I'm considering on replacing the stock speakers in my '06 R53, but something better. But, my local car stereo dealer says it can't be done. The whole audio system needs to be replaced. I have the basic, stock audio system.

Is this true?

 

There is no such thing as "can't" in the aftermarket world, rather a matter of how much are you willing to spend. Personally I don't know the situation with the mini but I do know that there are some cars that require reprogramming or special circuits etc. should you want aftermarket speakers/amp/subs due to the stereo being wired into the ecu(again, not all cars, only some). I personally haven't been down this route with a mini yet, but considering that people have put amps and such in the boot, I don't see why the other speakers can't be swapped out.
Finding a parted out mini that had a stock Harmon Kardon system might be your best bet, it bumps nicely and should fit the stock speaker spots.. but might require some dealership tinkering after the install of the whole system.

 

+1 on "no such thing as cant..."

Here is an good example of how to replace the OEM speakers with aftermarket speakers...


Best part is he shows how to reuse the OEM speaker standoff...

Motor on!

 

I got the Polk component front speakers from Crutchfield.
They supply the adapters for the front lower speakers,
and I had to adapt the tweeter location a little for a good fit,
and screw in the crossover, but it worked out well, and I could
easily do it myself. Also put some Dynamat in.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DB65...01.html?tp=106

 

+1 for the Polk components. I have them in my car and they sound great. The only time you would have to do anything major on a r50/52/53 is if it has the HK from the factory. In that case it is just a matter of replacing the head unit and running new speaker wires

 

Thanks Maybe, I'll look into it. I'm trying to avoid doing anything too complicated. I was hoping it was as easy as swapping out my old speakers for a new pair (HK, Alpine, etc.). I didn't want to have to reprogram anything.

 

Thank JA Bowders, I'm encouraged to see it's pretty easy. I'll probably take mine to stereo dealer, but not to the one where the guy said I needed to replace my whole system.

 

How do they sound? I'm just looking for an improvement in sound quality over the stock speakers. You didn't to reprogram anything did you? I'm trying to get away with just replacing the speakers.

 

I'm reading a few MINI owners using Polk. Is that the recommended brand?

 

The Polks sound very good, and they're a smidge more efficient than the
stock drivers, so I'm happy with them without having to add an amp,
and they don't cost an arm and a leg. No programming required.
I did have to replace one of the 6.5 in drivers after several years. The
magnet shifted and pinched the voice coil after a couple years of the
Fonzie manuevre (banging on the door just above the speaker) to keep
the window motor working.

 

I have 10 years old 6x9 Blaupunkt speakers in the back... sounds like they're trying to rip you a new one. I also have the normal audio system, no fancy amp. Haven't touched the front yet as I'm happy with the sound.