[wigley]

I want to get a Sony CD MP3 head-unit but I don't want to buy it from MINI (cos they are too expensive). Also as my car is not even a week old yet I feel reluctant to let anyone other than MINI fit the unit.

Question 1: Is it worth paying MINI to fit a head-unit bought from someone else. Would they even do the work?

Question 2: If I get it fitted by anyone other than MINI will it affect my Warranty and TLC?

Question 3: Can anyone recommend any good ICE fitters in Berkshire, UK? And what about Halfords?

Thanks in advance for any answers.

Cheers
Stuart

[mikeythemini]

Be careful about H******* , see other peoples posts.
Go to a car hifi specialist who has worked on Minis
Or fit it yourself, there is an easy FAQ on here, I can send you the bits, so it is plug and play, no electrical knowledge required.
Most dealers try to scare people about the warranty, but if you use the right bits you are not chopping any wires.
When I bought my Mini the salesman tried to sell me an upgrade. When I told him I was doing it myself he said it would invalidate the warranty. -- HE NOW BRINGS MINIS TO ME FOR UPGRADE WORK

[12lee]

Techne in Basingstoke - 01256 812990 - ask for Tim Millar who used to run a Cooper as his demonstrator.

[Minty]

i would recommend the Sony MP40...supercedes the MP30 that was offered by MINI....the MP40 will be coming from MINI soon....when it has been tested. I know of a couple of people with the MP40...and its good....if you have loads of cash, get the MP70....nice unit...loads of features.
Your dealer should be able to get the adapters needed for you, or try a local ICE dealer.

S

[MiniFEB29]

I have an MP40 its excellent excellent sound with the standard speakers due to DSO, quite easy to install once you have the right bits (see mikeythemini) just make sure you put the ariel in the ariel port and no the remote or it won't work

I followed the FAQ's and did it myself apart from the embarrassing wrong hole saga (easy done I'm told as it goes into the remote one much easier than the ariel one) a thirty minute job really. Looks nice with the mini interior.

[wigley]

Thanks for all the helpful answers.

For the people who have fitted their own head unit, did you check if it would affect your warranty?

Thanks
Stuart

[mikeythemini]

providing you use adaptors & don't cut wires, NO

[addman]

My dealer (Specialist Cars Stevenage) fitted my MP30 for me... as it was too dear through him. Charged me £25 to fit, still saved about £50 on the official MINI price. I just couldn't bear the thought of scratching the interior myself, plus I wanted it in place when I collected the car

Adam

[Prowse]

Any chance of some photos of a Sony MP40 MP3 player in place?

Also, how is the sound quality with the default speakers?

Thanks.

[Prowse]

^
|

Anyone?

[Damo]

Quote:

Originally posted by wigley
Question 3: Can anyone recommend any good ICE fitters in Berkshire, UK? And what about Halfords?

With regard to mikeys comment, its not so much Halfords, (although there prices aren't up to much) but the people who fit for them, I.E. the AA garages (can't comment on the mobile fitters). The AA garages are just crap (IMO going from a very BIG experience! --> :"AA = Alcoholics Anonmous?" thread )

Mikey doesn't like Sony but he does fit them well:

[Damo]

If you decide to read the AA thread you can see I didn't get the CD changer from them after all (one more pic)

[eugeneloke]

i have an MC with the smart steering wheel (ie volume & mode control for the audio unit on the wheel)

if i swap to a sony head unit - will the buttons still work

[mikeythemini]

i have an MC with the smart steering wheel (ie volume & mode control for the audio unit on the wheel)

if i swap to a sony head unit - will the buttons still work

The adaptors are due in 3 weeks, they have been tested and do work
mike

[Damo]

Quote:

Originally posted by mikeythemini
The adaptors are due in 3 weeks, they have been tested and do work
mike

I'll second that!

I have the Very Smart Multi Function Steering Wheel, and mine works with the Sony (due to said adapter), those adapters will be going like hot cakes when they're ready

[eugeneloke]

since we are all agreed that our steering wheels can gain entry into Mensa - can you pls tell me if the adapters are from Sony, MINI, or some third party

[mikeythemini]

A 3rd party. watch this space