i tried doing some forum searches but if anyone can help me out it would be awesome. i am looking to get an aftermarket head unit in my F56 so i can have apple carplay and a back up cam. when i first did this search i was told i can do it if i buy the new harness to make it all work. i was told the harness would be like 900$ or something.

does that sound familiar with anyone? or should i be going in a different direction? and if so, where should i be buying it from among the typical car dealership (if i even can) couldn't find anything on crutchfield or quick google searches

 

If you have the non-HK system then adding a new aftermarket headunit isn't completely out of the question but you will lose all the car related options that the current headunit displays about the car itself. Upgrading to a 6.5" or 8.8" MINI display I've seen done but it was quite expensive and if you are going from standard to touchscreen, you would need to swap our the entire dash panel for proper fitment.

 

perfect, i will check if it is HK or not, if it isn't, do i just need the radio or a harness also?

 

I just bought my first Mini about a month ago and I am in the process or resto/modding it. From what I researched is that you have two options. Replace the dash mounted speedo or go to Crutchfield.com and buy the stuff from them to mount it at the bottom of the center dash panel. Both have a con, if you replace the speedo, you obviously loose it and will have to rely on the steering wheel one or an app on the head unit that may not be accurate. If you mount a double din at the bottom, it is not easily visible but you retain your large speedo. I recommend Crutchfield.com because they will tell you the exact kit and accessories needed for the install! Takes the guesswork out of it entirely