if i install one say at bestbuy does that void my car warranty? thanks.

 

If the aftermarket radio causes some component to fail, then repair of that component wouldn't be covered by warranty. There's no such thing as a blanket "void the warranty" for the entire car, e.g., your radio wouldn't affect the warranty on your brakes.

BTW, what did you have in mind? Your other posts indicate you have a 2015 convertible. The factory radio isn't a standard DIN unit, and Best Buy wouldn't have the expertise to handle it.

 

THANKS so much for the info/help. Yeah as I was looking around I got the feeling that BB probably couldnt do it. Wasnt fully sure though. Do you know what is possible? I could look for a local installer that has Mini experience.

or should I not bother and forget it?

thanks again!

 

Since an aftermarket headunit can't directly replace the existing unit in the speedo, it would have to be installed somewhere else. Metra has a conversion kit for the center console. You also need to keep the original unit connected (preferably out of sight) because the car will continue to access it on the data bus.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...n-install.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...n-install.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...vic-930bt.html

 

thanks rkw!!

 

You probably are best to keep the head unit and upgrade the speakers and add a powered sub to the car. Too many things run through the stock head unit - not sure you would want to mess with that.

 

wow that sounds like a great plan. how much does something like that "you think" cost?

Say 250-350 speakers and sub and 200 install?

thanks

 

Really depends on the quality of speakers you choose. Speakers and a sub, BestBuy could probably handle without issue at the low-end of the price spectrum. If you are looking for something a bit more high end, check your area for local custom sound shops. Both should have sound rooms to try out different speakers to see which sound good. Keep in mind though, speakers in a room will sound different in your car.

Also - if you have the non-Harmon Kardon system in your car, there are less speakers to "upgrade". If you have the HK system, you might be replacing more speakers. There are a few various powered subs depending on if you want to lose trunk space and really feel the bass or if you want a more compact sub with tighter bass. To get an idea on pricing, check out this site and enter in your car details:

http://www.crutchfield.com/

 

haha mct you read my mind... for one i have non HK and i was just thinking about trunk space and not wanting to lose any. i will check out some options. I spoke to crutchfield and they were amazing what a great outfit! the only question i am not sure and they werent sure is if the 2014 cooper convertible is the same as the 2015, they only had 2014 info in their database for the speaker and sub woofer recommendations. would it be the same?

thanks!!!

 

2014 and 2015 convertibles should be the same

 

thanks thats what i thought. figure for subwoof, speakers, amp and install... figure $550 maybe a few bucks more.

 

LOL.. $400-$500? if only.... I have a friend with a 2012 JCW that installed an Alpine Nav double din, Morel speakers, and a custom built JL Audio dual 8" sub box. Integrated a Scangauge2 into the hole where the radio used to be in the speedo. With amps.. It was only about $5,000...lol But it sounds great...

 

Completely not what he is going for here... Powered sub and speaker upgrades can be had for $500. Nothing as extreme as your friend, but an upgrade, nonetheless.

 

I understand, but $4-500 is going to get some pretty inferior stuff... Heck, my JL Audio 10Tw3 was 300 alone. Then I built the box. I bought the amp, I installed it and all in it was over $600...


If it were me in his shoes, I'd get the HK Upgrade, then add a sub, that is fine for most people. )then again, I'd never get a car without the better stereo option in the first place.)

 

Crazy expensive as a retrofit (I'd guess $3K -$4K).

 

Yes - definitely opt for HK on a built to order car. If car he has is not equipped with it though - that retrofit is insanely expensive.

 

since i started to look into the upgrade and to make a long story short. I am buying another Mini and i am going for the HK this go around : ) i am not the biggest audiophile but i know i will be very happy once i get the car and it has an HK system.

thanks again for the direction / help.

 

That sounds like a great idea Good luck!

 

thanks mct!