Hi everyone!

I'm a bit new to the forums so please forgive me if i'm missing something or this is in the wrong section.

I'm looking for someone who knows a good deal about the Stalk Radio System. I own a 2002 Mini cooper that has recently developed a problem with the radio. Besides the occasional skipping when it plays a cd through the head unit. Its now for some reason started to get a very strange problem when i have the radio cranked up a lot, the sound get EXTREMELY distored. It almost sounds if the head unit isn't get enough power. but here is my Diagnostic and the different things i've tested so far:

-The problem only Acures when i'm driving the vehicle and have the radio volume turn Way Way up.
-windows up makes the distorion go down A LOT, but does not get rid of it
-windows open just a crack, distors the sound as badly as if the windows are all the way down.
-Playing off the radio, front CD player, or rear CD changer makes no difference.
-With the bass off there is more distortion.
-with the trebble off there is less distortion.
-with the sound just in the back there is almost no distortion
-With the sound just in the front there is a lot of distoration
- left vs. right makes no difference.

So has anyone had this problem before? Or know what is going on? I can't tell if the problem is just the radio unit itself, or if i've blown the speaks (both are the original factory install). Help Help help!!

I Also have an upgraded system were you control the radio from the steering wheele so if it turns out that the radio needs to be replace how do i make sure the new radio will work with the steering wheele controls?

Thanks everyone
-Liam.

 

Hi Liam,
What type is your "stock" unit exactly, and what year/model mini?

 

2002 mini cooper. I believe its an r50 model vehicle. Stock as in the regular radio that comes in the car from the factory, it does not have the Harman Kardon Audio system and does not have Navigation