Somebody asked this as an "Ask Chad" question in an episode of WhiteRoofRadio year or so ago. In case you're not familiar, Chad is the brains behind Detroit Tuned, a shop that services MINIs in the Detroit area. As I recall, Chad said that retrofitting the HK system was an enormous amount of work, requiring a good deal of disassembly of the interior. He told of trying hard to talk the customer out of doing it, and that the bill for the labor alone ended up being something like $2500. So apparently it is possible, but probably not practical.

 

Masarati,

For the same money or a whole lot less (considering installation costs) you could have a better system with aftermarket components.

 

 

Vehicle manufacturers and dealers have done a great job creating and perpetuating the fear that doing anything to your car will void the warranty. Not only is that NOT TRUE, it would be ILLEGAL if they tried.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 prevents manufacturers from voiding a vehicles warranty because an aftermarket part has been installed unless it can be PROVEN that the aftermarket part is responsible for the warranty claim. Most consumers are unaware of their rights, and manufacturers and dealers really take advantage of it.

If a dealer unfairly denies a warranty claim involving an implied or expressed new car warranty and you would like help, you can contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). To file a complaint, you can call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). I really doubt you'll ever have to contact the FTC though. Even though most consumers aren't aware of their rights, dealership and manufacturer management definitely are. Mention Magnuson-Moss and FTC, and any warranty dispute is usually quickly resolved in your favor.

 

 

Maserati,

What country do you live in? You list your location as Muscat which if my memory serves me correctly is in Oman.

If you are outside the USA then the information that Integral Audio provided about warranties is not valid. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 only applies to USA warranties.

 

Wow, good catch Schatzy....I ASSUMED he was in the US....and we all know what they say about assuming.....

 

 

Not for nothing, but Kevin's bass solution and the Alpine kit was the way I ended up going. The Alpine kit is in and sounds much better than stock without splicing wires. Next month I will add the IA sub.

 

For the HK or HIFI amp, the MAIN wiring harness of the car is different. Replacing that harness requires basically removing EVERYTHING in the car. Not to mention trying to get a new and correct harness.

Mostly, the difference is getting power and the audio signals back to where the amp mounts behind the left wheel well. If there is a shop that really knows BMWs well, the could probably run the appropriate wires. It would be a TON of work. Then you would have to get your head unit updated and or at least coded (via updating the Vehicle Order) to realize you are no longer on the stock system. Dealers can't do it. You would have to do it yourself with NCS Expert.

Going all aftermarket or the Alpine would be my recommendation.