where to tap signal for sub in 03 ml320?

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=116424
Printed Date: April 29, 2024 at 12:44 AM

Topic: where to tap signal for sub in 03 ml320?

Posted By: kmn5
Subject: where to tap signal for sub in 03 ml320?
Date Posted: September 19, 2009 at 9:16 PM

Hey All
I just picked up a 2003 ML320 (bought it from my friend, he sold it to me for the price the dealer was gonna give him for trade in value) which is pretty good posted_image

unfortunately the Mercedes forums aren't technical, most of the posts revolve around dealers and BS accessories posted_image

The car has a factory sub under the driver's seat, but it's super weak :(
(not sure if it's adjustable) cause some people claim their factory Bose system has more then enough thump, but mines don't

I'd like to add another amp + subwoofer under the rear seats.
I've gotten the 12+ power wiring figured out, but no one (on the Mercedes forums at least) knows how to tap the signal for the new amp.
I was thinking of tapping the factory sub, guessing thats the best way...
also thinking of tapping the factory sub for the turn on signal for the 2nd amp

anyone work or a 03 ML320 (or ML430) before?
lemme know if you have any suggestions or tips
thanks

Replies:

Posted By: kmn5
Date Posted: September 22, 2009 at 11:37 PM

Would it be "ok" to splice into one of the regular speakers?
for example, the rear left speaker?
would tapping into that, reduce the signal strength enough that it's noticeable?

Posted By: kmn5
Date Posted: September 23, 2009 at 12:39 AM

kmn5] wrote:

Would it be "ok" to splice into one of the regular speakers?
for example, the rear left speaker?
would tapping into that, reduce the signal strength enough that it's noticeable?

OK, I think the above would work, as my amp has LINE LEVEL inputs
(so no line level converter is needed) and I can just tap the regular wires powering the speakers.

If anyone thinks otherwise, please let me know
thanks

Posted By: ragsports
Date Posted: September 28, 2009 at 5:06 PM

you can use the rear speakers for line level inputs for that amp as long as they are full range speakers, if any of the bass is filtered out this would be a poor choice and i would recommend drawing from the subwoofer. As for the remote wire tap the ignition wire.

Posted By: speedtrip
Date Posted: September 30, 2009 at 4:39 PM

I'm doing a similar setup in a Rogue with bose. The gear is in route via UPS so i haven't actually installed yet, but from what i have read/others suggestions lead me to this:

If i were you, i would buy an MTX reQ. They have 2 models, the 3 and 5. Sounds like you would just need the reQ3. Found online for under $80

Setup is easy:

Disconnect factory sub and run the amplified signal into the reQ sub inputs.

Then tap into the rear speakers for the reQ R&L channel inputs.

the req supposedly has sensing turn on, but i've heard it is hit or miss. I would just tap the remote turn on going to your factory sub amp and also send this to your aftermarket sub amp.

The reQ then has preamp RCA lines that you would run into your new amp. The R and L channel could be used later on if you add additional amps.

Hope this helps. good luck.

Posted By: kmn5
Date Posted: September 30, 2009 at 5:45 PM

Thanks guys,
I've located a 4 wire plug that connects to the factory Bose sub, I've tried to find out which wire colors are what, with no luck.

I'll break out the voltmeter this weekend to try and figure out which are signal and what's power. And then tap off those. Hopefully I can still run the factory sub + my sub. The favtory unit is ok as a mid-bass speaker, just not as a subwoofer.