I just got a 2010 Mini Cooper S with the base stereo. I was not able to locate one with options combo I wanted so I settled for most everything. This means I didn't get the HK system. Soooooo......, I know I want to upgrade the stock system. But I don't want this to turn into a complicated and expensive mess.

I've tried to wade through some of the threads and seen references to the x9331 connector that is supposedly an issue for hooking aftermarket equipment. I also know that the head unit must stay.

My first thoughts are that I should upgrade the speakers and install a sub. Which speakers? There are a lot of good ones, including Focal if I can get that to work in my budget. And the Urban Mini Sealed Sub Box looks like it's ideal for my application. I don't want a ghetto boomer. I want the whole thing to be invisible as much as possible and just sound like a GOOD system - articulate, dimensional with a sense of air, and good solid base that is real, not over boosted rap sounding.

I'm not going to do the install myself. I'll need to find a good shop in Phoenix/Scottsdale that can do the job. So what say the brain trust here? Can someone point me in the right direction? Any recommendations on shops that are familiar with Mini electronics? Please feel to contribute as much information with as much detail as you'd like. Thanks in advance to all those who contribute to this thread.

 

IMHO there really are two way of going about this.

1. Staged approach.
a. change speakers and rewire X9931 connector (swap front and rear channels)
b. live with this for a while see how you like it.
c. add sub and amp if you feel like you need it.
d. live with this for a while see how you like it.
e. add amp for front channels if you feel you need to.
f. continue on with the adding if you feel you need it.


2. Whole thing at one time approach.
a. Pick out new speakers, amp, sub etc and have it done.

Benefit of #1 is cost is spread out and you do not over do it.
Benefit of #2 is it is all done quickly.

Con of #1 May be more expensive over time but could end up being less as you may not put in new everything.
Con of #2 Can be costly upfront and then a lot more than your may really need.

Which way to want to attack it is your choice.

My choice would be to do it the staged way. That way you only get what you feel you need, not what the shop thinks you need.

 

I did the staged approach, which ended up being the more expensive route because I changed speakers when I added the amp. Started out with Infinity Kappa speakers in the HIFI system. Didn't like the sound, so went to all Image Dynamics components: Q 450.4 amp, CTX69 - Image Dynamics 6 x 9" 2 Way Speaker w/ Silk Tweeters, CXS64 V.2 - Image Dynamics 6.5" 4 ohm Component System. I also have a Boss Bass600 powered sub.

If you go with the staged approach, you are limited to speakers that will work with the low amounts of power put out by the base system.

 

I don't want to go with the staged approach. I want to get his done - period.

 

I am in the exact same situation. i have have already purchased the SoundStorm USS8 (same thing as the Bass600 but in black). I guess i am going to mount this in the back near the rear aux power simular to pictures i have seen on this forum. i am going to get some speaker upgrades, i guess that means an amp (somthing that fits under a seat or in the tire-toolwell). And i guess this means the front/rear swap as well. I would really love to replace the head unit for something cool looking but its just not worth the loss of function. I think i can get this done for about $500 bucks or there abouts. the USS8 cost $120 online. i am not brave enough, nor do i have the skills to do the install myself, so i will be at the mercy of either cartoys or Quality Auto Sound in the Denver area. I called my dealer and the word from them is this upgrade will not void the warenty in any way but they will of course not cover any of the new equipment. They also said that if anything breaks as a result of the upgrades, that would also not be covered. this seems fair to me.

If anyone has any advice to give, i am all ears.

 

From what I've read here, make sure you use the x9331 connector to interface with the stock system. That way you can have a clean connection, and not splice into the existing electronics which could cause you problems should a warranty claim need to be filed.

 

Thanks, i will let my installer know that....i will llist all of the parts and equipment used after the work is done as well as the cost and my overall impression...
This weekend though i am getting the black sport stripes added (not the reg stripes, the ones that run down the middle and down the back) as well as the little lights that mount on the grill.....with the charcole grey color and black roof, i am thinking this will make for a really cute look. I am also going to replace the mini antena with one of the smaller ones. I think this should just about do it for my "mods" though lol