MB Medic Mercedes-Benz Repair Guides, Service, How To DIY
Last updated:
In this guide (4 sections)
In this guide, we will show you how easy it is to replace the dash speaker cover or the speaker on a W210. These instructions apply to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W210 for years 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, models E320, E420, E430, and E55 AMG. The difficulty level for this job is 1. If you can remove a screw, then you can do this. As you can see in the picture, the old cover is shattered into pieces. The speaker cover can typically be replaced in a few minutes once you are familiar with the procedure. You only need a couple of screwdrivers. The part that we replaced is shown below:
The Dash Speaker Cover
Part Number: 2106800639
The replacement cover shown in this guide is Mercedes-Benz part number 210 680 06 39. Verify the part number against your vehicle/VIN before ordering, as trim and color can vary by vehicle.
The Dash Speaker
Cover, Speaker, or Something Else?
The two jobs below are not the same repair, and the cheaper one covers most cases.
- The grille is cracked, shattered, or warped but the sound is fine. You need the cover only. The speaker sits under the grille and is not usually damaged when the plastic above it finally gives up, so there is no reason to buy one.
- The sound from that corner is distorted, crackling, or gone. Before ordering a speaker, use the audio system’s balance and fader controls to send the sound to that one speaker and confirm it really is silent. If more than one speaker is affected, or the sound disappears everywhere, the fault is upstream of the speaker rather than in it, and this guide to no sound on a Mercedes-Benz is the place to start.
- There is a buzz or rattle that gets worse with volume. That is often a broken or unseated grille clip vibrating against the dash rather than a failed speaker. Worth ruling out first, since the cover is the cheaper part.
Step by Step: Replacing the Dash Speaker Cover
- Open the front door on the same side as the speaker you are replacing. This provides access to the removable side cover at the end of the dashboard.
- Remove the side dash panel cover.
- Remove the screw on the side of the dash using a Phillips screwdriver.
- Once you have the screw removed, carefully lift the speaker cover. The cover is retained by clips, and the older plastic can become brittle with age. Use a plastic trim tool if necessary and avoid forcing the cover. It has only one screw and a couple of clips.
- Next, reinstall the dash speaker cover in reverse order.
Step by Step: Replacing the Dash Speaker
- Carefully pry the speaker upward from its mounting points using a plastic trim tool or small flat screwdriver. Work around the edge rather than prying aggressively in one location.
- Lift the speaker enough to access the electrical connector. Disconnect the connector before removing the speaker completely.
- Install the new speaker. Before reinstalling the speaker grille and dashboard side cover, turn on the audio system and verify that the speaker produces sound without distortion or rattling. Then place the new cover in place by pushing it in.
Matching the Color of the Dash Speaker Cover
If you are like us, you may need to match the paint color of the dash speaker cover. The replacement part we had was tan, and the car dash was grey. You can use vinyl and fabric spray
paint to paint the cover your desired color. If painting the replacement grille, remove it from the vehicle before painting. Use a product compatible with automotive interior plastics and follow the paint manufacturer’s preparation and curing instructions. The same approach works on the rest of a tired interior: see fading and peeling trim, buttons, and switches.
Check out the “new” dash speaker cover. The color matched great as well. Use a vinyl and spray paint if you need to paint any plastic trim. Head over to Amazon to find the color you like.
Before you buy parts, scan every control module, not just the engine. It shows the root fault behind the warning lights and tells you whether the problem is still active. See how to do a full health check.
