What's with the stock radio on the MCSa??? It sounds like crap. Major static/buzzing with the engine running. My wife's favorite stations are un-bearable to listen to. And if your wife is unhappy, you know what that means...

The stereo in her 12year old Jetta sounds a hundred times better.

Is this a problem with all MINI's?

I've listened to a few and they all sound the same with the exception of one that had the HK/HB sound in it...but then again I only heard it with the ignition off.

Thoughts much appreciated.

G-P

 

I have 2009 Mini Cooper. I have the regular Non HiFi system. I wouldn't say it sounds like crap but it's very uninspiring. It really needs to be upgraded. Last night, my friend came over with a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The stock sound system sounded incredible compared to the Mini.

I do not have any engine buzzing though.

 

It's those crappy paper cone speakers they use!!! I had those ripped out and replace with Boston Acoustic... sounds so much better

 

For me, the stock(non HiFi) system left me wanting more. But the demos I drove before purchase all had the non HiFi and they never had any static or buzzing. I couldn't turn them up very loud without getting some distortion.

To me your description sounds more like an electrical interferrence, and not just a dislike of the base system. I'd go back to your dealer and check out some cars on the lot(if you haven't done so already) to compare.

 

Have never heard Buzzing and Static sound from either the base system or the HiFi system. SOund like there is something wrong with the car. I would have the dealer look at it.

Now with that said the quality is rather poor compared to ALL other brands of cars. But that is also rather easy to fix. Here are some suggestions.

1. Do the Front/Rear Channel swap as proposed in this thread. It makes a big difference in the bass sound quality and does not overdrive small speakers with bass freq they can not handle.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ust-do-it.html

2. Next replace the speakers with some quality speakers.

You now have the system that should have gone in as a minimum.

From there research what others have done here on the forums and make it sound really good.

 

The standard non hi-fi system is not impressive by any means (and I thought the standard system in my girlfriends 08' Outback was crappy jeez) As far as the static goes I have never heard it in my 09' and I cranked it when I first got it. So I agree you should have the dealer investigate. Then at the very least do the aforementioned.