goal is to provide a richer, more immersive listening environment, turning your daily commute into a concert hall on wheels.

The Case for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 Audio Upgrade

The standard audio system in the W213 E-Class, particularly those without the factory-installed premium option, relies on a direct output from the head unit. This 'self-output' system often struggles to deliver the power needed for dynamic sound reproduction. You might notice a lack of punchy bass and a certain flatness in the mid and high frequencies. For owners who appreciate music, this can be a significant drawback. The original speakers, often 4-inch mid-range units with separate tweeters, are typically entry-level components that can't reproduce the full spectrum of sound. Furthermore, the mid-bass drivers, if present at all, are often undersized (around 6 inches) and lack the capability to produce satisfying low-end frequencies. This upgrade aims to rectify these shortcomings by introducing a more powerful and refined sound system.

Installation Process and Components for Superior Sound

A typical car audio upgrade for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 involves replacing key components and potentially adding an amplifier to drive them effectively. The process focuses on enhancing the output from the head unit to a more capable Digital Signal Processor (DSP) amplifier, which then powers upgraded speakers. This allows for precise tuning of the audio signal to match the vehicle's acoustics and the listener's preferences. The specific components used in this example include a Musway D8 DSP amplifier, a dedicated PNP (Plug and Play) cable for seamless integration (Musway PNP6-KM56), and upgraded speakers such as PHASS PE-88P for the front, AVI MB-8 for front mid-bass, and PHASS PI-88G for the center channel. Crucially, door panel sound deadening and vibration damping are also performed to minimize road noise and improve speaker performance, ensuring that the new components deliver their full potential. This meticulous approach ensures a significant improvement in sound clarity, bass response, and overall audio fidelity.

Installation process:

1. Component Integration: The existing head unit is connected to a new DSP amplifier using a specialized PNP cable, ensuring a factory-like fit without cutting wires.
2. Speaker Replacement: Factory front speakers (mid-range and tweeters) and potentially mid-bass drivers are removed and replaced with higher-performance aftermarket units.
3. Sound Damping: The door panels are treated with sound-deadening material to reduce vibrations and road noise, creating a better acoustic environment for the new speakers.
4. System Tuning: The DSP amplifier is programmed to optimize the audio output for the specific vehicle interior and the installed speaker components, balancing frequencies and sound staging.