Hey all,

I am new to the Mini World, just purchased a 2003 Chili Red Cooper S yesterday with every package (Sport, Premium, Cold Weather, etc) except for the Harman Kardon Stereo. I am coming from a Land Rover which had the H/K stereo, and while I am already falling in love with the car, music is a big part of my life so sound quality in the car is very important. I am curious as to if number one, how hard the install would be to do myself (pretty good with mechanics and electronics), also where I could purchase the speakers/amp.

From what I have seen the amp for the H/K stereo is in the compartment in the back beside the rear/right wheel well...when opening that compartment there is no amp visible for the stock stereo?

Thanks for any help you could provide!!

So excited to finally be a part of the Mini community - already starting to make excuses just to get in the car and take it for a drive.

- Bryan

 

It is fairly difficult. Here is a thread about an actual H/K retrofit: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-complete.html

My own approach would be to install aftermarket amp and speakers.

 

Correct, there is no amp for the stock stereo.
The HK install is tough because it reroutes all the speaker wires through the amp in the back, thus requiring a new wiring harness.

Welcome to NAM!

 

I appreciate the quick responses guys, once I saw that there was no amp for the stock system I figured that it was going to be a little harder than plug and play after the removal of a few parts. After driving around with it for a few days, the stock system isn't all that bad if you get the Treb/Bass settings right. Just add a custom system on the wanted mod list!! I am learning that it is tough to keep these cars stock!

 

The R50 amp just went out in my 2004 MCS. I got an R52 on eBay, but I can't get the old one out. Do you have to remove the whole back seat? I got the access panel off and removed one bolt and the two screws but the last bolt is behind the plastic and it seems that I can't get it off just through the service panel. Can anyone help me?

 

Supposedly you can get a screwdriver on the last screw through the hole where the boot light is. Just pry the light out.

 

+1

^and that's not a normal +1. Consider it the biggest plus one anyone has ever given to a mod. I admit I have never heard the H/K system, but after installing a new stereo in two of my personal vehicles, and three systems in friends vehicles, I can tell you the H/K system is a mild upgrade. How can I say that without ever hearing it? Just look at that weenie H/K amp. Do what you want, but I think if you are going to install a stereo anyway, the H/K is a waste of time and money when you could save just a bit more and REALLY improve everything.

 

I got to that one, but according to the OEM diagram there's another bolt on the bottom left corner of the amp, behind the plastic and firewall. I didn't take that screw behind the light all the way out because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get it back in. I'll take it out and see if the amp doesn't come out anyway. Thanks!