So I purchased my new (to me) 2005 mini cooper today, after a pretty long test drive yesterday, and testing every little detail. Everything worked as it should. Today, the radio would not turn on. I switched it on and off many times and got it to work a few times, and then a bad sounding pop happened each time and nothing. Everything works but the sound. I have narrowed it down through searching the forums to the amp as the car has the HK setup. Now here's my question. Being as this particular problem is not covered under warranty, what can I do besides shelling out the 850 dollars for a new amp? Is there a cheaper alternative?

 

You could shop on ebay for one but who knows how long it would last. I think there are others that have had installed an aftermarket amp. Not sure what that all consist of but im sure it would be cheaper then 850 lol Type in the search engine HK amp failure see if anyone can give you more info on changing the amp out! Good luck!

 

Sorry to hear that. I hope you can get it fixed quickly and relatively inexpensively. Hope the fun of driving your new car will overcome any disappointment the problem caused you!

 

eBay, Watch the forums for someone selling one or just gut it entirely. The speakers ate 2 ohm and don't have crossover units on them so it you replace the amp you'll need to account for that. ANY HK amp from the R50, 52 and 53 will work. you might need to change the bracket on it. Looks like their are several on eBay at the moment.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...at=0&_from=R40

 

and to be honest I have NEVER seen that many listed at once....

 

Here are some tips I posted before replacing the amp.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...er-or-amp.html


Also does the head unit light up and turn on and just no sound? Have to rule out something wrong with the headunit first. There is a fuse on the back of it is if I remember right.


Thanks

 

Yeah the entire head unit works, as does the steering wheel controls for the radio.. My windshield wiper fluid isn't working either.. The radio works for about 10-15 minutes then makes a pop sound. If i turn it off it works for a few seconds then kicks back off through the speakers.

 

Not sure about the wiper fluid, but it sounds like your having an amp issue for sure. I would check all the connections on the amp. I would also remove the amp and check for any type of moisture damage to see if it was the Amp just failing or it was an external cause. Easiest thing to do is get another amp. They can be expensive, and are all but certain to fail again eventually. Another option is to replace the amp with an aftermarket one. There is a thread that has more info on how to do this with a JL audio amp. I just replaced mine with an Alpine KTP-445u but am still messing with it so can't really say one way or another whether or not its a great replacement. Third option is to scrap the entire sound system and start from scratch with a new Head unit, Speakers, and amp. The third option can cost about the same as a new replacement H/K amp from mini.

 

does anyone know where the serial number is on the amp itself? The dealer said that he would fix it.

 

it's on a sticker on the front of the unit.

 

If you haven't checked already, you might want to pop the bonnet and check to make sure that the line is still connected to the nozzles under the bonnet. My windshield wiper fluid suddenly stopped working and all I needed to do was reconnect the fluid line. It was really easy and I haven't had any problems with it since then.

 

I see where to fill it, and where the line comes from, but to reach it is impossible. Forgive my ignorance, but how do I do this?

 

I don't remember where exactly the disconnect was but I don't know if it would be in the same place on the R53 as it is on the R56. I think that what made it so easy was that I had just tried to spray the windshield wiper fluid and so when I popped the bonnet I could see where the fluid had come out and find the disconnect from there. It was not buried in the engine compartment. If it had been I would have gone to the dealership and had them fix it so I'm fairly certain that it was attached to the underside of the bonnet. Hopefully someone with a R53 can chime in on the exact location. Good luck!