Sup peeps.

About to pull the trigger and order a '09 JCW Edition from the factory. I'm coming out of a car that has a Harmon Kardon Logic 5 system, so it's safe to say I appreciate my tunes.


Sales guy told me it's not worth the money, but it's only $500 bucks.


So I'd like to hear opinions as to what I should expect, and is there a car whose system sounds similar? How crappy or good is the stock unit?


And why the heck isn't Harmon Kardon doing the new Mini?


Thanks in advance.





Ps. Take a look at my buid and let me know if I'm missing anything. Thanks!!

My 2009 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop

Base MSRP*$28,550Destination & Handling$650 PAINT ITDark Silver Body Color $500Black Roof/Mirrors $0Black Bonnet Stripes $100 PACKAGESCold Weather Package $500 Heated Front Seats Heated Powerfold Mirrors & Washer Jets Premium Package $1,000 Leather Sport Wheel w/Multifunction Automatic AC Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof Convenience Package $1,750 Comfort Access System Universal Garage Door Opener Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror Rain Sensor and Auto Headlamps Comfort Bluetooth w/Leather Multi-function Steering PERFORMANCEDynamic Stability Control STDFront Fog Lamps STDXenon Headlamps w/Power Wash $5006-Speed Getrag Manual STDRear Fog Lamp $100Dynamic Traction Control STD17" Challenge-Spoke (Performance) STD COCKPITSIRIUS Satellite Radio $500Sport Seats STDOn-Board Computer STDAnthracite Headliner STDLeatherette: Black/Grey $0Interior Surface Piano Black STD10-Speaker. Hi-Fi Sound System $500Interior Color: Carbon Black STD TOTAL MSRP AS CONFIGURED*$34,650

 

If you like listening to music just get after market. All the Mini stereo pieces are horrible.

I love my Mini... but that is the one department in which it is an epic fail.

 

I gotta feeling this is going to be a common comment.

 

This was a last-minute decision for me on my JCW as well. After listening to both systems back-to-back, I decided to go with the HiFi. While the HiFi is certainly not perfect, it was noticably better than the stock system, which sounded pretty awful to me. Also, I'd heard the HiFi system was easier to upgrade (in that I could just swap out speakers and see a pretty nice improvement) so I went for it. I haven't upgraded yet and I've been pretty happy overall with the system. I'm not nearly as much of an audiophile in the car though. Often times I drive without music just because the car sounds so great.

One thing I saw that you don't have is the rear fog lamps. There's a ton of debate on here but it seems to commonly be the "item I wish I'd gotten the most" around here.

I didn't get the convenienc epackage, or Sirius, and mine's Laser Blue and has a cloth interior. Other than that, pretty similar.

 

Is the car going to be a daily driver only? Just curious.

 

I got the Std Radio unit, output is good, speakers suck. Plan to replace. I'd do the same, add a amp if u need

I'd say after reading posts for the last months about 70/30 split against for the hifi option.

 

Ohhh I gotz the rear fog light mang, don't you worry!! *look up*

Yes.

This sucks. I have a feeling I'm going to be pissed about this. I LOVE great tunes- but HATE doing aftermarket.


Maybe I'll keep the stock head unit and just replace the speakers in the OEM locations?

 

Touche, good sir.

Regarding the speakers, that's basically my attitude. I'm not very knowledgable of aftermarket stereo stuff and don't really want to pay $1k for an upgraded stereo. I figure the HiFi has pleased me enough so far and if I get annoyed at it, I can replace speakers myself cheaply/easily enough.

 

Omg!!

I just was told by my friend (who turned me on to the JCW edition) that the ((((START BUTTON))))) comes standard!!!!


I don't need no stinking Comfort Package!!!!!

 

I see the only reason to go their HiFi is if you get the Navi + iPod adapter and want HD radio or Sat radio too all a nice integrated in-dash system. And if so, the bass should always be 0 or under. It get 'floppy' way too easily. You can get a lot more decent sounding SPLs from it if you reduce the bass.

 

After driving for a year and a half in my '07 MCS with the standard system, I think the HiFi in my '09 JCW is a HUGE improvement. I'm still thinking of replacing the speakers with better ones, but this setup actually has some bass to it. The bass isn't earth shaking, but it surprised me how well it sounded vs the old system. Aftermarket will almost always be better, but this is great for now. I know I'm in the minority on this, but then agian I usually am.

 

Your car looks flippin hot mang. I love the Laser blue (is that what's it called?)

But here in the Midwest, it's bad enough people think a Mini is 'ghey'; if I drove blue, it would push my GF over zee top! lol

If I was back in Boston, it would be fine.


Damn it, so I DO need the upgraded sound system.

 

Heh, yeah, I've gotten my share of "it's cute!" comments from the ladies. I'm okay with that. When guys use it to question my masculinity, I just grin and bear it since I know it'll outrun anything they have.

 

hahhahaa, I got an "it's pretty" comment from a girl yesterday at the grocery store.

I got my JCW with the HI-FI sound and it's alright. I didn't want to go aftermarket just yet. I hated the standard radio. The HIFI is a nice improvement.

 

Well, the arguement that it'll blow away anything that 'you got' wont hold water.


Considering that I'm a Sales Manager at a Porsche dealership and I sell Mercedes AMG products.

Ain't gonna happen. LOL


Ps. Don't ask.


Some of you might even know of me best from Rennlist.com or Reutterwerk.com

 

Well I think it's been pointed out that a true Audiophile will want to put in aftermarket. Me ... I'm pretty content with the Hi-Fi sound system in the car. I must be going deaf though, since a buddy of mine always complains the music doesn't sound right .. "Not enough mid, not enough bass, not enough .. blah .. blah blah". Sounds fine to me when I crank it :-) Someday I might get new speakers and a sub .. but for now it works great, and I love Sirius for long trips.

Good luck on your decision mate

 

thanks mang.

 

When it comes down to it, this is all that matters.

 

My 'motoring advisor' - gotta laugh at that one.... found a pure silver one I might take instead.

I want to get to the bottom dollar as best I can. A almost $40k mini isn't worth it. (to me)

 

I get all kinds of jokes about how big I am and how small my car is. The fact that I had to change helicopters because I was too big and then bought a Mini didn't help. The laser blue rocks. I learned not to judge the colors off the MiniUSA site. When I bought my '07 I walked in and said I want anything but yellow and drove away in a MY MCS. I get the "cute" comments from girls, but my coworker who autox's knows better.

 

Yeah, originally I hated Laser Blue, but then I saw it in pics I absolutely LOVE it.

 

Uh, "helicopter"? lol

 

I used to do this.....


now I do this......

 

the start button is standard on all new minis =)


re: the helicopter - the first one looks like it would have more room! (if not more boom)

 

The first one (the Kiowa Warrior) is quite small. Imagine two people in the space of the back seat of your Mini trying to fly. The Apache doesn't have any more leg room, but I can sit up straight and I have my own little space to stretch out. The Kiowa is armed for mostly defensive purposes. The Apache is a flying tank. And the Apache has A/C too!