I went to Harmon Kardon's website to see if I could get some information about the current MP3 issues. I don't know the model number or anything of the radio so I had to guess some. On their list of products they included options for factory installed on a lot of vehicles. I couldn't find one specific to MINI, but I did find one for BMW.

Anyways, in there was a note saying that HK does not support the factory installed systems (it's their OEM division) and that HK did not make the HU itself. They designed the amp and speakers. Here is the link.

So, does anyone have a HU out of their vehicle they can check for me? Model number, manufacturer....

Thanks!

 

From what I've seen the HK system is only beyond the head unit, all Head units that I've seen are made by alpine.

 

Is there a separate manual for the stereo online somewhere ? I have a Feb. producation, and would like to read up on the car beforehand. I have the 2005 manual for the car, but it doesn't have anything about the stereo in it.

 

Except for the Alpine part, that is what I foudn out. Any idea what model number?

 

Head unit is alpine, amp and speakers, crappy as they all are, are made by HK

 

You'd think for it being Alpine, they would have made it able to read MP3 id3 tags.

I wonder if it would be worth harassing them for a firmware update.

 

seriously, i can't believe they don't display mp3 tags. it's my only dislike with the factory hu.

 

I tore out the HK system from MINI and put in an Alpine 9831, JL speakers and a stealth box, and a Memphis 5 channel amp. NOW I have good sound in the car....ALthough the road I traveled was pricey, Im much happier. Yes I did expect a lot more from HK and Alpine.

 

I realy do not believe HK makes any component of the system...Just a known name to market with.

Do I have any first hand knowledge, absolutely not. I cannot justify ripping it all out for my 10 mile (20min) round trip daily commute.