[esfmini]

Hi,

I've got a new 2007 MINI Cooper that I really love, but I'm a little disappointed in the standard stereo that came with it. Unfortunately, I needed a car and couldn't wait for one to be built with the 10-speaker Bose system, and the dealer said they couldn't install it.

Using CDs or songs on my iPod (integrated with the latest version of the adapter -- actually pretty nice!), the bass seems to lack focus and the highs can be painful, while the mid-tones are often lost. I have tried increasing the bass, decreasing treble, and moving the fader a bit to the back, but I'm still not quite happy.

Does anyone have any experience with or recommendations for aftermarket stereo upgrades that integrate well in the MINI?

Thanks!

[mikeythemini]

You would have waited a long time for a Mini with Bose as they don't make a system for Mini
To be honest you wouldnt really get much better bass with the mini hifi upgrade, it mainly improves the treble
It is poss to make the car sound great - you need an amp & new speakers - I am not sure if anyone in the USA has done one yet but plenty over here have - there are quite a few threads on the subject

[esfmini]

I looked through the posts you made and your site, and your work looks great... though I'm absolutely terrified to ask a random custom audio place here to rip my car apart like that!

I'd want to keep the MINI head unit and controls. Do you have any opinion on the JL CleanSweep for doing that?

[gtm-ken]

I have seen the Dension Gateway 500 is now compatible with the R56........
Products

And a local dealer has just fitted a Rockford Fosgate® - 3SIXTY.1 to a R56....along with decent speakers and a Alpine amp.........it sounded amazing!!

Ken

[mikeythemini]

Quote: Originally Posted by gtm-ken (original)

I have seen the Dension Gateway 500 is now compatible with the R56........
Products

And a local dealer has just fitted a Rockford Fosgate® - 3SIXTY.1 to a R56....along with decent speakers and a Alpine amp.........it sounded amazing!!

Ken

It is compatible BUT once fitted you have got to talk your MIni dealer into coding the car for it to work & knowing how much trouble some of them are having coding their own ipod interface I worry

[darigaaz12]

Just an update here, the one way I found that you can upgrade the stereo (that I did atleast I cant stand the stock stereo, it sounded decent with upgraded speakers and an amp but the sub never did sound like I wanted it too.....) you can remove the secret compartment cubby and fit a single DIN stereo perfectly. You lose the multifunction wheel things but my stereo has a remote I use so I can live with that.

I would post pictures but I'm currently on my phone....there are some up on the northamericanmotoring website under radio harness in the electronics modifications if anyones interesred

[jmelrose]

Is there any benefit to upgrading ONLY the speakers?

[robble]

Quote: Originally Posted by jmelrose (original)

Is there any benefit to upgrading ONLY the speakers?

absolutely. the speakers themselves are the weakest link.