help please with Harman/Kardon system

[wheelerbob]

hi i have a 2003 mini coopers with uprated Harman/Kardon system on it been really good but 2 days ago there was a crackling in the passanger side front speaker even when i turned the head unit of it was still there

then when i came to the car the next day only the twiters are working nothing from the other speakers

we have head harman/kardon amp out of the back of the boot behind the right hand side panel and there is no fuse in it just a block connecter if we disconnect the amp none of the speakers work at all plus it back in then the twiters start working

so now i am at a loss so does any one have any ideas

thanks

[GBMINI]

Sadly, a number of H/K amplifiers have failed, especially earlier ones like your '03.
On www.NorthAmericanMotoring.com recently someone claimed to have found a company that could repair it; don't know if the repair was successful.

[DaFlake]

Second on GBMINI... It is probably failing and needs to be replaced or repaired (if you can find a place to fix it).

[wheelerbob]

gutted cause it sounds really good me and a mate was talking and think mite be easyer just to change the head unit then put a 4way amp on it seen as all ready had the speakers unrated

[DaFlake]

Speakers are not standard ones. They are 2 Ohm not the standard 4. GBMINI can probably give you better information on what you need to do to get something worked out. I think that most end up ripping the entire system out.

[GBMINI]

You do not need to replace the HU, since when disconnected from the H/K amp it's a standard Boost unit. Of course it has no RCA outputs, so you might want an aftermarket amp for that reason.

The speakers are quite special to the H/K amp - for example there's no crossovers for the door speaker "woofer" and "mid/tweeter combo" (it's internal to the amp); and the rear speakers are dual voice coil.

You would really be planning on replacing all the speakers, if you put in an aftermarket amp. Be prepared for it to be louder, but have less clarity (unless you go to a very high end audio shop).

[DaFlake]

I definetly recommend that you speak to Mikey at NewMINIStuff.com and see what your options are. He can help you get an idea of what you will need to do. GBMINI is right (I just didn't want to use the wrong terminology) on the system. It is pretty much and all or none system outside of the HU.

[fijeroo]

The H/K amp on my 04 cooper S looks like its failed, does anyone have any info on repairing the unit/getting a replacement in the U.K?

[ScottyBoy]

The only place you will get a replacement is the dealer at an very high price, eBay or a breakers yard.

[ScottyBoy]

Or speak to Mikey at NewMINIStuff.com and see what he says

[fijeroo]

I'll be looking on ebay for sure. A replacement from BMW is £472.51. I've tried a few breakers but they all say that the unit is sort after and rare.... not looking good for grabbing a bargain!

[chris.lamb]

try www.bmminiparts.com - Home

[fijeroo]

I've had to bite the bullet and buy a new amplifier from BMW, £390 from Cotswold BMW (20% discount)!!!

I bought a used one on ebay "guaranteed working", and guess what..... it was the same as my old one.

I've tried to find a repairer, BMW apparently haven't released any service info or spares so the electronic specialists can't do anything with them.