2021 Winnebago Revel/Mercedes Benz Sprinter Center Speaker Disconnect

The audio in a Winnebago Revel aka Mercedes Benz Sprinter van is pretty bad. A lot of it has to do with the center speaker. You can disconnect the black cable from the speaker and improve your audio significantly in as little as 5 minutes. It should be everyones day 1 mod. I waited until I did a road trip to realize I should have done it earlier.
All you need are some small pry tools (2 or 1 will even work). Leave the white connection plugged in. It's important for some Mercedes Benz stuff I believe the SOS system or something.
You can buy the trim tools from any hardware store. Its best to use official ones to avoid damaging your interior. Here is a decent one from amazon: Copy the link into your browser amzn.to/31wlL0r.
‪@iAmMarchal‬
‪@MercedesBenz‬
‪@WinnebagoRVs‬

[@dev4runner]

Worked fine on my 24. The speakers sounded like one of those radios you hear blasting out of the UPS trucks. Now it sounds a little closer to a normal radio.

[@iAmMarchal]

@@dev4runner glad to hear it worked! Insane that that’s still a thing on a 2024.

[@brianserino6937]

Thanks Marcus. I think this was the most impactful 2 minute mod in my lifetime. Have a custom 2020 Sprinter. Hard to believe Mercedes let’s vehicles leave the factory in that state. If anyone else has any mods I’m all ears. Win The Day!

[@iAmMarchal]

Hi Brian! You are most welcome. Glad this helped. It’s kind of the personification of the little things in life making the biggest impact. And yes. Shame on Mercedes.

[@andyyklowaa]

@@iAmMarchal nb nbb m. N. M

[@karllecompte8207]

I’ve been complaining about the audio since I got the van. Took less than 2 minutes to do. Really no joke. Makes a world of difference. The center speaker sucked big time.

[@iAmMarchal]

Karl. Amazing that they would release it like that. If the fix is that simple right?!

[@karllecompte8207]

Absolutely.

[@jeffgoldsmith1679]

OMG, this is perfect! That front speaker sounds like a transistor radio with a torn woofer, absolute worst I've ever heard. I too was going to spend thousands on an upgrade. That is this weekend Mod for sure. My Thor Tranquility came with a Bose speaker of some type that connects with blue tooth for the rear of the van, I'll check that out this weekend as well. Thanks Marcus

[@iAmMarchal]

Hi Jeff. It is the most unlikely solution but the results speak for themselves. Im glad you found this before wheeling out thousands!

[@kristinf4900]

Thank you! What a massive difference. I couldn't even tell that there were any other speakers in the van, other than that lame center one.

[@iAmMarchal]

Haha. Yea. It was the worst! And such an easy fix.

[@jimrookphotos]

Nice demonstration. I'll be doing this very soon.

[@iAmMarchal]

Thanks. Quick fix. Great results.

[@RuffKutmedia]

Definitely one of the easiest updates that I’ve done to the Sprinter so far, I should have done this before I drove off the dealer lot! Thanks for posting.

[@iAmMarchal]

Absolutely! Glad it worked out RuffKut!!

[@garytew217]

Thank you so much for your video. I had previously taken the grill off (just using my finger nails) but didnt know how the speaker came out. Simple when you know. I also only had a white clip in the back of the speaker holding two wires, a pink and blue. No black like yours. Taking out this clip leaves no wires attached to the speaker at all. Did it anyway and left the wire in the hole. Sound is so much better and Mercedes command still works. All of 3 minutes at best to do! Cheers and thank you from me in Tasmania.

[@iAmMarchal]

Gary happy this worked for you! Hope you’re having a good day out there. Watch out for the Devils (my Tasmania lame joke).

[@garytew217]

@@iAmMarchal Yep lame joke hahaha. Only kidding. Just found out that to hear Mercedes voice, I now need to turn up the volume on the steering wheel. Before taking off the wire, Mercedes voice would come through regardless of the volume I may have set.

[@iAmMarchal]

@@garytew217 interesting. But once you turn it up it stays up? Or you have to turn it up all the time?

[@jddemolitionandgradinginc.9013]

OMG, I was going to spend thousands on a new system...absolutely amazing 2 minute fix. Thank you so much! Now I just need to get some speakers in the rear of the van.

[@rrose00]

Thanks for this video! I just disconnected the speaker. So easy and a vast improvement in the sound!

[@iAmMarchal]

Excellent Ray! Glad to help! Its amazing how big a difference it makes.

[@TedDixonChannel]

Thanks for sharing this Marcus. With your video as my reference I just did this to my '21 Revel. Sounds much better now and the bass is still OK and "Hey Mercedes" voice command still works as well as it can.

[@iAmMarchal]

Sure thing Ted! Glad to help!!

[@headinghome1644]

Great video. I'm going to give it a shot today. Thanks.

[@iAmMarchal]

Really easy. Let me know if you struggle.

[@headinghome1644]

@@iAmMarchal Thank you. Didn't get to try it today, but I will. Very kind.

[@michaelmoyer7234]

Thanks, Marcus, for the video. Just did this in my new Revel after watching your video and it only took a few minutes. Your video gave me the confidence to do it and it's a big improvement!

[@iAmMarchal]

Excellent. Glad to be of service Michael! Enjoy the better sound!!

[@rock-ness9610]

Thank you. Omgosh. It's been such a frustration with that speaker.

[@iAmMarchal]

Haha. You’re welcome! Small fix for a huge problem.

[@2004backpacker]

Thanks for the easy to follow video - STO van's in for a suspension upgrade right now, first thing I'm doing when it's back is disconnect that speaker.

[@iAmMarchal]

You’re welcome!! You will not regret it. It’s almost silly it works so well.

[@iAmMarchal]

STO is an awesome van btw!

[@2004backpacker]

Just finished disconnecting that speaker, what an incredible difference - thanks again!

[@iAmMarchal]

@@2004backpacker amazing right?!

[@RxKIXrX]

Thank you! This took me less than 5 min to do and the audio sounds so much better! 🤙🏼

[@iAmMarchal]

Awesome!! Glad to help RxKIXrX

[@AA-kf7uf]

I expect delievery of my 2022 in April... I sure hope they have address this problem because from what I hear they monitor all these comments when they do a renovation thanks so much for the tip just in case they don't!

[@iAmMarchal]

Congratulations! Its still a good van. Just have to think of it as slightly incomplete. Or needs a little personalization to make it your own :). Thats a pretty far away day too though so maybe they will fix it.

[@johnjack8127]

@@iAmMarchal I have a 2022 and they did NOT fix the center speaker. Its still a 2020 Sprinter.

[@iAmMarchal]

@@johnjack8127 sorry. They must not follow their customers feedback closely. Or watch my videos. Haha. I didn’t really the 22 revel is still on a 2020 MB chassis. At least that’s a quick thing to adjust.

[@markpecoraro6172]

Great video. VERY helpful. I followed your steps, and WOW, what a difference. I'm a sound snob, so might continue on the upgrade path.... but this is night and day as a start.

[@iAmMarchal]

Mark! Excellent. I’m glad that helped. It’s absolutely not an end state for an audio snob I agree.

[@sg1082]

Hi Marcus. I know this is an older video. I have the official Mercedes-Benz TSB for the center speaker “fix”. There are some variations to simply just disconnecting the speaker in the TSB. I am happy to send it to you.

[@iAmMarchal]

Hi sg1082! I appreciate it. Please send to [e-mail]. Thank you!!

[@robert_starling]

Nice! This video won the internet for me today! Thanks!

[@iAmMarchal]

Haha. Excellent!! Little job. Big difference. Glad to help Starling!

[@johnkannasto5034]

Thanks for showing how to do this and what a easy fix.Going to do this before buying new speakers on my 2020.

[@iAmMarchal]

John Kannasto Definitely a good first step before upgrading.

[@johnkannasto5034]

I did it and must say what a huge difference.Took me maybe ten minutes.Thank you for the video.

[@will8677]

Thanks for the tutorial, dude!

[@iAmMarchal]

Sure thing Will!

[@weinvesthappiness4551]

Definitely sounds way better , thank you

[@iAmMarchal]

Sure does We Invest!! You are welcome 🤗

[@charliewebb6608]

Awesome going to do that on my 2020, thanks for taking the time to do this video it will help for... Happy New Year Marcus!

[@iAmMarchal]

Glad it’s useful Charlie! You’re 5 minutes away from better sound!

[@MadLudwig]

Nice video. I absolutely hate the stereo in our Sprinter. Going to give this a try!

[@iAmMarchal]

Thanks Bernie! It’s a good first step. I think you’ll like it.

[@yevhenpavlenko1555]

Thanks friend! Will do this tomorrow. This stock audio system is absolute trash.

[@iAmMarchal]

You’re very welcome bud! After you do this it’ll be way better. Still no premium audio but way better.

[@kongkevin5373]

Lower cost and high efficient 👍🏼

[@iAmMarchal]

Absolutely Kevin!

[@karllecompte8207]

@ IAMMarchal Some wires were crossed. They fixed that and reconnected the center speaker I disconnected.

[@iAmMarchal]

Thanks. We will need to spread the new word!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

This was one of the first MODs we did to our Revel! Sure makes a big difference doesn’t it?

[@iAmMarchal]

If I had only known I would have done it sooner! I waited till I was scarred haha.

[@davehobbins5594]

Marcus, thanks for the demo. Much appreciated!! DaveH

[@iAmMarchal]

You are Welcome Dave. Happy to provide it.

[@buzzowen7193]

Ahhh..makes sense. I am enjoying your videos.

[@iAmMarchal]

Excellent. Sorry they aren’t fancier 😄.

[@buzzowen7193]

@@iAmMarchal all I like are real ones.

[@7yorks]

You are the best! Thank you very much!

[@iAmMarchal]

Thanks 7york!! I appreciate it.

[@arl7138]

My 2021 Sprinter has only one pair of audio wires attached to the dash center speaker - tied only to S.O.S., does not have a black “ radio” connection. Verified not active when radio, music streaming, podcast. Etc are playing. Seams like Mercedes eliminated the issue.

[@toycarcollector]

In the past if you were to have two speakers only and one of those speakers had the wires reversed then the bass would disappear. I am wondering if Mercedes simply made a wiring mistake when adding the center speaker? If the radio unit was only a four speaker design but they decided to add a center that could be why it really doesn't work. Does the head unit have a "surround sound" setting?

[@iAmMarchal]

Thats interesting. Not implausible. I hear the one wire is for voice commands, and MB assistant etc. Thats why you have to leave it connected.

[@karllecompte8207]

Just had the Mercedes dealer fix the center speaker issue. Bulletin LI82.85-N-071147. Center does is back on and not overpowering. It seems wires got crossed in production.

[@iAmMarchal]

Thanks for sharing Karl! Wow. Took them a while to get it officially bulleted. Did they do the same thing or replace parts/wires?

[@deejman69]

I haven't decided between disconnecting the center or adding sound deadening material to muffle it about 60%. I'll update when I decide after I do both and listen more.

[@Jockeflyg]

It’s not right way to fix the problem, it’s working but MB fix this too change the wires from the outher contact. Every loudspeaker sounds well after this. Operatin is move the connector pin from each contact.

[@isaiasjacobh.3773]

thanks for the video. I was wondering if you were also upgrading speakers and tweeters as well or just the amplifier? Can you tell me what model did u get?

[@iAmMarchal]

Hi Isaias. No all I did was that speaker wire disconnect and it made a world of difference. I have no plans to do anymore with the speakers. It’s sounds ok actually. Maybe as a last mod one day.

[@jonbrandi7923]

Marcus great video!!!

[@iAmMarchal]

Thanks Jon!!

[@cherylparrish1179]

Do you find the navigation voice is still good?

[@iAmMarchal]

Hi Cheryl. It does not affect it. At all.

[@jonkortgejr74]

Did you ever upgrade the speakers in your van?

[@iAmMarchal]

Hi Jon! No I did not. And I actually sold it and have a new one I’m building. Are you planning to upgrade yours?

[@jeffhorwath8947]

Did this apply to only 2021? I just acquired 2019.

[@iAmMarchal]

Hi Jeff! I’m not sure. But it’s easy enough to do if your audio is horrible. Easy to reverse as well.

[@3boldface]

High i hope your still active what size is that speaker there thanks!

[@iAmMarchal]

Hi Curtis. I’m not sure what size it is exactly I’d say around 2 inch. Sorry that’s not exact.

[@3boldface]

Thanks for the reply I’ll figure it out

[@cycling_psychologist318]

"our famous last word" This shouldn't be too hard, allegedly...

[@iAmMarchal]

LOL. Yep. This time it panned out. Next time...

[@rodneyfitzgerald3805]

Does it help with the phone volume?

[@iAmMarchal]

I’m not sure. I’d like to say yes though. It’s easy enough to try. No matter what it fixes one big issue.

[@cherylparrish1179]

Thank you. I got my 2021 in February and I’m my speakers sound fine. Maybe I don’t have a good ear?

[@iAmMarchal]

Congratulations on the new van! If you think they are fine then don’t change a thing 😊. But if you ever start feeling like you need an upgrade. Follow those steps and see the difference it makes. I was totally fine too until I did it.

[@cherylparrish1179]

@@iAmMarchal good to know .. Thank you for the quick response !!

[@iAmMarchal]

@@cherylparrish1179 you are most welcome. I’m always happy when I get to messages right away. Enjoy your revel. And join the Facebook page if you’re on there. Tons of helpful information.

[@cherylparrish1179]

@@iAmMarchal I am obsessed with that FB page lol

[@iAmMarchal]

@@cherylparrish1179 lol. As you should be.

[@ironwooddesigns9532]

See Mercedes Benz Technical Service Bulletin LI82-85-N-071147. Original here: www.tsbsearch.com/Mercedes-Benz/LI82-85-N-071147 Basically, on 7/19/22 they figured it out. SWAP the green/white wire from the white plug and the violet/white wire from the black plug and it'll be fixed.

[@TW---]

How do you SWAP the wires? Thanks for posting this, btw.

[@MrMr123]

Ford Transit has a better sound system

[@_0O0O0O0_]

Title text here

[@brianserino6937]

Thanks Marcus. I think this was the most impactful 2 minute mod in my lifetime. Have a custom 2020 Sprinter. Hard to believe Mercedes let’s vehicles leave the factory in that state. If anyone else has any mods I’m all ears. Win The Day!

[@iAmMarchal]

You are welcome Brian! And yes it’s a wonder why MB would do that.