Hi all,

I'm looking at a Clubman currently and my specs are fairly basic....Hot Chocolate/Silver, 16 inch bridgespokes or s-winders (probably putting different wheels and H&R's later), leatherette, the only options being xenon's, multi function steering wheel, and MAYBE the 10 speaker Hi Fi.

My question is....is the Hi-Fi worth it. I currently have an '04 R53 with the Harmon Kardon, and like it a lot, but have heard mixed reviews about the Hi-Fi in the Clubman. Is the standard audio system good?

Also, if you don't get the rear fog lamp/rain light, do you still get the red reflector under the tail lights? Thanks!

 

Without rear fog you get white on the right and red on the left (look at my gallery). The standard stereo is alright. It's certainly not the best I've heard.

 

I've got the Hi Fi and I am pleased with it. Granted, I'm not an audiophile but it trounces the system in the wife's TSX.

 

I have the standard stereo in mine...I have no problem with it listening to music through an iPod or a CD...but there are those who complain. I think it's all what one is used to in one's car. My former radio/cd players in my MINIs were all stock and they were fine with me.

Can you go listen to one and then decide?

 

My R53 has the standard radio. I've driven an R56 for a few days with the standard radio & the R53 on sounds much better to my ears. IMO the Hi Fi is going to be needed if you want to be happy.

 

My recommendation is to get the HIFI and give the speakers some time to break in. If you still don't like it, replace the speakers with better speakers. This is a lot less expensive than going with an aftermarket amp and speaker setup on the standard radio.

I replaced the speakers with Infinity Kappas and it made a big improvement. The HIFI amp isn't bad, but the speakers aren't great. However, I didn't give them much time to break in.

 

I'm not an audiophile in fact far from it.

I've never heard of breaking in a speaker. Is that included in the 1200 mile break in for the car? Do you change your speaker oil early or do it at the time the service indicator says?

Sorry, couldn't help myself.

 

Actually, there is some controversy on the subject of whether breaking in a speaker makes a difference or not. The idea is that, like most mechanical parts, a little wear helps the pistons move more smoothly. Some believe that it is the listener who gets used to the speakers, rather than the speakers improving.

There have been a number of posts on NAM claiming that the HIFI speakers sound much better when broken in. As I said, I didn't give them a chance. I swapped those suckers as quickly as I could.

The stock speakers, at least when new, sound fine with some music, but distort badly with other music. It is a little hard to predict. Some tracks from a singer I like sounded fine, some horrible. Jazz seemed to sound fairly good.

 

Mini, get the rear fog lights.
You'll rarely need it, but when you do...
The back of the Clubman and Clubman S is about the same with or without the rear fog light(in the left turn signal).

I wanted the Premium package for the sunroof and automatic AC. The upgraded stereo isn't great, but what the heck.

The multi-function steering wheel for $250 is well worth the cost.

 

If you are putting on different wheels later, just get the stock 15s. That way you can avoid the heavy run-flats.

The upgraded stereo is pretty good and worth the money since it really isn't that much money in the world of mobile audio. Unless you are an audiophile, it is probably good enough. It has a full range and will play reasonably loud (but not super-loud) before it breaks up. It's like the wheels, if you are an audiophile and plan to scrap the stock stereo regardless, then pass on the upgrade.

Regards,
Terry

 

Thanks for all the replies. Actually I'm getting the Clubman S when I do order, so the 16's will be stock and it really does boil down to having to listen to both stereos myself, but I'll probably go for the Hi-Fi. As for other options, like I said it will be the MFSW, Xenons, Rain Light, and that's about it. Pretty basic but I'm a basic guy. Oh and I'm also thinking of the MINI roofrack, for the bike(s).

 

Mini, clarification.

The U.S. Clubman does NOT feature red reflectors in the bumper honey comb, as presented on the MiniUSA configurator.

 

You may want to take a glance at the massive roof rack thread first. I believe I am going to hold out for hitch availability and use a bike rack similar to the Thule 917 T2.

 

I was actually complaining about my HIFI today. After half volume, the front speakers cannot handle the bass; even at mid setting. So although I love the car, the stereo upgrade is weak. I may have to try the speaker swap.

 

I second that opinion, and am also holding out for a better solution. Meanwhile, I have been using the standard "trunk" bike rack that I put on my clubman doors-and have had no problems whatsoever!

 

Outnumbered, until you swap speakers, fade to the rear a bout -2 and set bass around 0. That should help in the short term.

 

Yep, did that shortly after noticing the distortion.