Hello everyone!

I am completely new to the MINI, and have purchased my first new (to me) MCS. Grey black stripe hatchback! It is a 2005 and is stock as far as I can tell. It is time that my own search across google, the forums, and youtube videos that I come to join and ask everyone here at NAM for some greatly needed assistance as the 12-Track CD that is currently playing has become unbearable and I can no longer listen to the memorized songs that are on it.

After much research and reading, I have seen the Parrot kits, the Bluetooth retro fit kits at ECS. etc.

Before I continue with what I found, you may be able to stop listening to my rambling about what I found with what I did NOT find!

I am looking for a bluetooth kit, that:

Works with the MFSW.
Plays AUDIO through bluetooth, and Mutes and Answers phonecalls when one comes through.

By the way, it does have the HK system!

It would be nice if it could use the factory microphone (if there is one in there, if not I can retrofit one that it comes with (in said kit if there were to be one found)

I have found this one, and I am not looking to tear apart the whole dash as bradnic did, which is a very detailed and great DIY retrofit. I love it although I do not have the time nor patience to take apart the entire dash on this car. I am looking for more of a Plug-N-Play through the back of the radio, wiring the bluetooth adapter, maybe if it has a USB or AUX connector that is part of the system as one on New Mini Stuff has. Also on auto toys. I know a lot of them will use the MFSW and answer Phonecalls. However, I am afraid that none state they will play audio as well through bluetooth audio streaming! I am sure this question was asked, but again it is not clear to me through the forum and other threads, so if someone could point me to a system I can purchase or a thread I can read, it would be greatly appreciated.

I have an iPhone 5. I am not the best but can handle electrical wiring and radio wiring in a vehicle, I used to do some installs for friends and have connected kits and radios in mainly american cars, however I have played with a few BMWs and a Mercedes CL that we added a rear view camera, full nav, and iphone cable, with voice command etc.

If I am missing something, please let me know and I will provide information!

Thank you in advance!

Let the modding begin!

 

I have a 2005 MCS for two months now, love it and going to keep it long term, did a few subtle mods, led lights etc, stubby antenna, new centre caps, easy stuff off ebay.

Cassette tape deck and cd changer in boot which would only play two cds was wrecking my head so having decided to change the headunit for bluetooth and ipod integration I stumbled accross a Parrot Asteroid Classic, long story longer once installed the bluetooth clarity is savage and the ipod integration is brilliant.

I got a display model for €150 so well worth the punt and very easy to install with plug and play loom.

Looks well fitted to dash too, next step is to fit UNIKA kit to enable MFSW.

http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/...ps438a029c.jpg

http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/...psb7aae9a5.jpg

http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7d2e3f32.jpg

 

Thanks for that! That might be my second option if I can not use the stock headunit. I always like the stock look, however, that option is quite good. It does look a little big for the location in comparison. I would probably be more entitled if the steering wheel controls work and the phone button, etc. So let me know how that is with it! It is a mid-range pricey option, but I like the fact I can move it to another car if I want later.

Does it connect to your phone when you get in and start the car? How is the microphone? Does it use the stock microphone? Can anyone tell you're in the car or does it echo on the other persons end?


I would like for the unit to connect to it when I get in but its not required.

It says for Android, though it says for iPhone, do you have an iPhone? How does it work with the apps and navigation?

Cheers.

 

Oh and also, I enjoy how the stock radio lowers the volume when you start the car. There are so many things I enjoy about the stock system.
To reiterate what I WOULD like. (If possible to serve all the nitpick items one desires(

Bluetooth Phone/Audio
Uses stock microphone (Or a new one that does not look like an animal is climbing out of my headliner)
Uses MFSW! (All of them?)
Answer/Hangup via MFSW buttons
Connects when I get in the car without having to do anything.



FYI. I have been looking at the GROM, but the one thing pushing me away is how to switch from modes, I have to press the forward button and it has to tell me ipod, cd, or AUX etc?

The Parrot Asteroid Classic is appealing, but a few reviews have me weary. I also do not know how the parrot, the GROM, or anything else will connect plug-n-play with the HK system.

 

It's ironically better suited to ipods and iphones I think.

I've a 160gb ipod classic connected with all my playlists and artowrk coing thru perfectly so it's 100% there

Most importantly is the bleutooth clarity, best I've ever used, I've read that this down to dual micro phone(one for speech and one for noise cancellation)

iphone 5 connects via bluetooth straight away and recent calls and contacts are all there.

I've read that the speech recognition is great but I haven't tested it properly yet.

the MFSW control is the last must have for me so I've ordered the UNIKA interface and leads that when installed will restore the volume and track controls, I 'm even thinking of installing the OEM buttons for answering phone calls!

All in all I'm thrilled with it. it's had the odd little app crash but very easy to deal with an I'm still on firmware 1.6, 2.0.1 is out now and is more stable.

One final observation is how of all the head units I looked at it has the best OEM look and feel to it.

Paul

 

One last thing, I had the microphone in the stock position out of site but I think it moved slightly and the call quality dropped so I was able to mount it outside and it looks fine although I saw somewhere that a 2006 MCS GP owner fitted the dual mic into the OEM position no problem so I will get this done.

 

Stop!!!
If you have the HK system the amp setup/wiring it uses is nonstandard....
Replacing the head unit and getting the amp to work is a pain...possible...with an adaptor... But a pain...

 

Just to point out....changing either the tape/CD with an aftermatket unit is doable... But the HK unit uses line level inputs to the amp...
Newmini stuff in the UK sells an enabler that (usually) lets an aftermarket radio work...
Then you would need the adaptors to interface the steering wheel controls... AND the anteans ( it is powered, so just loping off the end results in almost zero reception....you need a powered anteana adaptor that injects power up the cable (like the radio) to power the antenna amp....
Done wrong....it is a big mess...

 

Paul,

Do you have the HK system?

I know the volume and track controls should work. What about the R/T and Phone button?

 

Zippy,

Thanks for the information. I know some people have replaced the stereo.
I know I will need the UNIKA, and also a Mini Adaptor

http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...uctshow&id=116

Is that the one I would need? Do they sell it somewhere on amazon or ebay where I can get it in the US a little easier? Do I need the ISO connector? What else should I need with it? What antennas etcs? I actually got a deal on the Parrot, but I emailed Mike at NewMiniStuff regarding the parrot evo kit so I have options. I don't want to do this wrong nor do I want to install half of it and realize I need something else so I hope i can order everything at once. Thanks

 

The site says they sell ISO connectors if you need them (us cars)...so guessing you do.....
Mikey at new mini stuff has a great reputation....just hope the hk enabler is "in stock" without a long wait.
There have been several kits that plug into the back of the radio... Gives you Bluetooth...you need to determine if getting the new head is worth the extra adaptors for the steering wheel controls...and the extra $$...and remember to get the anteana adaptor...it is a nonstandard plug for a reason...it is fed power......
Usually to do it right, most folks have had a pro do the install...
Many installs have been written over the years....many not really working...usually near zero radio reception....or other issues. As long as you get the parts to interface with the HK, and YOU DO NOT CUT THE CAR SIDE WIRING... Think you will do fine...not sure on where to get stuff...might take a couple tries to get all the right plugs at the same time...hate yo say it...radios are getting so integrated... This is likely the last mini a swap is even remotely possible for all but the hardcore folks....

 

Didnt think to change the stereo would be near this difficult, Im well with radios, just didnt know I couldnt buy a radio, an adaptor, and a couple plugs to make it plug-n-play. The only reason I was going towards another headunit because the current one I have the buttons are a little stuck and not easy to press sometimes (probably due to some liquid from the cupholder) and that I can move the headunit to another car if I would like. I thought I calculated it to be about the same.. While you wrote that I was doing some research and found a Boss radio

http://www.techronics.com/caraudio_1...FU6Y4AodwioAPg

The rear camera options is the only thing I like more, though I dont like the way the front looks.

 

I have to say the hardest part of changing radios was getting the electric mirror switch up without scuffing up the plastic.

Once I had that out the rest was easy and the radio just plugged in the harness adaptor and worked straight away.

I don't have HK unfortunately and had planned to fit Alpine speakers with a sony head unit but the sound with standard speakers and Parrot Classic head unit is more the adequate for me at the moment

some beats from summer

https://soundcloud.com/killingpaolo/regression-vol-vi

 

I know I might sound like I'm working for Parrot but I thought it's worth mentioning that I tried the push to talk to dial some numbers today, the first one was my wife's which is a catalan name and it worked straight away!

Then a colleague and the then my Dad, all worked beautifully and where there are two numbers it asks "cellular or work?" delighted

 

The sticky buttons can be cleaned/unstuck pretty easy...
Get some plastic safe contact cleaner....a q-tip, and a tiny bit of water....
You can dribble a drop of water behind the button (Power off...work it loose...then use the tube on the plastic safe contact cleaner to spray out the gunk)....
Have done it a couple times....worked for me a-ok.
Lol...made me switch to diet drinks in the car....no stickyness!"

 

Hi, I am on the same boat as you. just got an 05 mini with the HK stereo and want to get a head unit with blue tooth. any advise at what are all of the adaptors that I need so I can use my steering wheel controls? thanks!!