Believe that there is a more base model radio standard for MINI's in Europe.

 

There is a more basic radio model. It is described in detail in the TIS. It is non-MP3 playing deck with only two speakers in the door. I think it also does not include the CD player as standard. It is lacking some of the other features as well.

 

Clearly the Alpine upgrade is made to work with our base model stereo. Looking at the install instructions there are replacements for the four stock speakers plus two tweeters. Game on.

 

Anyone find a price in the US for this?

 

It is looking like $670's for the parts. I will know more on Monday.

 

Any idea what the install looks like? PITA or relatively simple? Decent price for the system?

 

According to the PDF on the german mini site (see page one of this thread), it looks pretty straight forward. No wire splicing or interior removal. It also looks like the crossovers fit nicely in the doors.

 

the package should be cheap or even free as the "hi-fi" we paid 500$ for is a joke. it really would be awful if they charge much, no one can say with a strait face that the "hi-fi" was worth 500$ or acceptable.

the "hi-fi" is like a decent standard stereo but when people pay for an upgraded stereo ther should get much more than the "hi-fi" and the bmw people know that. fix it!

 

This is an upgrade for the base system, not for the Hi-Fi, and list on it seems to be >$500.

 

Called ECS today. The salesperson said the BMW parts computer was down and that he would call me later. He didn't. I will try again tomorrow.

 

ah missed that. i thought there was question yet if it could be put on the hi-fi

guess i'm just really bitter about the "hi-fi"

 

Success! ECS can get the unit from Germany for $649.95. I am wondering if we think the A pillars are in part number 65412153318 or if I have to get them seperatly. FYI parts-for-BMW said they don't carry Mini parts of any kind.

 

The listing on RealOEM implies that you need to purchase the A-pillars separately (regular or anthracite depending on the color of your headliner). There is only one part number for the Alpine kit.

 

Looks like that to me as well. Worst case is I end up with two sets of A pillars. I suspect they would go quickly in marketplace.

 

The instructions have been available in German for a while now. I think I recall seeing an adapter for the x9331 that sends signals to the amp and back to the speakers. Thats the only component that I want.

 

So who is gonna try it out and test it!?

 

I think this will be Charlie's holiday present. I am not expecting H/K type quality, just something better than stock.

 

I just placed my order with ECS tuning. Total for all the parts listed on realoem was $752.97. That is the amp, six speakers, wiring harness, both pillars and various screws and covers. I am expecting to see it at the end of Dec to early Jan. I have used these guys back when I had GTI's and they have proven very reliable.

 

Let us know how it goes! Take pictures too!

 

Does anyone here know if anyone has actually upgraded to the new H/K system from the crappy hifi system (like that in a 2009 MCS)?

 

ECS has the parts in stock from Germany. I should see them next week.

 

Good day all,

I am a new member from Europe (Switzerland). I have not find any topic to make a presentation...

I would like to know the specifications of the Kit Alpine Retrofit. I can order this kit from Internet, I have the notice montage but no info regarding the specification... (like sensitivity, frequency range, etc)

If you have it, thank you in advance.

Sorry for my english... I'm French

 

The book that comes with the system may have the specs. I will check for you. That said, it's the only plug and play option that Mini offers. As long as it improves over stock I really don't care what the specs are.

 

Redduc, to be clear, this upgrade is not possible for those who already have the US HiFi system right? I'm trying to find a plug and play solution to upgrade this terrible HiFi system... but as far as I can tell no one has yet attempted this?

 

i think it's possible but would be kinda costly if you're already out the money for the hi-fi.

the hi-fi is a joke...i'll be anxiously awaiting to hear about your solution!