I have an 04 MCS with the Harmon Kardon sound system. I was driving around yesterday and my sound just went off. The stereo turns on, everything lights up, but absolutely no sounds comes out of the speakers. I have switched the mode to ipod/radio/cd with still no sound. My questions are what happened, how do i fix it, and how much will it cost?

 

Well, if the sound cut out all of a sudden, but all of the head unit functions work (changing radio presets, loading/ejecting CDs, changing sources, etcetera), it's probably the amplifier. I don't know if any of the car's fuses power the amplifier, but that would be the place to start. Also, there may be a fuse in the amplifier itself. On the coupes, I think the H/K amplifier is located behind the rear passenger-side panel.

If you need a new amp, they're horribly expensive from the dealer or places like PelicanParts.com (about $925). But, they show up on eBay fairly regularly. In fact, one went for $62 shipped just a little over a week ago, but that's somewhat on the low side - I think $80-100 is more typical.

If you want to shop around, the part number for the amp is 65126959011.

And if you're searching the web for leads, keep in mind that it's actually spelled "Harman Kardon". Although, everyone seems to misspell it, so it's probably a good idea to look for both the correct spelling and "Harmon Kardon".

 

great, thank you very much. thats a big help.

 

It's probably the fuse or a connection that became loose, but if it turns out to be your amp or head unit, You may want to consider buying something worthwhile to replace it with other than an exact replacement.
Most aftermarket head units, amps, and speakers are better and cheaper.

 

can you use an aftermarket amp with the rest of the harman kardon stereo system? I really don't know much about these systems...

 

Unfortunately, no. The HK uses speakers with a non-standard impedance (2ohms, I think)

You can read this thread which could make your eyes glaze over...

 

Ok, i want to check my amp for loose wires etc... how would I remove it from the trunk. I took the cover off and could not figure out how to take the actual amp out???

 

Unfortunately you have to remove that entire side panel to R&R the amp.

 

how is this accomplished?

 

Not to many details, but this thread summarizes it.

 

Yea, using an aftermarket amp on the H/K system isn't a good idea as the rest of the system isn't great anyway.
You would probably blow the speakers (no big loss anyway).
Best thing you can do if you're budget is tight is get a $200 head unit and two sets of $60 speakers, a 12 pack of decent beer and a friend who is technically inclined over for a Saturday afternoon.

Even if you end up having to do all this, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much better (and louder) a budget aftermarket stereo sounds.

 

Thanks everyone, I have a HK amp lined up to buy so I will probably go with that. I really do not want to tackle the job of putting in a new amp, head unit, and speakers. Is the amp from an 05 HK sound system the same as an amp from the 04 sound system?

 

Yep - same amp for both years. In fact, the part number from a 2003 H/K amp is the same as the part number for the amp in my 2006, so I suspect it's the same amp across all of the years.

 

Ok, I just installed my new amp and it works perfectly! Very fun install too, I enjoyed it. I took the back seats off and the side panel off and simply plugged it in. I am trying to find out what is wrong with the old amp so I took it apart, but I have no idea what I'm looking for haha. Any advice on that? I hate to throw it away but it seems like that is what is going to happen.

 

I swapped mine through the access panel, complete side panel removal is not necessary.

 

Two years of electronics school, a schematic of the amp, and an oscilloscope may come in handy here.
I would start with a fuse and an ohmeter if nothing happens when it's powered on.
If it powers on but no signal on the output, start with your output transistors and work your way back.
There is always that chance that a loose connection was your problem....
Make sure the original one has no signs of water damage, if so, take precautions to seal the new one in better.

 

No you do not. You can remove it buy accessing the highest screw through the light back there. Facing the amplifier panel you will see a small plastic oval light cover. Remove that and get a 12" (possibly even longer) phillips screw driver and you can remove the screw. My screw even had some plastic goo on it to make it stick to the screw driver for easy removal / re-install.

 

Exactly.
I just popped the boot light out and used a long screwdriver. Then the light can be used as a drop light.

 

I know its been almost two years since you first had the problem with your HK. What ended up fixing the problem. It could have been your battery that was causing the problem.

zoom

 

replacing the amp fixed my problem

 

...so you're saying it wasn't the battery? lol good luck with the new Amp.

 

I had a similar situation a year ago('04 Cooper)where the radio display was on but no sound, the windshield wipers no longer turned on and a few other haunted car issues. Strangely the fix was putting in a new battery.

zoom

 

More likely you had a bad ground connection somewhere - if the battery had enough juice to start the car it was fine.

 

Does anyone here know where I can send my amp to be refurbished? Or where I can buy a refurb one? I have a blown H/K amp from an 03 mini cooper s. Thanks!

 

Have you contacted BMW? THey would know. Maybe you can take the blown one out and find some manufacturer info on it. google them, then give them a call