he global chip shortage that’s affecting everything from cars to computers is how now begun to affect MINIs. More specifically MINI has had to quietly eliminate the availability of at least one option as components become more scarce.
According to several sources MINI is currently experiencing a shortage of the Harmon Kardon stereo components on all models. Because of this MINI is removing the options from all build starting July 1st.

While there are reports that we should see the global shortage start to ease in the second half of the year, it’s unclear how that will affect MINI. Unofficially they’re telling dealers that there is no timetable yet as to when we’ll see the option return.
I read on the Gen3 forum that 2 guys cancelled their builds recently because of that. One guy said he couldn't get a sunroof either.

 

This is terrible news to me. I'm going to order this summer and the Harmon Kardon sound system is on my list of must haves. I started googling after market options this morning in case it isn't resolved, because the stock sound system is pretty lackluster.

Moon roof is a deal breaker for me, so that one I don't care about. I live in the desert, so a huge window on top of the car is just a huge heat source.

 

The HK system is slightly better, but still lackluster. I'm currently looking to upgrade that system right now.

 

Let me know what you end up going with. I've been looking at Bavsound and Bimmertech, but I haven't really dug into anything seriously yet.