Hi Guy/Gals,

Love the Car, but hate the Head Unit. I'm sort of at a loss trying to figure out just how I can go about adding functionality to my 2008 Mini Cooper HiFi Stereo. I do not have the USB connection or the BT connection. Can I really not replace the Stereo? Or am I stuck with a Parrot MKI 9200 or Grom USB w/ BT connector.

I picked the car used and whoever owned it before only opted to have the Aux connection; which sound horrible connected to my Android Phone or my repurposed IPhone 4.

Anyways, an help would be great

Thanks

 

I've seen aftermarket from a couple places like ZESTECH.com, but it poses another set of problem such as trying to determine if it would work in my car and the risk of misjudging KPH/MPH. Has anybody swapped out the Head Unit with a simular product and had any luck?

 

You can always add the usb ipod stuff from Mini. You can probably upgrade the stereo with factour components.

Buy yes, you can't get rid of the head unit. (It's actually not bad, it's the amp and speakers.)

 

I had the same problem as you, I ended up purchasing a Bluetooth-to-Aux adapter at bestbuy for less than $20. I purchased some velcro and attached the adapter under the aux input. The adapter has a battery when i'm going on car trips i'll charge it in the begining and later charge my iphone.

Here is a link to one similar I purchased in Bestbuy's store.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/gogroove...=buyingOptions

 

I'm actually curious; what would happen if I went for the Aftermarket stereo? What would I lose? Other than the Diagnosing Code.

 

You mention functionality, but it sounds like you are mostly unhappy with the sound. What specifically are you aiming to improve? Do you want a specific feature, like Bluetooth connectivity, or is it the sound quality that is your main concern?

 

I recently purchased my '10 Mini cooper. It bugs me to no ends that I can not plug my iphone in with just any usb cable.

I personally would love to be able to connect my iphone without buying a 90 dollar cable. You can buy a pretty decent aftermarket radio for that. I realize with harness's and what have you for the radio it would be more over all.

Maybe in a year or two I will set aside some money and gut the speakers and amp and redo it all with a sub included. But for now I'd settle for the functionality of plugging in my iphone.

 

Hey Jake, I'd be talking to the place you bought it. The ipod adaptor should have come with the car.

 

I would, but it was a Used Honda dealership that I picked it up at. They probably didnt get it from the previous owner. I did get the OEM floor mats! haha

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...e-adapter.html

I see that marketplace posting is a couple months old, but the lack of replies may indicate that the user still has those cables. I'd PM them if I were you. $10 for the Y-Cable seems pretty good.....

Otherwise, I'd scour the marketplace or hit amazon. OEM is nice (just so you know it works) but it sounds like you're seeking functionality.

I've been considering replacing the factory head unit, and it seems like the only thing you really lose is the OBC controls through the dashboard and the LCD display on the bottom of the speedometer.

Having said that, the dash isn't very big. By putting a double-din unit in the dash, you'd end up shifting your HVAC and switches down a few inches for it all to fit. It also is a matter of personal opinion if it looks good or not.

I've also seen people post about putting a radio in the secret compartment, but that's not easy to reach if you're driving.

 

PM sent! Thanks for that heads up.

Secret compartment?

 

Yeah, above the glove box. Press in on the trim between the vents, it should flip open.

 

look it up. Mike's Mini in England makes them. It lets you replace the head unit.

 

WHAA!??? THAT IS SO COOL! I've just been hiding a lil bit of cash in the dash under the steering wheel but everyone does that. This is so much better!