Preamble
I decided to install this system in my car because I just couldn't stand the MINI's stock system. It was a lot of work, but it definitely was worth it. I would recommend anyone to do this if they have the time, money and patience because it's a great learning experience!

I am basing my writing on what I did to my car and the parts that I used in it. I would ask that all questions stay related to the topic and not stray off into random tangents such as "What parts do you recommend?" or "Is it hard to do...?" I'll be glad to answer questions, but please don't litter the thread.

For future reference, this is my second audio install. I am a Junior Electrical Engineering major and have had many years of experience soldering and dealing with electrical circuits as well as basic woodworking, general purpose wiring, etc.

Requirements/Materials
When planning the system (yes, you should plan what you're doing) I decided to keep the budget around $600.00 and also wanted to not go cheap on any of the parts. I chose excellent quality speakers and a top-of-the-line signal converter to top everything off. Expensive cables were used for the audio and the proper gauge cable, fuses, etc. were used for the power. Here is a rundown of EVERYTHING that I used for this system:

• American Bass SQ480 4x150 Watt Amplifier (Already had it, but cost $200.00)
• Rockford Fosgate 3sixty.1 Signal Processor ($200.00 on eBay)
• Focal 165 A1 Access Speakers ($210.00 on eBay)
• Focal 690 CA1 6x9 Speakers ($180.00 on eBay)
• 16 Feet of 4 Gauge Wire ($20.00)
• 1x50 Foot Roll of Oxygen Free Speaker Wire ($12.00)
• 2 Channel JL RCA Cable($40.00)
• Fuse tap and fuses ($12.00)
• Random wire, heat shrink tubing, grinding wheel, electrical tape, zip ties, wood, spray paint, etc.

Total: $874.00
But since I already owned some things, Total: $602.00, Not bad!

Now I'm missing one more thing, TIME! It took me a grand total of 4 days working an average of 6 hours per day on the system. I always had at least one person to help me out and I would have to stop and research certain things on the forums, so you might want to get a laptop or something in the garage when you're working on your car.

Installation
When MINI designed the Cooper, they must have never thought anyone would want to take it apart but... well, let's just say that it's harder to take it apart rather than put it back together.

I won't be detailing how to remove everything, just the positioning, mounting, cable routing, etc. If you need help on disassembling everything, I'll be linking the posts I used to get through this project.




In these pictures you can see the general outline for the cable routing. You should probably decide where you're going to mount your amp and what you're going to do about the speakers and signal processor. I decided to mount the amp under the passenger seat and mount the signal processor under the stock stereo because it was most convenient. You may have to change your mounting position depending on your install.

Step 1:
Remove the Speedo (speedometer/head unit).
Sounds easy, right? Well, think again... Refer to this link in order to figure out how to remove everything. I recommend a word document attached on page 2 which has all the pictures and such that you'll need for the removal process.

Some tips:

1. Don't be afraid to pull on things. A lot of MINI's clips are made to hold on tight. I learned this the hard way. It's VERY difficult to break something.
2. Follow the pictures in order! And don't lose any screws!!
3. Get the right tools for the job! You'll need a T20, T30, T35, T40 bit as well as a bit to ratchet adapter to get this done. It will make your life a LOT easier.
4. Feel free to use a flat head screwdriver covered in a thin coat of electrical tape. It works great! The tape keeps you from scuffing up the plastic when you pry up on it.

Once you're done with that, remove the speedo and set it aside.It's time to work on the passenger seat...

Step 2:
Remove the passenger seat! That's right! Pull it out, unscrew it and disconnect it! Don't break the connector though... Set it aside.

Step 3:
Remove the side trim. This is the trim which runs next to the passenger door and is right next to the seat.

Some tips:

1. Feel free to use the screwdriver/electrical tape here. It works wonders!!
2. Put your arm into it! You won't break anything!!
3. Remove the bottom part of the rubber seal which goes around the door. It makes the prying easier.

Now you have access to the bottom side of the carpet. Notice how MINI ran their wiring along the door jam. We'll be running our stuff through there. Also, notice those 2 bolts coming out of the side of the car (one of them should have a bunch of brown wires connected to it). This is a grounding point. USE IT!

Step 4:

THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS!! I'LL ADD PICTURES AND STUFF LATER ON TONIGHT!! STAY TUNED!!

 

Space Reserved

 

I'm reserving space!!