ask the shop if they're up to the 'challenge'. I had a customer many moons ago with an NSX. He wanted a system. OEM Bose with 2ohm speakers and a shadowboxed CD/AM/FM unit. I told him I wouldn't touch it unless we did it right. He asked how much. I told him. He choked. And then paid me. And he loved it. We had to cut and mold the dash, move the ECU, pass power wire through three firewalls, but it was done right.

 

I don't have an attitude on the whole. I felt and still feel, rather, you said things in ref : my screen name, and one or other two instances, that were not fit for this topic.

In the lengthy reply you provided, and reference in your above quote, come across as condescending and smart-alecky. As I couldn't go through the forum, use the search feature, and see you had already provided your choice of speakers, what you did, and the picture of the 2 6x9s (I think) in your backseat next to a kleenex holder.

Look. No good will come of us continuing to discuss this matter. Quite a few of you are poised against me, and nothing I say will redeem myself. So why, don't we go our separate ways? No one needs a moderator warning, or to be banned, cause honestly it's not worth the time fighting about.

I wasn't clear in what I wanted from any of the other users here when I created this topic. Since then, it has gone up and down. Like the heart rate of a dying patient in my mom's hospital, that there's no point trying to fix.

 

because if they screw up something or break it, I'm SOL. That's why.

Which is why I'm trying to nail as much research to my little wall as possible before going to have this done. And provide people who "may or may not" know what they're doing with instructions after instructions, and research after research.

 

why is that? a good shop stands behind their work, even if it's the first time they've touched that model. they should have insurance. if not, find another shop.

I did put some 1.5" screws through the dash of a brand new Ferrari 456GTA to mount a cellphone cradle. After the owner signed a waiver.

some advice - check out www.jlaudio.com and find a shop in your area on their dealer locater. JL only deals with quality shops for the most part, so its a good place to look.

 

sounds like I should have my car brought to you, and pay you to do this stereo replace ment. lol.

I thought it would be pretentious if I asked a shop, you have insurance ? right? lol.

 

Here is my suggestion. Mikeythemini of newministuff in the UK has extensive experience with MINI audio for both R53 and R56. He has done many upgrade installations for the R56 base and HiFi systems, and is well regarded by UK owners on the MINI2 forum. He sells a plug-and-play upgrade kit for the R56 base stereo system. You could ask Mikey if he could put together a package for a HiFi upgrade, and have a local shop do the installation.

 

Ah thank you. I shall call him on Monday and see what he's got. I see the following on his website:

This is a complete package, including all the cables required. It features a 500 watt 4 way amplifier, 3 way 350 watt Kenwood rear speakers, 300 watt 2 way Clarion component front speakers with crossovers, sound deadening & cables. It is designed to work with the factory Boost system & features larger than standard front speakers without cutting the door panels. We have 2 versions available. with tweeters to fit in the standard door positions or with Mini hifi A pillars with our tweeters in them

Well That's close to what I would want. But I want separate tweeters in the a pillars , sep mid range, and sep bass speaker in the door. Wonder if he can come up with some speakers like that. I'd fly over to the UK to talk to him if he needed.

 

They probably asked that so they could possibly recommend a shop nearby to help you. Because the car is new (and complicated) there just isn't a prepackaged dropin speaker kit for an upgrade like there is for older cars. People on this forum have, however, upgraded various speakers in the car, added subs, amps, stuff like that. I'd guess that for 1-2k you can upgrade some components at a professional shop and make it sound better. But it's not as simple as buying a drop-in kit unfortunately. Personally I think my HiFi system sounds fine using my iPod or CDs. I had 2 cars with Infinity factory system upgrades and my Mini sounds better. I'm not an audiophile by any means.
I'd guess that if you went to a local stereo shop and they looked at your car and backed off they may not be experienced enough to tackle it (so stay away). Sorry if this isn't what you want to hear, but it's all I have to offer.

 

Except for Mikeythemini, which is why I suggested him. His kit also includes an amp and cables that simply plug in with no splicing required. I think many are interested to purchase a tried and true drop-in kit and be done with it, and a similar kit if offered by a US vendor should sell well.

 

um, there's a guy in Florida that does some WICKED sweet custom stereo work.
Now, if I could just remember his name...

anyone know?? -- it's totally slipping my mind here

 

Is this based on running the the coax rears on the "RAF"
from front crossovers and bridging the amp's rear channels to run the sub? I believe I saw this type of system recently in a thread, but they also had to build a custom sub box. I was looking at some sub boxes and am figuring another $200 to $300 is needed, then more $ for dynamat.

I just ordered my MINI on Saturday with HiFi, and I have been quandering whether to get the HiFi or try to build my own. I did end up getting the HiFi because I thought building a system would be about a grand in parts alone. My thoughts are now to run the HiFi with a powered sub if I feel more bass is in order. Am I thinking right, or should I call my MA and cancel the HiFi while I still have time? Constructive comments are much appreciated.

 

If you were ordering a MINI, what would you do? HiFi or no HiFi?

EDIT: I forgot to add that if I were to ditch HiFi and go with a Diamond system like above, I would want to ditch DSC too so I can mount that amp under the passenger seat (where DSC would be).

Also my thoughts of a "powered sub" addition to HiFi would be to make the powered sub easily removable by means of using quick connection connectors. That way I can utilize full cargo space if need be.

 

Where in FLA are you. I have a friend that does Pro Car/Boat Audio in the Tampa area. I'd imagine he's out of your price range since he only does very high end work for stupidly rich folk on Tierra Verde in Tampa Bay but at least he can give the name of some reputable shops. People in the biz do network.

 

I hope to be ordering a MCS in April and plan on going with the standard HiFi, saving the 500 bucks for my upgrade, ie the Diamond stuff. I am also passing on the DSC, I have been driving for 20 years without so I should be ok. When it is wet out, just go slower (JMO). If you do go with the DSC I believe there are other places to hide the amp.

Mark

 

I've found who will do it. The only shop who's done a MINI R56, but with the base stock audio system.

But because I have nav, guy that's doing it is worried about that, in conjunction with the HIFI, and if we can completely remove the amp.

 

I'd caution against removing the OEM HiFi amp. Apparently it's tied in with the software of the MINI and multiple other components. Your best bet would be to leave it and add another amp in the boot or some other place.

 

Is there documentation of this? I don't doubt you, knowing how MINI/BMW is , lol... but I'd like to know what other components they are running through this "amp"

 

This is where the problem was discussed: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=119405

In summary, there are numerous components connected to the fiber optic bus, and the HiFi amp is one of them. When the dealer updates software, the service computer first compares the expected configuration based on the VIN with the actual components detected on the car. If there is a mismatch, it refuses to proceed with the software update, even though the dealer may be trying to fix something completely unrelated. If I were to guess why, it is that the software is not modular and ALL of the software is updated even when only a single component needs service. If you remove the HiFi amp, make sure that you can reconnect it for taking the car in for service.

 

This is what scares me too about getting the HiFi. I mean is it really such a big POS or what? It seemed to sound fine in the parking lot (didn't try it driving) and it does lack big bass punch, but so do most oem systems. I would probably want to at least add a powered sub in the future. If the HiFi ended up being so horrible I am thinking I am better without it.

 

There is no fiber optic connection to the amplifier, its straight can bus, has normal wires going into it, and a lot of them. you should be fine running without one. Navi has its own CD changed and brain in the dash. This car is really modular, I ran without hifi for quite some time with no issues.

 

Personally I'd still spring for the HiFi. It may not sound great, but IMO the base system sounds legitimately bad. Also the HiFi system allows much easier mods since it has the extra front tweeters already built in.

Especially if it sounded good to you, go for it. Some love it, some hate it, and some (like me) are in the middle.

The issue in question is not if the car runs fine without the amp installed, it's what happens when you bring it in for service. Feel free to disconnect the amp as long as you're willing to put it back in before bringing your MINI in. If not you risk a world of frustration.

 

We shall see Not doubting you, you could very well be right...