Has anybody replaced their head unit yet? I don't know much about these things, but it looks like the standard cd player/radio is an awkward shape, well, seemingly longer than the one I have in my car now at least. Will any aftermarket decks fit in there?

Furthermore, I ordered the HK system and the MFSW- have I screwed myself over with hopes of getting something better that's compatible?

Thanks :smile:

 

"Has anyone replaced their head unit" - yes.
"an awkward shape" - yes. adaptors available.
"HK system - screwed myself" - yes.

:smile:

Go to MINI2 which seems to have more audio activity. You will find pics from people who changed their HU.

I just yesterday replaced the stock HU in my MCS for a Kenwood - pics soon around here somewhere.
I also have the HK. It makes changing the HU very difficult

"MikeyTheMini" on MINI2 sells MINI products in UK; among other things he has wiring adaptors and a bracket to fit standard HU in MINI - probably can get these brackets at Crutchfield, Tweeter, etc, too.
MikeyTheMini web page

 

I replaced my HU with an Alpine CDA 7894. It sounds awesome, fits fantastic and looks great. Lights on the unit are even amber to match the rest of the dash. One nice unit.

 

Thanks!

 

I added MB Quart speakers front and rear first. Sound was marginally better but at high volumes it was not enough power to drive the speakers well- I got distortion. then I added an Xtant 4.4 amp which has 50W x 4 channels and it sounded great but then I noticed that the stock CD player skipped on certain CDs and had marginal quality of sound which was then amplified very well so I could hear it.

So I pulled the stock radio/CD and had installed ($65) a Nakamichi CD-400 head unit ($429). Very basic with option to color the buttons and main readouts in amber (matches the other dash lights) or green or any combination thereof. The sound is much much better, cleaner, and stronger. I got a 4 year warranty.
There is an adapter needed for 2003 cars for the antenna- looks like some sort of optical line and a faceplate kit (about $20-29) to make the small gap around the edge disappear. Overall -very nice. More balanced sound than HK which is very strong on bass. My system has more clarity. I'd have to add a subwoofer to match the bass of the HK.