H/K to DPSM upgrade?

[Edge]

Hey everyone... I'm just writing to see if anyone knows if an upgrade from the factory Harman/Kardon (H/K) to the dealer-installed Digital Power Sound Modul (DPSM) is feasible. In the USA, they put out a bulletin that the DPSM is "not available" for vehicles with the H/K.

I have already tried to pursue this with 2 dealerships, explaining that I'm willing to pay extra to have the H/K parts pulled out of the car before installing the DPSM. One dealer (who hasn't even installed a DPSM yet) said they can't do it, and another dealer (who HAS installed a DPSM) looked into it closely and said it would be extremely expensive, to the tune of 55 labor hours (!), because of how the H/K is already integrated into the car.

In Europe or elsewhere, has there been any discussion of this? I like my H/K, but I have heard the DPSM personally and I was completely blown away. I knew the DPSM existed before I ordered my MINI, but there was no sign of it coming to the USA back then... I even asked my dealer and they hadn't even heard of the DPSM yet. So I ordered my MINI with the H/K... and now I'm wanting the DPSM instead, because it truly is MUCH better IMO.

I'm still hopeful I can one day get the upgrade done, and for much less than 55 labor hours!

[ppt777]

Why don't you get an aftermarket sound system instead? You can get a good system for less than $1500 and im pretty sure it will sound better than the DPSM. 55 hours seem like a BS to me.

[S33BBY]

Speak to Benmk; I know he did a lot of research into the HK/DPSM, so may well be able to help you out.

[Edge]

Quote: Originally Posted by ppt777

Why don't you get an aftermarket sound system instead? You can get a good system for less than $1500 and im pretty sure it will sound better than the DPSM. 55 hours seem like a BS to me.

For several reasons... first and foremost, I want to take up NO additional interior space. Also, I like the look and feel of OEM... I don't want tell-tale aftermarket appearances. Aftermarket would likely also mean replacing the head unit, which would make it hard to integrate into my factory Nav, OEM SIRIUS and OEM Bluetooth kits. The reasons go on...

The DPSM system is stunning... it competes with MANY aftermarket solutions very, very well... especially those without a dedicated subwoofer (which goes back to sacrificing interior space). The main reason they quoted 55 labor hours has to do with removing the H/K stuff. I still wonder that it's too high, but you should realize the cost is nowhere NEAR that amount if you start from the standard "Boost" system and have the DPSM installed.

Quote: Originally Posted by S33BBY

Speak to Benmk; I know he did a lot of research into the HK/DPSM, so may well be able to help you out.

Thanks, I'll do that.

[Benmk]

The DPSM install should only take 5 to 6 hours. MINI here charge £1770 fitted. I planned to buy it at £995 and fit it myself but they offered to fit it at £1250 (a big drop). I went along with it as it meant keeping all warranty's.

I also looked at putting in the h/k as well as this was my first option before i understood the DPSM.

The h/k is a couple of hundred pounds cheaper in parts but the labour is more complicated as it is not an upgrade to the standard stereo. It uses new loom additions to allow it to take power for the amp. It has to be connected to all the speakers and headunit in a slightly different way from standard connections.

I would imagine that MINI are correct that it is very complicated to remove the h/k but 50 odd hours is a little extreme! Especially as the h/k fitting time is around 5-6 hours.

The DPSM is different as it is an upgrade to the standard headunit and was designed to work from it. It runs straight from the headunit and uses all current speaker connections that are already in place. The only extras are that the speakers have crossovers put in line from the current speaker connections to the speakers, there is a little switch under the dash, and the amp uses its own power line straight from the battery (not the loom). In the Cooper S this is ideal as the battery is right by the amp space.

The DPSM does have more parts and components but in relation to a standard headunit it simple utilises all the current holes, wires,and fixings. The h/k involves rewiring and re routing (hence why it is factory only option usually)

From my own personal opinion having the DPSM is great. Firstly i bought the car 6 months old so i had no choice to have h/k from factory. Secondly i would have spent 600 - 800 on aftermarket anyway. I didn't want to have to have a face off stereo and i still have warranty.

I still think that factory fitted h/k is a very cheap option for what you get but if you can go for the DPSM it really is worth the money.

[Edge]

I should add to this thread that I did end up taking the "plunge" (and what a very, very deep plunge it is!), and my MINI is (and has been for months now) undergoing the major auditory surgery.

For those who care to read about it, including pictures, check out my thread about it on NAM.

Oh, just to say it before any of you MINI2ers do... yes, I realize I'm completely out of my mind for doing this.