Mercedes-Benz 400SE Speaker Size

Dashboard Speaker

Rear Deck Lid Speaker

Mercedes-Benz 400SE Speaker FAQ

What speakers should I replace first in my Mercedes-Benz 400SE for better sound quality?

Replace the dashboard 4 inch speakers first. These handle most of your midrange frequencies and vocals - probably around 200Hz to 8kHz. The rear deck 5.25 inch speakers can wait since they're mainly for rear fill. Dashboard placement means better stereo imaging too. You'll notice the difference immediately with quality 4 inch coaxials rated around 30-50 watts RMS at 4 ohms.

Can I install component speakers in the Mercedes-Benz 400SE rear deck location?

Yes, the rear deck supports component systems. You might want to mount tweeters in the rear shelf area or possibly in the C-pillars. The 5.25 inch woofers should fit the existing mounting points. Component separation typically improves frequency response - woofers handle maybe 80Hz to 3kHz while tweeters cover 3kHz and up. Check your amplifier's power output though. Most aftermarket components need at least 25 watts RMS to sound decent.

What's the difference between coaxial and full-range speakers for the Mercedes-Benz 400SE dashboard?

Both types should work in the 4 inch dashboard spots. Coaxials have a separate tweeter mounted on the woofer cone - usually sounds more defined in the highs. Full-range speakers use the same cone for all frequencies. The dashboard location is pretty close to your ears so... coaxials might give better clarity around 4-6kHz where vocals sit. Installation is identical either way. Just make sure the mounting depth works with your dashboard space.

How many watts can the Mercedes-Benz 400SE speaker locations handle?

The 5.25 inch rear deck spots can probably handle 60-80 watts RMS safely. Dashboard 4 inch locations are more limited - maybe 40-50 watts max due to size constraints. Factory wiring might be another bottleneck though. Most stock systems run around 15-20 watts per channel. If you're adding an amplifier, use 4 ohm speakers for better power transfer. Higher wattage doesn't always mean louder anyway - sensitivity ratings matter more.

Should I upgrade both dashboard and rear speakers in my Mercedes-Benz 400SE at the same time?

Start with just the dashboard 4 inch speakers. They're doing most of the work for stereo imaging and vocal clarity. The rear 5.25 inch speakers add ambiance but... you might not even notice them missing. Save money and see how the fronts sound first. If you do both locations, balance the power levels carefully. Rear speakers too loud can mess up your soundstage. Maybe 70% front, 30% rear power distribution works better.