I recently bought a used 2014 MCS, and i love everything about it, except lackluster stereo...No touchscreen, no nav, no carplay, no fun.
I started poking around and soon realized a few things--

1. I don't really have the patience or the audio-setup knowledge to just go to crutchfield and build a whole new system, as much i would love to.
2. i dont have the capital to buy bavsound turnkey upgrade package

My intent was to get the "OEM fit" android audio head unit on amazon with nav & wireless carplay that we've all seen.
Then I started thinking "i would really like to get an amp to fill out the sound."
then it progressed to "i should get better speakers too"
followed by "it seems a waste to go without subs... especially If i get a new deck and speakers "
And it just kinda took on a life of its own...

At this point i have read so much and watched so many youtube videos...im more confused than anything lol
Ultimately I just want to be sure I have all my ducks in a row before i start dismantling my dash, doors and seats.
Any wisdom is greatly appreciated.

Here is what i'm working with: (all links below)
the aforementioned head-unit i discovered on amazon (got it gently used for $300)
harman kardon amplifier, speakers, and subs i bought used ($250)
and i just ordered the A-pillar trim/tweeters.($200)
I just wanted to keep things as plug and play as possible...and cheap. lol
i just need to source a center speaker/tweeter and tweeters from the rear and i'm good to go...i hope.

Do i need to run any additional wiring?
Do i need crossovers for the pillar tweeters
For the subs?
Is the head unit gonna plug in in to the HK hardware using original harness?
i just want to make sure i am not making a mess...
let me know.

J.

Head

HK Hardware

HK speakers amp & subs

A pillar trim purchased

Am i on the right track here?
Am i out of my mind?
help!

 

Good luck adding the Harmon Kardon amps to a non-amplified MINI. You are going to need the plugs for the harness, and a wiring guide so you know what pins are needed to go where.

Crutchfield won't be much help with the radio, but they might have a Mastersheet for being able to replace the speakers (basically showing how to remove panels, etc.)

There are other companies that offer a Apple Carplay/Android Auto boxes to add to your current radio. It will not add touchscreen if you don't have it all ready.

With a base OEM stereo, you could have probably got a 5-channel amp, a sub, and did some digging on what speakers will work in the OEM locations, and be good. If you add a DSP, it will take the setup to the next level.

 

So what your saying is the HK Amp has proprietary connections and most likely won’t work?

if that’s the case, can’t I just buy a 5 channel amp? Everything else is still usable correct?

 

Correct. Adding OEM amps to a system that did not have them in the first place is usually a PIA. Its like this with other auto manufactures as well.

You can run a 5-channel amp, add the sub of your choice, an amp wiring kit (that is recommended for the amp). If you get an amp with a DSP built in, that is a huge plus on how the system will sound, but is more money.

 

I agree, go the aftermarket route. Bavsound would be easiest since they design everything to be PnP. Otherwise, you’ll have to rely on companies like Crutchfield to supply harnesses, connectors, and such. But yeah, trying to retrofit the h/k after the fact is likely daunting. Not impossible, but I do not think it’s worth the time and effort when the same amount of time and effort could yield a much better aftermarket setup.