I've had my R56 for about 4 months now and love it. I had a Phatbox in my previous ride ('00 Audi S4) and find that I miss it quite a bit. I know that a lot of people are just moving to iPods, but I would like to install this in my Mini, since all it is doing now is collecting dust. Plus, it would be a cool little project without spending lots of cash.

I've been searching for anyone that has done this, and haven't found any information. I am hoping that someone here has done this.
What I have is the "Hi Fi" sound system. Is this unit a Kenwood in disguise? There seems to be some aftermarket cables that will adapt a Kenwood head unit to a Phatbox.
Does the Hi Fi system without the Convenience option come with the CD changer prewiring? If so, where is this located? I know that the CD changer is supposed to be located in the glove box, but where do they hide this cable for people who didn't buy the changer?

Thanks!

 

All reports indicate that the headunit in the Gen 2 MINI is an Alpine. The rear-mounted amp in the HiFI system is built, I believe, by Harmon-Becker.

 

Great idea.

Head unit is made by Alpine by everything we have been able to find.

True but i know of none for an Apline. Plus as this is an OEM Alpine even if there was it probably would not work.

IF the wiring is there it should be behind the secret compartment, but i doubt that the cabling is there. It is a plug into the back of the radio from the CD changer. If you have an Aux port on your car then you could easily use that.