Anyone have any clue where to get one of these in the States? Or, has anyone figured out a way to bypass the HK system allowing me to install my new HU? Don't get me wrong, the HK system sounds good and all, I just want my Bluetooth and USB.

 

Just order it direct from NewMINIStuff in the UK: http://newministuff.com/hk-enabler-465-p.asp. Seriously, all you have to do is add it to your cart and checkout like any online purchase. NewMINIStuff is the only vendor making and selling the HK Enabler. A MINI enthusiast and engineer (Ian Cull) originally designed the circuit for his own use, then he collaborated with NewMINIStuff (aka MikeyTheMini) to create the production version: http://www.gbmini.net/wp/2004/06/min...roductionized/..

Or you can replace the HK amp with an aftermarket amp and reuse the existing wiring to the speakers. However, you'd also have the replace the HK speakers because of their nonstandard characteristics.

 

Yea, of course I know of this option... I've had it added to my cart for 2 days now. I'd rather order stateside, who the heck wants to wait 2 weeks to get their HU up and running?

No one has questioned the $160 price tag when buying the Enabler/MFSW controller? That's half the cost of my HU!
MERP

 

i question the cost, but it may be the quickest option. The enabler looks to be a Motorola microprocessor chip circuit coded to control the HK amp unit. I'm also replacing the HU currently and need to decide whether to get this enabler or just wire up to the existing or new speakers.

I'd like to understand what signals & power the factory Mini HU is sending to the amp.

 

The HK amp has a separate power source. The HK amp uses the L-R speaker outputs of the HU for its audio signal. The HU and HK amp are connected to the car's iBus (the serial data bus in BMW vehicles of that era). When the HU detects an HK amp, the HU runs its speaker output constantly at a fixed volume level. To control volume, balance/fade etc, the HU sends command messages on the iBus to the HK amp, which performs the actual functions.

Details in Ian Cull's blog:
http://www.gbmini.net/wp/2003/08/hacking_the_mini_ibus/
http://www.gbmini.net/wp/2004/04/run...ory_head_unit/

The reason for the high price is that it is a low production specialty item. I would guess that total sales since 2004 is in the hundreds. The wiring harnesses for the kits are probably hand assembled in the vendor's shop.