I honestly tried searching for the answer but can't seem to find if its been asked before.

On a 2008 Cooper S convertible, base stereo, no Hk/nav, can I change to an aftermarket head unit without losing the display screens in the speedo and tach?

 

There is no problem with using aftermarket head units on 1st gen cars without HK.

You may lose button control from the steering wheel, but there are adapters available and some head units even support it directly.

 

No buttons on the steering wheel to start with. Many thanks.

 

There was one side effect. The clock in the speedo no longer functions. Any thoughts or is it gone forever?

 

I'm surprised that the stereo could affect the clock, unless it is putting out spurious signals on the bus. See if the clock comes back if you disconnect the head unit.

 

The clock? Did you try setting it after you pulled the battery? There are few wiring faults that can single out the clock for unwanted behavior. dash lights? Sure! Indicators and speedo? Absolutely? But just the clock? Nope.

 

Oh dear. Can we just forget I said anything?

 

Lol