Hello, I plan to order a 2011 Cooper S, and I can not decide whether to add the Hi-Fi system or install a system alone.

The dealer has a vehicle from 2009 or 2010 I'm not sure, with the Hi-Fi system that I can go to hear the Hi-Fi System on it.

I wanted to know before I go to hear the Hi-Fi system and check if it is good for me, Is there a difference between the system on the Cooper S 2009\2010 to the system in the new 2011 Cooper S ?

Thanks for the help!

 

The original 2007 "Hi-Fi" upgrade was replaced in late 2009 by the superior Harman Kardon system. The Harman Kardon system will remain the same for 2011. The original Hi-Fi was replaced because it received bad reviews and many buyers were disappointed. When you go to listen, you can identify a Harman Kardon system by the labels on the speaker grills.

 

Thanks for the quick answer!

I will chack the labels on the grills.

So why thay still call the system Hi-Fi, if it's Harman Kaedon system?

And how is the new Harman Kardon system? is it worth the money?

 

MINI has not completely dropped the term "Hi-Fi". They still sometimes use it as a generic term to mean the upgrade option from the base system.

The Harman Kardon is a significant upgrade over the base system. Personally I think it is fairly good value. If you pay a shop to upgrade the base system, the same amount of money won't go far because of labor cost. However, if you're able to do all the work yourself, you should be able to create a better system using the same amount of money.

 

Does anyone have the specs on what is in the HK system. I see there are 4 more speakers, but is there a new amp? New head unit? I assume the speakers themselves are better, but I gotta believe there is something more than better speakers for $750.

Thanks!

 

Go here:

http://www.mini.harmankardon.com/en/index.aspx

480w 10 speaker system

 

Thanks chronoguy! I'll check it out.

 

Thanks for the info, I'll go the next few days to hear the system in a car that the dealer told me about, with the Harman Kaedon system.

Hope not to be disappointed.

 

I don't think there is an amp at all with the standard audio.
The HK upgrade adds an amp, better speakers, and separate tweeters in the front A-pilars and at the rear 6x9s.

 

Exaclty, the head unit powers the speakers in the standard (non HIFI/HK) option.

The same head unit is used for both factory systems.