Amplifier

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the audio amplifier located in the trunk of the 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Audio amplifier × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trunk trim clips (if damaged) × 5 — A0009884178

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key from ignition
3. Open trunk and remove all cargo and floor mats for clear access
4. Allow any recently operated audio system to cool for 10 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Open hood and locate the battery in the engine compartment. Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative terminal bolt and disconnect the negative cable. Secure the cable away from the terminal to prevent accidental contact. Wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove trunk left side trim panel
   Using plastic trim tools, carefully pry out the left side trunk trim panel starting from the rear edge. Release the retaining clips by pulling gently outward. Work your way forward, releasing approximately 8-10 clips along the panel perimeter. Set the panel aside in a safe location to avoid scratching.
3. 3

   Locate and identify the amplifier
   The main amplifier is mounted to the trunk side wall behind the removed trim panel. It is typically a rectangular metal unit with multiple electrical connectors on one side. Verify amplifier identification label matches the unit being replaced. Take a photo of connector positions for reference during reinstallation.
4. 4

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Press the release tab on each electrical connector and carefully pull straight out from the amplifier. There are typically 2-4 large multi-pin connectors. Do not pull on the wires themselves. If connectors are tight, gently wiggle while pulling. Mark or photograph connector positions if they are not keyed differently.
   ⚠Do not force connectors; they have locking tabs that must be released first
5. 5

   Remove ground strap connection
   Locate the ground strap attached to the amplifier mounting bracket or directly to the amplifier chassis. Using a 10mm socket, remove the ground strap bolt. Inspect the contact surfaces for corrosion and clean if necessary with a wire brush.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove amplifier mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the mounting bolts securing the amplifier to the trunk side wall bracket. There are typically 3-4 bolts. Support the amplifier with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠The amplifier weighs approximately 8-12 lbs; support it during bolt removal
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove amplifier from vehicle
   Carefully pull the amplifier away from the mounting bracket, ensuring all connectors are fully disconnected. Remove the amplifier from the trunk. Inspect the mounting bracket for any damage or loose hardware.
8. 8

   Prepare new amplifier
   Unpack the new amplifier and verify it matches the original unit in size, connector configuration, and part number. Transfer any mounting brackets or hardware from the old amplifier to the new one if not pre-installed. Ensure all connector pins are straight and undamaged.
9. 9

   Install new amplifier
   Position the new amplifier onto the mounting bracket, aligning the mounting holes. Thread in all mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment, then tighten to specification using a torque wrench in a cross-pattern sequence.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect ground strap
    Attach the ground strap to the amplifier or mounting bracket. Ensure the contact surface is clean and metal-to-metal contact is achieved. Tighten the ground strap bolt to specification using a torque wrench.
    ℹ️Proper grounding is critical for amplifier performance and noise elimination
    Torque spec

    Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Connect each electrical connector to the amplifier, pushing firmly until you hear or feel a click indicating the locking tab has engaged. Verify each connector is fully seated by gently pulling back on it. Connect all harnesses according to your reference photo.
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the terminal bolt to specification. Turn the ignition to position II (on without starting engine) and test the audio system. Check all speakers for proper function, test balance and fade controls, and verify no error messages appear on the instrument cluster.
    ℹ️The COMMAND system may take 30-60 seconds to fully initialize after battery reconnection
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall trunk trim panel
    Position the trunk side trim panel and align all clip locations. Starting from the front, press firmly on each clip location until the clip snaps into place. Work your way to the rear, ensuring all clips are fully engaged and the panel is flush with surrounding trim.

Reassembly

1. Verify all trunk trim panels are securely fastened with no gaps or loose clips
2. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the trunk cavity behind the trim
3. Test all audio sources (radio, CD, Bluetooth, auxiliary) to confirm full functionality
4. Reset clock and reprogram radio presets as needed after battery disconnect

Verification

• Turn on audio system and test all speakers at various volume levels to ensure no distortion or dropout
• Verify balance and fade controls work properly, indicating all speaker channels are functioning
• Check for any error messages or warning lights on the instrument cluster related to the audio system
• Verify subwoofer (if equipped) is operating correctly
• Test audio with engine running to ensure no alternator whine or electrical interference
• Confirm all trunk trim panels are secure and properly aligned with no rattles

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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