Hello fellow MINI fans!
I am the proud owner of a 2005 MCS that is being created as we speak. She will be here in April and I am SO stoked! I love that MINI enthusiasts have formed the culture that they have- its SO welcoming! I am thankful that I have all these posts to read... hopefully the time will FLY!

and I have a favor to ask-
I am looking into an alarm and stereo equipment for my baby when she gets here- so if you have an advice/stories, id love to hear them!

Tori

 

Hi Tori. Welcome to NAM.

I assume you're in NE? Lincoln, Omaha or somewhere else?

My wife's from Omaha and we both did time at UNL.

I've heard good things about the factory alarm, and the upgraded HK stereo, but have no personal experience with either.

 

I am not from Nebraska... I am a California girl born and raised... Well I didnt get the factory alarm or sound system... I am planning on doing both aftermarket... Any ideas? anyone?

 

Well, I believe the MINI alarm is actually dealer-installed, not factory. From what I understand, all MINIs come pre-wired for it from the factory, and it can be added at any time by the dealer.

So, I think that's what I'd go with. Sometimes aftermarket alarms can cause problems with the car's electrical system if not done right.

Since the option is available, why not just get the alarm from MINI, and have it installed by actual MINI people...I think that's the smartest choice.

 

Thanks Kyle! When I get my MINI, it will have a new installed factory alarm!

 

then why the handle?

 

you know, i dont remember... and neither do the people that gave it to me! i have had it for years and since everyone has it, i cant bear to part with it!

My MINI will be done Thursday!

 

so what options did you get? I had the Pioneer avic n-1 installed for the head unit/nav and rockford fosgate speakers with a kenwood amp. Just enough to drown out the exhaust on the little devil....

 

I am anxiously awaiting my 2005 HB MCS Cockpit Chrono/Cold Weather/Premium/Sport 17"S-Lites (temporary) chrome grille, factory alarm, iPod adapter, cool bag (a must have for hot CA summers!) custom plates and more!

and it will get a custom sound system with lights and everything when it gets here!

 

Hello Tori,

Welcome to NAM and congratulations. April is without a doubt the BEST month to get your MINI...mine arrived in April 03. I'd like to welcome you to the longest running "Can't Wait for club" here on NAM. Click here to begin:

The April Club

This is the post that started it all back in January '03...you can read through all 164 pages, or if you're impatient, just jump to the end and introduce yourself. You can join our 3rd generation of CWFACers!

Cheers!

chef richie
CWFAC '03

 

Queen,


Looks like we're waiting for about the same amount of time.

BTW, exactly what capabilities are you looking for in a stereo system, IE: mp3, satellite reception, loudness, sound quality, navigation, blah, blah, blah....?

Same question about alarm system, IE: Remote Start (did you get the stick shift? in that case no RS for YOU!), alarm paging (which means that if you are within a predetermined distance from the vehicle, it will let you know that the car is being "mistreated", GPS tracking, glass break sensors, blah, blah, blah....?

It's good to have these things researched if you want a system that fit's your needs....

Good luck, and happy waiting.....

 

Americonium-
I dont know what I am looking for in a stereo system... I would really love someone that could teach me about em so I would know... and I got the factory alarm... but now I want all the cool features you are talking about like the keychain that shows your car and if a part is being mistreated... oh well... next alarm system!
Happy waiting to you too!

 

For starters, depending on what kind of music, at what quality you want, which medium you enjoy the most (cd, mp3, ipod, satellite radio, am, fm, etc...), and most importantly, how much you want to spend. Do you travel to unfamiliar places a lot? A GPS navigation system will help you find your way, even if you make a wrong turn, it will correct the directions to get you back on track.....


So let me know what you're looking for in a stereo system, and I will see what I can do as far as a recommendation is concerned.....

 

Thanks for the help!

 

Queen,

In the Sacramento area, here is who will probably do the AVIC-N2 install on my Mini in a couple of months:

http://www.caraudioinnovations.com/

Rod and his crew are very knowledgeable, and they did some great work for me in the past on my C6.

 

Hi Tori:

Your countdown is getting shorter--almost single digits now. Good luck. I hope we all get together for an event someplace in NorCal or NE.

And some folks on NAM think the optional HKS system is great.