Was the install hard? Was taking the radio out hard? And I have read that some people regret buying/installing it. Can someone do a step-by-step install of a parrot ck3100. And I read from some reviews thats its gonna be easier if I were to buy the plug in play connector?

 

I have the CK 3100 Evo kit from Parrot (as well as the adapter harness from Mikey the Mini in the UK). I have a friend who is a genius at car audio, and he had my entire dash apart in 10 minutes. After that, the install was a cinch.

 

Yes, it is easier if you have the plug/play harness. I installed a Parrot 3000 EVO, the 3100 install is about the same. I also installed a Multicom interface, so the blue-tooth runs from the MFSW buttons (both the 3000EVO and the 3100 will work with the steering wheel buttons). Since I had the dash apart, I put in an iPOD adapter also, a Gateway-100, but if you want a USB connection also, go for the Gateway-300.

I bought everything I needed from Mikey at http://www.newministuff.com/ He will sell you the kit with the correct harness, the multicom/multican interface, everything you need for your MINI.

Also, before installation, I combined the Parrot and the Gateway harnesses into one. I put the iPOD in the glovebox.
Finally, I enabled text display on the HK radio display for the iPOD - even though the manuals say it can't be done - it can.

Here is how to get the radio out: http://www.minicarparts.net/TechTips...structions.cfm
On newer MINIs you can skip steps A,B,BB, because the downtubes drop down.

http://www.newministuff.com/ has a DIY section with good pictures how to install the Parrot.

Good luck with your install.

 

Unfortunately for me, these instructions are for the 1st Generation MINI. Does anyone know where I can find similar instructions for the removal of the radio in the 2nd Gen MINIs?

 

I guess the 2gen folks have not done this yet. Perhaps this will help.

newministuff.com provides a 3 page color install guide with their kits, but Mike explains, on this link, it is a "several hours" job on a 2gen MINI:
http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...uctshow&id=398
Why don't you ask him to email the guide to you, so you can determine if you want to tackle the job ... but promise not to distribute the guide, it's part of his value added, and buy from him if he agrees. He is great to work with, a real expert on this stuff. His email is:
mike@newministuff.co.uk

Parrot has other kits that are plug n play, not integrated with the radio, you don't need to disassemble anything. Here is the link:
www.parrot.com/usa

If there is anything else I can do to help you don't hesitate ....