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I am new to the Mini World, just purchased a 2003 Chili Red Cooper S yesterday with every package (Sport, Premium, Cold Weather, etc) except for the Harman Kardon Stereo. I am coming from a Land Rover which had the H/K stereo, and while I am already falling in love with the car, music is a big part of my life so sound quality in the car is very important. I am curious as to if number one, how hard the install would be to do myself (pretty good with mechanics and electronics), also where I could purchase the speakers/amp.
From what I have seen the amp for the H/K stereo is in the compartment in the back beside the rear/right wheel well...when opening that compartment there is no amp visible for the stock stereo?
Thanks for any help you could provide!!
So excited to finally be a part of the Mini community - already starting to make excuses just to get in the car and take it for a drive.
Correct, there is no amp for the stock stereo.
The HK install is tough because it reroutes all the speaker wires through the amp in the back, thus requiring a new wiring harness.
Welcome to NAM!
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'04 IB/W MCS w/all the goodies, Ian's auto-up/GDO, MMC#I69/MID CURV169; power folding mirrors
"You can't save the world unless you're willing to make other people sacrifice." - Dogbert, via Pendergast
I appreciate the quick responses guys, once I saw that there was no amp for the stock system I figured that it was going to be a little harder than plug and play after the removal of a few parts. After driving around with it for a few days, the stock system isn't all that bad if you get the Treb/Bass settings right. Just add a custom system on the wanted mod list!! I am learning that it is tough to keep these cars stock!
The R50 amp just went out in my 2004 MCS. I got an R52 on eBay, but I can't get the old one out. Do you have to remove the whole back seat? I got the access panel off and removed one bolt and the two screws but the last bolt is behind the plastic and it seems that I can't get it off just through the service panel. Can anyone help me?
Supposedly you can get a screwdriver on the last screw through the hole where the boot light is. Just pry the light out.
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'04 IB/W MCS w/all the goodies, Ian's auto-up/GDO, MMC#I69/MID CURV169; power folding mirrors
"You can't save the world unless you're willing to make other people sacrifice." - Dogbert, via Pendergast
My own approach would be to install aftermarket amp and speakers.
+1
^and that's not a normal +1. Consider it the biggest plus one anyone has ever given to a mod. I admit I have never heard the H/K system, but after installing a new stereo in two of my personal vehicles, and three systems in friends vehicles, I can tell you the H/K system is a mild upgrade. How can I say that without ever hearing it? Just look at that weenie H/K amp. Do what you want, but I think if you are going to install a stereo anyway, the H/K is a waste of time and money when you could save just a bit more and REALLY improve everything.
__________________ SCARECROW: R53 CR/B - Alta exhaust custom bent for bumper, Alta CAI w/box, Screamin Demon coil pack, new wires/cold plugs, JCW 380cc injectors, WMW quick tune, M7 strut tower brace, Hotchkis competition rear sway bar, Hotchkis lower control arms, Megan Racing coilovers w/ 1" drop, custom rear seat delete, HID fogs... The Evolution Of My Mini
Supposedly you can get a screwdriver on the last screw through the hole where the boot light is. Just pry the light out.
I got to that one, but according to the OEM diagram there's another bolt on the bottom left corner of the amp, behind the plastic and firewall. I didn't take that screw behind the light all the way out because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get it back in. I'll take it out and see if the amp doesn't come out anyway. Thanks!
