Looking for radio advice. I have an 05 Cooper S convertible with Harman Kardon stereo. I think the amp is shot. Radio comes on and works but no sound. I’d like to get a stereo with Bluetooth. Would like to replace HK amp with different brand and use existing speakers. Has anyone done this? Suggestions?

 

I had to correct a stereo installation in my daughter's R52S when we got it (also with H-K audio). The factory radio-to-amp-to-speaker wiring (and quite likely the speaker impedances themselves) doesn't lend itself to easily adding an external amplifier or even to drive the speakers directly from an aftermarket radio. Not that it can't be done, but I would probably use all new speakers and new wiring to do it.

Instead, I corrected the previous installation, re-installed an H-K amplifier (had to buy a replacement) and used the proper aftermarket radio adapter for the H-K cars. You can look over the details of what I did here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...1-working.html

 

As posted above, the HK system and wiring is definitely not the norm and it’s not easy to mix “regular” radios and amps with the HK wiring or speakers. Unless the installer you’re working with really knows the details of the HK wiring, amp, and speakers, it would probably be best to just get all new components and speakers and run a lot of new wiring.

Besides Bluetooth, what else are you looking for or expecting, especially regarding sound quality?

 

Thanks for the suggestions and the link. I think I’ll keep the HK amp. I’ll either purchase another or repair the one I have. I’ll then get an aftermarket head unit along with proper connectors. I just want to be able to have hands free phone and be able to stream from phone to radio. I don’t care about a touch screen. As to audio quality I was happy with the factory radio and amp.

 

Sounds like a good plan. I do have an R53 H-K amplifier available (my guess is the only difference is in any audio tuning parameters).

My daughter is using her Pioneer radio for the handsfree calling and mainly for streaming Pandora, etc. One note: unfortunately, the steering wheel controls for the the factory phone solution (was there one in the US?) can't be mapped to control the phone functions of the aftermarket radio. But, the radio SWC buttons can be mapped to control the aftermarket radio functions. The phone control SWC buttons may be on a different set of wires (or even on a CAN or similar vehicle commuication bus) than that of the radio control SWC buttons.

 

You can get a used H/K amp they used to be $$$$ for the MINI ones used. Find the ones with the R52 sticker on it, most of the time people on ebay dont know and price them as the R50/R53 ones. It will say R50 on the sticker.

R52 ones are set up for the different r52 speakers in the rear.


Speakers for the H/K system are linked also, i just had a woofer go bad and replaced it new. The terminals corrode and the cone rusted and stuck. 65139143273




https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...er-or-amp.html

 

Hi, I am new here. I think my HK amp has died. Not sure. 4 days ago, the sound was very low and if I turned it up it sounded very distorted then a day later no sound. I have a alpine radio installed. I installed the orginal radio to trouble shoot but still no sound. Is this the normal way of the amp to die? I have a 2007 mini Cooper R52 NA. Been in the family since new.

I have a used new to me hk amp on the way. I will install in the upcoming days. Does any one have any tips. Yes i need to take out passenger seat so i will disconnect the battery for an hour to make sure no lights comes on. Does the amp need to be programmed to the car?

 

There should be no coding/programming of the amplifier required - just plug it in and it should make sound. Did you get an H-K amp specific for the R52? Although a H-K R50/53 amp would still function, there are likely slight audio tuning differences between the convertible and coupe versions to reflect the differences in the cabins.

 

Hi, yes I bought it for the R52. I bought from allmag. Those guys are great. I will keep you updated. It seems like the HK amp fails after 10 to 15 years. Makes sense because amps create heat and what destroyed electronics is heat.

I will keep you updated. Been pretty sad my awesome sound system is down. The HK sound is so good in the mini.
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Just given its mounting location, poor drainage (clogged sunroof drainpipe overflow/leakage, etc.) and water damage seem other likely culprits over time, too.

 

yep, its plug and play. The R52 has different part number on it. Good you got the correct one.

The old H/K sound system is still one of the best factory systems for sound. It was rated the top 10 systems on the market back in the day.

The lower h/K door speakers can go, they tend to rust on terminals from moisture with age. Linked above. Also the rear speaker covers on the convertible fall apart. I replaced both the lower speakers in the door with H/K new ones, used ones will most likely be rusted or bad at the terminals. The speaker covers on the back used a pretty bad also. The foam fabric falls out and the grille falls out and rattles which is annoying.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...h/51437132691/

 

+1 and +1

After completing the recent upgrades on my daughter's R52S (adding noise mat under the rear seat and in the trunk, and lining the rear speaker cavities to seal them, too) I am pretty impressed at how well the H-K system sounds. We also added a JBL BassPro Go for a little more bass (and it can be undocked to use as a bluetooth speaker at tailgates, picnics, etc.).

While I had the interior panels out, I did clean away all the rotted foam from the rear speaker grills, and then I hot-melt glued the mesh to the grilles again to stop the rattling.

 

Thank you for the info. I love the sound in the mini. Just so sad the amp went out. I have replaced the lower speakers, yes the terminals got rusty. I havent taken a Seat out. Also my occupancy sensor is on the Fritz too. So that's fun.

I will keep you guys update.

 

Good and weird news. I got the replacement amp working. But my new head unit isn't turning on. I talked to crutch field we think the axxess unit thing is bad. I troubleshooted with the orginal radio it works but it doesn't turn off when I turn off the engine. Is that normal?

Also I can't get the head unit to work is there a Bluetooth/handsfree system with orginal radio system. I want keep the awesome HK sound. It is so good!!!

 

Which Axxess adapter did you use?

On the original radio, does it turn off when you remove the key? I can't speak much to the behavior of the original radio in the Mini, as ours came with a Pioneer headunit already when we bought it (though I had to go in and correct the installation). I also have the Axxess adapter for the H-K system and it has been working well. The only bummer is that the Telephone button on the steering wheel can't be mapped to control radio functions.

 

Hi, the orginal and the Alpine head unit stays on when the keys is out and the engine off and the doors locked. In.gonna test tonight if it turns off after 20mins. I used the metra aftermarket harness. I have a new one coming because crutch field said my solder joints wasn't good. Also the metra harness with the modules are discontinued. Just fyi.

 

You'll need to find one of those Axxess units with the module - it's needed in order to properly control the amplifier. Looks like the version I used has been superceded by the BW112 ( https://axxessinterfaces.com/product/AXDIS-BW112 ). This one says it works with the Telephone button of the steering wheel controls, too! I may need to get one in order to update the installation in my daughter's Mini...

 

It is on the way from Newegg. I dropped the orginal OEM radio so I have a refurbished one coming to so I have one just in case. I will keep you updated. The mini has to go to my mechanic to calibrate the occupancy sensor.

I am so happy I replaced the amp. When the head units work wow the sound has been awesome. My parents has Bose system in his p cars. I am still in favor of my HK system.

 

Good news I got the Alpine head unit and the orginal head unit to work like normal. The fuse F10 in the driver's foot well popped. I think I was being an idiot having the key on when plugging and plugging things in. I think the Atlanta heat got to me.

I would like to know how to get the steering wheel controls to work. I have the new axxess on the way and will come next week. I will use my old harness so I can listen to my tunes for the time being.

 

I'm glad you got that part sorted!

From reviewing Metra's website, the ASWC steering wheel control interface is included with the AXDIS-BW112 kit, and that is what will enable the steering wheel controls. There will just be a little setup/key-mappong/programming involved (it's not a big deal).

 

Good morning,

Not sure if this is the right place but it is radio related. I have ongoing SRS issue and me and my mechanic are diagnosing why the SRS module stopped communicating.

We started to think of the OEM radio has a feature that it needs to communicate to the SRS function or if the OEM radio has a sos feature. He said VW radio is a hub for multiple things like SRS and SOS function. Does the R52 have that feature?

 

I dont think the SRS works with the radio. These MINIs are too old and don't have an SOS system.

SRS is for airbag systems. The only thing that would do this is a fault with the seat or the system itself.

On 1/2005+ MINIs the the OC3 system is what throws a SRS light

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...pancy-mat.html

 

Thank you just wanted to rule it out.