One thing that hasn;t been mentioned that often comes up in similar threads: A pillar trim on standard system doesn't have space for a tweeter, if you'll be going aftermarket and want to put tweeters there, it's close to the price of the HIFI system just for the trim later on.

 

Before you purchase the HI-FI system might I suggest that you read the following link and then find someone who has done this:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ust-do-it.html


You will be amazed. I believe (in my opinion and everyone has one and just like a##holes, some of them stink) that MINI intentionally made the factory radio sound poor in order to sell the HI-FI system. Once the switch from the link above is made, you will be extremely satisfied with the factory radio. I am still amazed at how great it sounds.

 

Thanks for the heads up peeps. Great info!!

 

So, get it - or don't get it? LOL, what's the final verdict? Hi-fi, or no hi-fi

 

I don't plan on doing anything (or very little) with the stereo so I listened to both and the stock system was flat out terrible...it sounded very thin and almost muffled.

The Hi-Fi was far from sounding great, but it did sound a lot better so I'm going with it.

 

Neither. I ended up test driving the car again and fell 'out' of love with it. I extended my lease on my MB until I figure it out. No one was more dissappointed then I was when I got back from the test drive. As soon as I pulled onto the highway, some dipsh*t in a 350Z Cabriolet tried to race me and show off for his HS Girlfriend. I thought to myself 'this is going to happen a lot. And I'm just not interested in HS kids attempting to race me all the time. But beyond that I was able to really take in the controls, and over all- ride- of the car. If it was my 2nd car, sure. But my daily? Nope. I need something different.

Sorry fellas and thanks for all the great feedback. This really is a great community.

Cheers.

 

IMHO the the OH-58 never could do the job as well as the Loach (LOH-6) it replaced. On the other hand the Cobra was awsome, but the Apache is many steps above. I know some old Snake drivers who would love to be in your shoes righ now. I see why you got a Mini. It is quick, ninble and responsive.

Jim

 

The Hi-Fi upgrade is worth it. I have it and like it (though that seems to be an "uncool" view on these pages), I had a loaner Mini recently without the Hi Fi upgrade and the sound quality was noticably poorer. Plus, per your observation, $500 buys practically nothing at an auto stereo shop.

 

If i could,i would have ordered mine with HIFI.
I bought mine off the lot with $500 worth of cold weather package that i'll never use.