Hey all,
I just got my used 08 MCS and the first thing I've noticed is the really poor quality stock sound system, so I've searched and read about diy sound upgrade.

I've done some audio installs in the past but I still consider myself a newbie when it comes to working with sound systems so I would really appreciate if you could help me start this project.

I actually don't know if I have the hifi or hk system.. (is there a way to figure it out?) All I know is I have tweeters in the a-pillar.

Anyways, I'm not a huge audiophile but would like to achieve a decent sound quality with a budget around $1500.

one thing I would hope to do is leave the stock hu so I can still use steering wheel controls and etc. I was thinking of getting a 4 ch or 5 ch amp to push the speakers and subwoofer, but is this a good idea or would it be best to get an aftermarket hu with dash trim?

I am still trying to plan this project and I would really appreciate if you audio experts could give me your opinion on this.
Thanks in advanced!

 

I have the HK system, it actually says Harman Kardon on the outside of the speaker. Plug in your VIN here, should tell you which system was factory installed -

http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/bmw-vin-decoder.html

 

You have the HiFi, HK was not an option for the 08. Anyway I agree, this car's audio is horrible, even with the so called "HiFi". I currently only have a sub added to mine but it needs speakers, speaker amp, and a good EQ sooo bad. $1500 is going to be tough, but it could work. Best bet would be a 5/6 channel processor (3 pre-outs), maybe a 5 channel amp (or you could do a 4ch with a mono sub amp), sub and speakers. That should be fairly decent to get started. I would personally remove the rear speakers, and run just the fronts with a 2 channel. That would save some cash and allow some budget for better speaks. The car is small enough where I feel the rears aren't required.

 

Thank you so much guys.
I don't mind increasing the budget a little more.. maybe up to 2000.
I was wondering if you guys know any build threads by people who kept the stock hu but were able to get a decent sound quality.

 

Thanks all!
I'm thinking 2000 max to spend on audio system.
Do you guys know anyone who achieved decent sound quality with keeping the stock hu? Any build threads? I don't have any experiences with processors so it would be good if I could see other member's set up.

 

http://www.integralaudio.com/index.p...ni-cooper.html

 

That integral audio is nice. If that fits your budget it is the way to go.

I don't remember all the prices now for what I did. JVC DVD player, Alpine F545 amp, sound ordinance powered subwoofer, 6 infinity kappa series came in at....$750.
The JVC was a customer return at crutchfield, and the amp was used on ebay.

Upgrading out of that silly HU that comes with it is the real game changer.

 

You can use the existing stereo unit but you will need a processor to level the signal to then send to an amp for it to sound decent - something like a bit 10d but its not cheap.

The best way I reckon would be to install a new stereo in a new fascia then connect that upto the amp etc.

Keep it simple, all you need is:

A stereo
4 channel amp
Front component speakers 6.5"
A sub - either a 8", 10 or a 12"

The hardest part would be to install the new fascia as most of the dash panels need to be removed in order to install the new fascia, which has a double din slot allowing a new stereo (like an Alpine etc etc)

That is what I did in my 2010 Cooper D and it worked very very well.

 

Thanks BazV!!
That helps alot. I guess my next questions is... what are the parts that I need in order to keep my steering wheel control?
Crutchfield was leading me to get these two items.

1. metra 40-eu10 antenna adapter
2. axxess bmrc-01 factory integration adapter.

Do I need them? no. 2 is not for the steering wheel control, is it?

 

Is the HU the same from 2007-present? From what I've read the hiFi adds an amp with DSP to try to compensate for the additional, but still crappy, speakers. If the HU is universal then the output signal actually isn't that bad. I'll see if I can figure that out....

Edit: so....it might be the same HU with cosmetic differences. To upgrade the hifi you'd need to take the signal from the HU, not the amp, replace speakers and add an amp. You also would benefit greatly from EQ and time correction, if possible, at each speaker.

 

No problems mate.

This is the kit I used in my 2010 Cooper D -

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/inst...te-fitting-kit

It replaces the entire front fascia and gives me the double din slot, now this is hard work but works very well in a non hifi/hk system.

With that in mind, you say yours is the HiFi set up?? If it is, then this is a bit trickier than I first thought.

I now have a 2012 Cooper Clubman SD and it has Nav and the HK set up, now it sounds 'ok', but I plan to change that anyway.

Ive found that I cannot replace the stock head unit (I dont want to as the screen with the Sat Nav is cool ) so its either try and install my Alpine HU or as ive mentioned before, intercept the audio signal from the standard stereo and feed that into a processor like a Bit One D, then into my own amps and speakers. Its harder than it sounds sadly, and costly.

Im still planning on how Im going to change it in my SD yet, but I will have something good installed in the next couple of months.

This is my kit I have to install at the moment:

Alpine 178BT
DLS A7 - 5 channel amp
Boston 6.5 Pro comps - altho im going to buy some Hybrid Audio comps
Diamond Audio TDX12 sub

Im looking to get the Bit OneD processor so I can use the existing stereo and its features.