Good to find this forum. We bought a 2005 Mini S convertible a month ago. Three days later it was rear ended and the other driver left the scene. We just got it back a few days ago and trying to learn to use all the features and fix a couple things.

The Harmon Kardon radio/CD has a CD stuck in it. Nearest dealer is 130 miles away. Any thought other than taking it to someone? And if it needs to be replaced, it appears that the overall system is pretty HK centric. Thoughts about adding a different off the shelf audio player VS spending a lot for a new HK unit?

We have the Bluetooth telephone connection installed and it works fine. And the Navigation package. Is it possible to add an Aux and or thumb drive input to the HK system? Or even Bluetooth?

We'd like to add a backup camera. The visibility isn't that great for backing up. Any experience with that? The dealer estimate is extremely expensive. I guess one basic question is whether the Navigation screen can work as the backup camera display or if it takes a separate screen?

Looking forward to lots of reading on the forum!

 

Hi and welcome to NAM!
Congrats on getting a 05 R52, sorry to read it got hurt!
The gen 1 section will have a ton of info to keep your Mini in good shape.
The gen 1 section is the perfect place to ask questions about your R52.
Pics?

 

Thanks, Itsmewayne! I posted a couple pics. Don't know how long it takes for them to show. I think I'll post my questions over in the Navigation and Audio forum. I've been reading a lot in there but a lot of the detail is over my head about reworking the sound system.

 

Avoid the dealership if possible. Check with other local MINI people in your area for a top rated BMW/MINI independent. A good relationship there will pay off in the future.
To quote wayne, pictures. Without pictures, it didn't happen. You've got about THE best MINI, topless motoring is motoring at its best. Be sure check the Gen 1 section for tons of advice on a regular maintenance schedule and start checking fluid levels regularly. These little guys aren't your every day drive 'em and forget 'em grocery getters.

 

iNI pics

This is the day we picked it up.

 

And this is four days later, on the tow truck yard.

 

Looks great. Another thing you want to look in to is a wind deflector. A brand new one runs $500. Check ebay and such and make sure it's for the R52. I had to replace mine recently for a bit less than $200. If you find one without a case, let me know, I've got an extra.

 

The HK system uses the same head unit as the standard stereo. You can replace yours with a used head unit which is readily available on eBay at low prices. However I would first pull out the radio and see if there is a way to remove the CD.

You can get an aux input cable that plugs into the back of the radio: https://www.outmotoring.com/Genuine-...p3_hookup.html

However, since your car has the navigation system, you'll find a connector already plugged into the location where you're supposed to plug in the aux. I would just unplug it and plug in the aux.

The existing plug is connected to the navigation system so that it can play voice directions on the stereo speakers. However it is a 15 year old nav system with maps that stopped being updated many years ago. When you need driving directions. use the map apps on your phone instead.