I bought one of these yesterday.

Ive done my fair share of looking around for installs on it and how to install on r53s. I've found a lot with the new mcs's but i cant find any with first gen.

I dont have much knowledge of audio install so my question to you is, what do i need to complete this install, and would it be better for me to just go to a shop and get it done.

Thanks

Matt

 

This explanation assumes you do not have the Harman Kardon system in your MINI.

Everything is pretty much done for you on that system. Just figure out where you want it and then run wire to it.

AUDIO SIGNAL
It looks like it accepts RCA's, which the stock head unit does not have. So you will either have to buy a new head unit, or find some kind of conversion kit. I've never done an install without a new head unit, so you'll have to ask a shop if such a kit exists.

POWER TO AMPLIFIER
You will need to run power (+) from your battery to the amp and then a ground wire from a ground point on your car to the amp.

REMOTE TURN ON
Last you will need a remote turn on so the amp only comes on when you turn the key. This wire runs from a 12V source in the car to the REM slot on the amp. I ran mine from the 12V source (cigarette lighter below the switch cluster between the cup holders).

I hope this helps. When in doubt ask a shop for advice, and then figure out whether you think you can do it yourself. A setup like this will probably be cheap for a shop to do though.

Good luck.

 

let's assume you do have a HK, then how do you add?

 

If you do have an HK, then hopefully someone else will chime in. I did not, and have never had to deal with it, but I think it's a mess at that point. Sorry

 

Ok, well I have to tear into my HK pretty soon too.

from reading pages upon pages upon pages of info, eeerrr...well questions about installing the system here on the forum I've gathered a few things.

Most of the threads on adding a sub to an HK system are dated 2004ish, so I'm sure someone has bound to figure it out.

Ok, so to get the RCA input you're gonna need a line out converter, these are around $20 anywhere you look. From there you tap into the signal at the HK amp. I THINK you do this on the output side of the HK amp for the rear subwoofers on the 6x9's. If you tap into it BEFORE the amp, or on the input side you're gonna have no control over your subs volume, meaning it will be at max volume all the time.