All righty - installed an Alpine IDA-X001 in my MC05 and have a question.

One thing I really liked about the factory stereo was that if the radio was on while the car was on (but not running) it would stay on while I turned the key further and started the car.

Now, when I turn the car on, wait for the radio to come on and then start the car - the radio turns off while the car starts and then comes on once it is started.

I can't imagine this is a result of being a factory vs aftermarket radio - I'm guessing it's in how I hooked it up. Should I have not connected the ignition wire on the wiring harness? Or alter any other wiring? I would be really interested in hearing if anyone else has an aftermarket stereo that stays on while the car is being started.

Thanks!

 

Did you mean that the stereo briefly loses power while the starter is cranking? This happened on the stock stereo of every car I've owned, except for MINI. I wouldn't be surprised if it was in fact a feature of the factory headunit, but let's hear from an aftermarket stereo owner.

Is Alpine IDA-X001 the new iPod unit? What are your impressions?

 

Yep - exactly. The unit briefly loses power while cranking. If possible, I would like the stereo to not lose power while cranking just like the factory stereo did. Hopefully someone has been able to duplicate this with an aftermarket stereo. Anyone?

Yep - it's the new iPod unit. I like it - fantastic big display. Very nice navigation. Switching it to the red color scheme works nice with the Cooper's orange interior lighting. I wasn't sure if I was going to like the fact that the dial didn't rotate but worked like a jog shuttle - after using it for a little while I've found I like it this way. One minor gripe - I'm not sure the head unit recognizes the "skip when shuffling" tag on tracks that I set in iTunes.

 

I have an Alpine iDa-X001 I will be installing in ,my 03 MCS----I have HK and Nav, any chance you could provide some guidance?

Thanks!!

 

Wow, there are issues with installing an aftermarket head unit with either HK or Nav, and you have both...

The factory head unit sends proprietary digital signals to the HK amplifier. To use an aftermarket head unit, you'll need an HK Enabler to send those digital signals, sold by NewMINIStuff.com in the UK.

It looks like you'll lose your Nav voice. NewMINIStuff.com sells this adapter to put the Nav voice on aftermarket stereos, but the webpage says it can't be combined with the HK Enabler.

And wait, you're not done... If you have a Multi-Function Steering Wheel, you may need an adapter to continue using the steering wheel buttons. Some head units have built-in support for the controls. Otherwise look at the interface kits at NewMINIStuff.com

 

I really appreciate the reply--I suspected I was in for some heavy duty "adaptering". I will be checking the site you recommended. Perhaps the iDA would look nice on the dash instead