Im going on saturday to pick up the '05 MCS that I'm buying and I can't wait. Its my first mini!
The car has an after market alpine cd player in it with what appears to be an ipod adapter. It also has the convenience package, premium package and cold weather package. My fiance has voiced some concern that the addition of the after market stereo may make other features of the car unuseable. Has anyone found this to be the case? If so, should I consider trying to find a stock stereo to replace it with?
Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it!
Melissa

 

If you have the Sport Wheel with the stereo controls on it, those won't work with an after-market stereo without an adaptor. If you have an H/K system with an amp, you will lose that too. My stock system on my 05 has the radio boost feature that turns up the volume with increased speed. That won't work anymore either.

Personally, I will start with some new aftermarket speakers and possibly an amp. The stock radio already has a CD player that I don't use anyway since I have an MP3 player I use. If I add anything fun to the MINI, it will be something on the lines of an H/K Nav system with Blu-toothe capability and MP3 playback. You can use it for MP3's, pics, vids, hands free telephone and of course Nav.

 

It all depends how good the install was - all my MINIs (except my convertible) had excellent aftermarket installs and no issues. In fact, the Alpine CDA 9857 in GPMINI is the best HU I've had, with excellent iPod control. And steering wheel interface too.

If you're buying the car from a MINI dealership, just confirm with them that any stereo-caused issues will be dealt with by them, before you hand over the check!

 

I have an Alpine with iPod adapter in the 04 MCS. Had to get an adapter for the steering wheel controls from a guy in England (installed ~2 yrs ago) and everything works fine. I wouldn't go back to stock.