2014 Mercedes Benz E-350 Coupe by Skar Audio (EXTENSIVE Build Log Within)

[skaraudio]

Hey guys,

Really excited to announce this new project we are working on here at Skar Audio that was started a week ago today and will progress into the next 3-4 weeks working on it full time…This project consists of a brand new 2014 Mercedes Benz E350 Coupe that will be used as a show vehicle to display our higher performance sound quality products. We were fortunate enough to form a strong bong with Mercedes Benz of Tampa over the last few years of operating here that made this project worthwhile, and we are excited to get this project complete and the vehicle out to shows.

The vehicle is new and came with the Harmon Kardon sound system, which sounded pretty good for a factory installed audio system, but nonetheless was taken out about two days after receiving the vehicle. We will be documenting this build log in great detail start to finish, pictures and video along the way. Shane, who recently came to Skar Audio after installing for the last 14 years, is a great part of the team and the head technician doing the build. He will be tuning in to answer questions during and after the build.

Vehicle Information

Model : 2014 Mercedes Benz E-350 Coupe w/ Premium 1 & Sport Package

Color : White

Engine : 302 HP, 3.5L V-6

Factory Sound : Harmon-Kardon Logic-7 14-Speaker Audio System

Build Log Equipment List

(2) Skar Audio SPX-65 High Performance Component Speakers (2 Pairs)

(2) Skar Audio SK-85.4 Class A/B Multi-Channel Amplifiers

(1) Audio Control LCQ-1 6 Channel Sound Processor with EQ

(1) Stinger SPP1500DCR Battery For Under the Hood Factory Replacement

(1) Stinger SPP1200 Supplemental Battery for Rear Trunk Spare Tire Wheel Well

(1) Skar Audio SK-2500.1D Class D Monoblock Subwoofer Amplifier

(3) Skar Audio ZVX-8 900 Watt RMS 8” Subwoofers

Skar Audio Premium Power Wire

Skar Audio Professional Series RCA Interconnects

Skar Audio Build Documentation & Information

Our goal with this vehicle is to keep the look as “factory” as possible but while achieving the best possible sound. Our current plan is to do one pair of our high performance SPX-65 Component Speaker Systems in the front stage (Midrange in door and tweeter in factory location) as well as another pair of the SPX-525 in the rear deck. Seeing as how we just started on this vehicle, we are finished examining how many of the other factory speaker locations we will be able to modify, but we will make additions and changes where possible. With the front and rear sets of components, each set will be powered by it’s own Skar Audio SK-85.4AB multichannel amplifier, providing plenty of power to let them shine.

Sound processing will consist of an Audio Control LCQ-1 that will be getting it’s input signal from the speaker outputs wires of the Harmon Kardon factory installed amplifier. After testing the signal and installing the LCQ-1, we are happy to confirm that there were no signal issues as there sometimes can be when sourcing from speaker outputs after a factory amplifier. For the purpose of the Mercedes Benz functionality with GPS and the COMAND system, we did not want to bypass the factory components and had to remain optimistic that we would have no signal issues using the LCQ-1 as stated above. Having installed this piece early on as the pictures will show, we were happy to find that there was no engine noise or distortion and instead we got a clear processed signal going to the amplifiers.

For electrical we will be using two aftermarket high performance Stinger batteries as well as the obvious power and ground upgrades using Skar Audio premium OFC Wire. For under the hood battery replacement we will be upgrading to a Stinger SPP1500DCR and in the rear we will be adding a Stinger SPP1200 for supplemental power. Relatively simple electrical upgrades but will provide the ample power required for exceptional performance.

While we have not finalized plans for the sub-stage part of this install, right now we are leaning towards doing (3) Skar Audio ZVX-8 8” woofers that would be powered by a single Skar Audio SK-2500.1D Amplifier. More will come on this part of the system when we get to it. No matter the equipment we decide to use, the enclosure will be fiber-glassed with the goal of looking extremely clean and professional in the trunk. All of the amplifiers and sound processing will rest on a false floor in the spare wheel well so that it is recessed and we are still able to utilize the main trunk floor. We will do a plexi floor over the rear well in place of the factory material so that the sound processing and amplifiers are setup to look very clean in the trunk with the fiberglass enclosure.

Of course this build just started and as with anything we may have to change plans during the process, but more or less we have things planned out and are excitingly working on this project at the Skar Audio HQ. This particular vehicle will be used as Kevin's person daily driver and we plan to prominently display Skar Audio and represent what we are all about! Please stay tuned as we will be post many pictures and videos in great detail documenting the log. Please keep in mind, most of the beginning initial work won’t take long, but the longer parts of this extensive build will be the glass work involved. For more information on any of the products being used in this install, or to find out where to purchase them, please visit SkarAudio.com

Thank you for reading and enjoy the documentation progress below! (Pictures, Videos, & more…)

-Kevin S.

Owner, Skar Audio

Pictures

And the build begins....

[skaraudio]

[skaraudio]

[LoudBimmer]

Are you replacing the alternator?

[harlemn8ive]

tuned in... are those gloves?

[Motorboat KER]

Have you ever drivin the sls or cls? It will make every other German and American car feel like poop

[Smurfboy]

The car looks clean. Wow. Good luck! Looking forward to seeing three 8" subwoofers in the trunk!

[banginhummer]

Tuned! Looks like a fun build.

[skaraudio]

tuned in... are those gloves?

Haha yes they are!

[skaraudio]

Are you replacing the alternator?

Most likely not, we should be good on electrical with the upgrades we are doing.