Navigation & Audio New 2010 JCW - Audio Upgrade Options?

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Nov 7, 2009 | 06:49 AM

jamesfhouchens

Thread Starter

1st Gear

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 15

Likes: 0

From: VA

New 2010 JCW - Audio Upgrade Options?

Will pick up my 2010 JCW this coming week. I didn't order it but picked it from priority 5 (according to Krut) off the port to take advantage of current financing, so it wasn't equipped exactly as I would have preferred.

It has Bluetooth with the standard audio. Has anyone upgraded from the standard? Is the JCW any different than standard audio on any of the MC?

Does Bluetooth complicate matters on an upgrade or are they completely different / independent?

Any experiences or shops in the Metro DC area, please share!

Tints and audio are probably the first things I'll tackle.

Thanks!
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2010 JCW HB/HB, cold, premium, xenon, bluetooth

Nov 7, 2009 | 07:10 AM

miniSQ

4th Gear

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 381

Likes: 1

Lots of info here on upgrading the 2nd gen minis....but i have not seen much specific to the 2010...maybe you can be the first

I think the first 2 things to determine would be whether or not the HU is replaceable...my guess is that it is not. The next thing to confirm is do you have the same molex plug in same location as all the other r56's. (driver side behind the bonnet release...the panel opens very easily)

Nov 7, 2009 | 10:48 AM

Robin Casady

6th Gear

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 7,578

Likes: 5

From: Paradise

Bluetooth shouldn't affect audio mods.

I doubt much has changed with the standard audio. I very much doubt that changing the head unit is an option.

Talk to your dealer about the possibility (and cost) of upgrading to the Harmon/Kardon upgrade. There was an article on MotoringFile.com saying that an H/K upgrade might become available. It might only work with HIFI equipped cars because of the wiring.

For after-market, some people just swap out the speakers. Others add an amp and speakers. My preference would be to go with an amp and speakers. My MCS came with the HIFI amp, and I started just swapping speakers. Wasn't happy with that and am in the process of adding an amp and better speakers.

If you don't add an amp, and the 2010 standard audio still has the bass cutoff on the rear speakers, the front-to-rear channel swap at the X9331 connector will be of some help. The other option is to add a sub. You can go with a self-powered unit like the Boss Bass600 for $120, or spend more $$ on amps and custom enclosures.