Replacing factory stereo (suggestions wanted!)

[DrSyn]

Hi all,

First of I should say Hello as this is my first post here. I do not currently own a mini, but plan to purchase a 2008 cooper s this spring and I have some questions.

Lets say I wanted to go with an aftermarket stereo rather then the HK premium radio upgrade (alpine iDA-X100 head end unit, some new component speakers for the front, a JL stealth box and an amp to drive it). I *do* plan to purchase the navigation system!

My questions are:

1) Will I still be able to use the ipod connection and control my ipod from the steering wheel?
2) Will the navigation system still work? If so what will replace the "joystick" from the factory radio? How will this work?
3) Can I use the steering wheel controls with this alpine head unit? It says it supports steering wheel controls so I am guessing yes.
3) If I decide to not upgrade to this Alpine system and instead simply add a JL Stealth box sub to the premium sound system how easy is this to configure? (Does the premium system have a line out from the factory stereo where I can just add an amp?)

Thanks guys, appreciate your suggestions!

[airbusA346]

Hi, you CAN NOT change the head unit on the R56.

[DrSyn]

Really... Well does the HK stereo have any line outputs? How hard would it be to connect up a sub+amp in the back?

[airbusA346]

Quote: Originally Posted by DrSyn (original)

Really... Well does the HK stereo have any line outputs? How hard would it be to connect up a sub+amp in the back?

Well if you go onto New Mini Stuff, Mikey does the correct looms to add amps etc.

[oldnell]

Just to clarify. Unless DrSyn is talking about a 2008 Cooper S Convertible, then no you cannot change the head unit. The convertible is still the first generation and so you can change the head unit on these cars.

[Lucky Dave]

Guys its true you cannot replace the stereo in a R56 but its very easy to fit an additonal one in the upper glove box area behind the panel, and use the mfsw controls to operate the aftermarket headunit.

So better still, it looks stock and all the best bits are hidden.

[mikbmini]

If you do that though then surely you won't be able to see the display?

[airbusA346]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lucky Dave (original)

Guys its true you cannot replace the stereo in a R56 but its very easy to fit an additonal one in the upper glove box area behind the panel, and use the mfsw controls to operate the aftermarket headunit.

So better still, it looks stock and all the best bits are hidden.

But you can only do that if you have the secret compartment.

Quote: Originally Posted by mikbmini (original)

If you do that though then surely you won't be able to see the display?

True unless you were to drive around with the lid open.

[FergusM]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lucky Dave (original)

Guys its true you cannot replace the stereo in a R56 but its very easy to fit an additonal one in the upper glove box area behind the panel, and use the mfsw controls to operate the aftermarket headunit.

So better still, it looks stock and all the best bits are hidden.

better to just get the amp etc from newministuff...and that way you retain standard looks with much better sound.

[jamesbeaumont]

The previous generation model (pre 07) had the HK upgrade and a conventional head unit style (1st pic), the new generation mini has the stereo built in to the speedo (pic 2) but a 10 speaker and amp upgrade is available, I love it but some people seem to have been unlucky with theirs in which case go to newministuff as above

[DrSyn]

Hmm. What do you guys suggest? Should I get the upgraded hifi system? I am thinking of going that route, then add a JL stealthbox sub in the boot (along with the loom from newministuff).

[adam_Randell]

to connect an amp, you have to get into the 6x9 speakers lines in the back - simple blue electrical clips then with a high level input to the amp

[snid]

Quote: Originally Posted by DrSyn (original)

JL stealthbox

As far as I know, there is not a new Stealthbox for the 2007+ MINI. The one for the older MINIs will not fit the 2007+ MINI. I have both cars, and a stealthbox for the older one. The box will not fit the new cars.