I think I've found "my" MINI...but.....
 

It doesn't come with the HK audio. Is it possible to have the dealership swap out the std. audio for the HK? Is it a long, detailed process?

What about swapping out the regular rearview mirror for the auto-dimming one?

What MINI is it? What year?

Both are likely to be be expensive. With the HK it is not the best in the world, for the prioce MINI will charge - look elsewhere, better quality, less cost.

2006 MCS

Welcome to NAM. it seems like you have almost every thing in one of the MINIs you are looking into. My $0.02 is instead of trying to get the HK system just go and get a comparable Alpine HU. The auto-dimming mirror I would not even know where to go with that one, I would bet it is not a cheap install.
Good luck. Hope you have one soon.

- KP

auto-dimming mirror
 

Hey, welcome to NAM! When I was recently shopping for an 06 I got lucky on the HK, but like you I was also interested in the auto-dimming mirror. My dealer discouraged me from doing having it installed and in fact would not do it for me themselves, prefering to refer me to an after-market shop they have a relationship with.

FWIW, in the ~2 weeks of ownership, I have been bothered by not having it much less than I thought I would be. I expected that with such a small car, I would constantly be blinded at night, but so far that really hasn't been the case.

It's still on my list of mods, but going down as I learn more about how I can spend my money on these boards! :wink:

Certainly just get an alternate head unit... Its not a big deal to install...Ian Cull of GBMINI has written quite a bit on stereo installs... http://www.gbmini.net/wp/category/stereo_stuff/ The mirror is a bit more complex and would be expensive.

The mirror is less expensive than you might think, its basically an indepedent photo electric cell stuck on the window. The HK stuff is not cheap, for the same cash after market stuff will give a better sound for the same or less cash.

Thanks for all the info!

I have the HK. It's fine but nothing to get excited about. You can buy a much better aftermarket unit for a lot less than what the dealer will charge to install the HK :grin:

The mirror swap is all of a five minute job. The wiring is already in place under the headliner. I believe the mirror cost is around $200. The dealer pays less than that. Heres a link to a mirror retrofit. Although it's for a Homelink it shows how easy the replacement is.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=62041

Get the car and worry about the stereo later. It's about the least important thing on a Mini next to most other options. Any stereo can be repleced down the line.

You can also always get the OEM MINI sound module as aftermarket. Which from what I have heard is excellent. If you have the HK it is nearly impossible to get.

Crashton - great link re the mirror! It seems very doable.