BMW Changed over my HK Head Unit - have they given me an equivelant?

[zorro69]

Both the Head Unit and Amp died in the last week (MCS 2004)

Thankfully fully I had an extended warranty and both fully covered

Awaiting the Amp, but a new Head Unit was installed today

However, the head unit was originally this;



Replacement is this;



They are DIFFERENT

But are they equivelant to each other ?

Is it still classed as a HK audio system?

[M.O.S]

They have replaced your old model boost head unit with a new model boost head unit. All should be fine - infact you've probably got a better deal - the newer model is MP3 compatible (old one may be but not sure)

[zorro69]

Thanks for the reply

When you say MP3 compatible, I assume that is for MP3's burned to disk?

[Paul]

That's correct, MP3 on a disk. There's a few threads on here about formatting etc for best/most consistent results.

[DaFlake]

The new unit is made by Siemens VDO and also does TMC. The one that you got rid of was made by Alpine and does not have TMC.

[zorro69]

Excellent - thanks for the replies

Looks like I have gained from this

Just hope the amp turns up on the 31st as promised

[Keano]

Quote: Originally Posted by zorro69 (original)

Is it still classed as a HK audio system?

I thought that the HK system was just a speakers upgrade and an amp so yes it will still be a HK audio system

Looks like your getting a nice little upgrade to the HU there

[Goonery]

HK is a standard Boost HU with a small additional amp behind the rear quarter panel in the boot and upgraded speaker setup, thats it !

[N3GOT]

the mp3 feature is a nice addition but the sound quality from the older Alpine unit was much better. There was such a difference between the boost cd unit fitted to my 2006 MCS with HK and an earlier Boost MiniDisc Alpine unit that I opted for the MD with CD changer fitted in the boot.

The sound produced by later boost head unit was much thinner and especially as the HK system limits the volume the Alpine gives a much more pleasing experience. lots more bass too!

If you went to buy an after market head unit would you go for a Siemens or an Alpine?

I think it was an example of BMW cost cutting - although ofcourse they would never admit it!

[DaFlake]

Nope, because they used both all the way through 07. The Siemens was used in areas that got TMC (Europe and such) and the Alpine was mainly used in USA models. I have had both in my car and couldn't tell the difference (my MINI came with an Alpine) and I bought a Siemens when I live in Germany to get TMC.

[BRG/Blk Cooper S]

Quote: Originally Posted by N3GOT (original)

the mp3 feature is a nice addition but the sound quality from the older Alpine unit was much better. There was such a difference between the boost cd unit fitted to my 2006 MCS with HK and an earlier Boost MiniDisc Alpine unit that I opted for the MD with CD changer fitted in the boot.

The sound produced by later boost head unit was much thinner and especially as the HK system limits the volume the Alpine gives a much more pleasing experience. lots more bass too!

If you went to buy an after market head unit would you go for a Siemens or an Alpine?

I think it was an example of BMW cost cutting - although ofcourse they would never admit it!

Sorry but got any proof to back this fairly sweeping statement up?
The connection between the head-unit and the HK amp would be digital more than likely so it would be data not audio thus removing any "thinning" of the sound due to DA/AD conversion. 1's and 0's do not have a tone so to speak..

Re the Alpine/Siemens point that's just badge snobbery, for all you know the 2 head-units could be the exact same internal design, made on the exact same production line - this happens all the time with electronics. Additionally all the Boost units would use the same main electronics be they MD, CD or cassette versions.....economically it would make no sense to do it any other way.

I have the later Boost and HK, don't experience the "volume limit" you speak of and consider it to be one of the best sounding factory systems out there, thin it is definitely not - and I trust my opinion on this considering I've made my living as an audio engineer for over 15 years now

[BRG/Blk Cooper S]

Quote: Originally Posted by DaFlake (original)

Nope, because they used both all the way through 07. The Siemens was used in areas that got TMC (Europe and such) and the Alpine was mainly used in USA models. I have had both in my car and couldn't tell the difference (my MINI came with an Alpine) and I bought a Siemens when I live in Germany to get TMC.

Beat me to it DaFlake...

Happy New Year, you heading back to Germany any time soon?
I'm currently house hunting in Berlin with a view to being there and settled in by the mid to end of the summer..

[DaFlake]

Quote: Originally Posted by BRG/Blk Cooper S (original)

Beat me to it DaFlake...

Happy New Year, you heading back to Germany any time soon?
I'm currently house hunting in Berlin with a view to being there and settled in by the mid to end of the summer..

I wish!!! No, it seems that I am to be stuck in the USA permanently. If something opens up in the company that I work for I'll try for one but alas, nothing yet. You are going to love Berlin, it is a fun city and there is so much to see. Lucky you!!!!!

I highly recommend the Berlin walking tour, we learned a lot about the city.

[BRG/Blk Cooper S]

Quote: Originally Posted by DaFlake (original)

I wish!!! No, it seems that I am to be stuck in the USA permanently. If something opens up in the company that I work for I'll try for one but alas, nothing yet. You are going to love Berlin, it is a fun city and there is so much to see. Lucky you!!!!!

I highly recommend the Berlin walking tour, we learned a lot about the city.

Going to love?......already love it
Have been visiting for about 10 years but spending as much time as possible there over the last couple of years, just making it permanent now.......it's the place where I want to finally put down my roots so to speak....

[DaFlake]

Quote: Originally Posted by BRG/Blk Cooper S (original)

Going to love?......already love it
Have been visiting for about 10 years but spending as much time as possible there over the last couple of years, just making it permanent now.......it's the place where I want to finally put down my roots so to speak....

Awesome! Lucky you... If you haven't already, you should get to know the folks at MINI² - Willkommen - Das große New MINI Forum aus Deutschland für alle MINI2, One, One Diesel, Cooper, Cooper S, Cabrio, John Cooper Works, Tuning, BMW mini, JCW

They do a lot of great runs in Germany and have a good time doing it.