Well, looks like the chip shortage has finally affected MINI. We went to the dealer to place an order for a 2022 JCW Convertible and they said that the Harman Kardon Sound System is not available for the time being due to the chip shortage. We have had H/K in all of our MINI's since 2006 and said that we would not get one without it. They did not get an estimated date for when it will return. Hopefully it wont be long. Anyone have one on order that has it? Were you forced to cancel (if you wanted it) or did they just push the production date back? We are hoping we can order it now and wait until the H/K systems are available again.

 

I ordered my '22 JCW Hardtop with HK in mid-April before a chip shortage became a widely known issue. It went into production in Mid-May and has been waiting to be assigned to a shipping vessel for a week now. I hope it doesn't come without the HK I ordered. If it does, I guess I'll push for a cut taken out of my total cash owed.

What MINI needs to do is come up with a way to make the HK system more modular. Like a dealer add-on post-sales or with a voucher saying when it becomes available people can get it installed sort of like a recall. I don't know.

 

If your MINI has been produced, your dealer should be able to get a printout/readout of what exactly it contains as options. Did you ask yet?

 

We picked up our JCW 2022 Countryman with Harmon-Kardon two weeks ago. It was built in May so the shortage just hit them.

 

I haven’t tried yet. Waiting until I get a vessel number. Didn’t think to call the dealer. I’ll do that too. Thanks

 

Called 866 ASK MINI - they read the build sheet (but couldn't send it to me). They said the HK system was in the build as part of the Iconic Package. They also said that if there were any production issues that would affect the build my MA is supposed to be alerted, and then contact me to let me know. This hasn't happened so far. I contacted my MA to see if he can pull the build sheet and check. Waiting to hear back.

 

Just heard back from my MA. He says that the build sheet shows I got the HK system.
So on paper, I'm good, but I'll believe it when I see it in person.

From my MA: "Unfortunately the chip shortage is catching up to MINI and what you [heard] is correct, beginning with July production the H/K sound system will not be available for several months."

 

Ugh, this stinks. All 5 of our Mini have had the HK system and the base system is definitely lackluster. I'm hoping to order a Cooper SE in the next month, so I'll have to decide what to do. I need to do more research into aftermarket upgrades and see what's possible. Either that or wait until it's available again, but with no ECD that's tough.

 

Sad.... I ordered my SE in April and have been following it's progress through manufacture and shipping. It's currently on a ship in Nova Scotia. Next stop NY/NJ! But, I found out yesterday from my MA that Mini put a "stop sale" on it due to unavailability of the Hi-Fi amplifier chip. So, the car will exit the carrier onto US soil and sit there or at the dealership until who knows when?! I want the HK stereo but I want my car more. I like the idea of releasing the car and following up with a "recall" when the chips are available. I guess I don't know what's involved in adding the chip. Perhaps there will be a huge infotainment hole in the dash until the chips "fall". If anyone hears more about a chip timeline, or a temporary fix from Mini, please post! If I get any news re: mine, I'll post.

 

Hmm, I don't know if I believe your MA's story. Seems unlikely that it would leave the factory if they hadn't finished building it, but I guess it's possible. Best case is they installed all the speakers and are waiting for the amplifier, but I've yet to hear a get well date, so it could be sitting for months. Maybe they were planning to install the amp at the port?

When I placed my order a couple weeks ago they told me up front that it wouldn't have the H/K stereo and I would receive a $550 credit.

 

Yesterday I got the bad news that my Iconic 2022 Hardtop S, ordered months ago, had been built without the Harmon Kardon stereo due to parts shortages. It's being delivered today so I got just one (1) day's notice. That was the first my dealer heard anything from Mini. Mini issued an inadequate $550 credit and that's it - no retrofit is available. I asked for my deposit back and hugged my F56 S that was for sale. I'm deeply disappointed. What was that about Mini Together???

 

I have the HK in our 22 but honestly not a deal breaker from my standpoint. If a better sound system is that important an aftermarket set up could be far better. I would never not get the car because of that option. Now no comfort access and I am out 🤣