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Navigation & AudioAudio upgrades, bluetooth, and navigation discussions surrounding the Clubman (R55), Cooper and Cooper S (R56), and Cabrio (R57) MINIs.
I've had mine a little over 2 years now and still like it. No big issues to speak of. Once in a while when it starts up it is like the screen resolution isn't correct, instead of filling the whole screen it is about 2/3 of the screen. Reboot and it is resolved.
Just got an 08 R55, Debating getting one of these from carnaviplayer.com just have a bunch of questions if anyone could please help.
Is it better to order without android auto/car play and just turn tether on? (using Agama or other)
Can I wire in an alpine 45x4 (KTP-445U) (or would there not be a benefit?)
My Build Sheet says Mini HiFi Sound System - is this different than the HK system?
After install does my small dash screen by steering wheel still show MPG/Speed/Etc?
Debating the backup cam that comes as an option with radio vs the https://www.vantrue.net/product/m2 which would replace my rear-view as looking through the rear doors is a pain with the double doors. or is there a better
backup/front cam to order separately.
If I get a front cam as option does it auto turn on front cam when going below a set speed?
2 SD Slots - Can music from Tidal download to SD so it's not always using data?
2 USB Ports - Is there a clean way to extend these so it looks factory and not a extension cable hanging? or or these really not ever needed?
Last edited by mike2246; Aug 11, 2024 at 05:53 PM.
I can answer some of the questions.
Not sure on the Alpine, don't have it myself. Also not sure on the HK question. Normally HK audio has more speakers throughout the car, in the A pillar, multiple in the door etc. Mine has 4 (no HK)
The steering wheel buttons will not scroll through apps. The icons are the same ones that are on your stock speedo fog lights/seatbelt/traction control/airbag/cruise control/TPMS warning/check engine warning/rear fog lights (if equipped). If you purchase an aftermarket Android TPMS system, yes it can be used. Small screen still shows whatever you select.
I read reviews that the cameras that come with them aren't very good. I purchased a backup camera from another source. I don't have a front camera so I don't know.
I have never put anything in the SD slots, don't know
I purchased another USB/Audio in that fit in the same hole for the stock connectors. I connected one of the USB cables to it and the AUX in. I have a lifetime subscription to Sirius/XM. It is plugged into the AUX with the USB supplying power. The other USB cable runs to my glovebox. I use it when I connect with tablet for BimmerCode. You can search usb/aux port and it brings up several options. The one I got the link is no longer good.
Just installed this, the advice in this thread was really helpful in getting it workin, thanks!
It's a minor issue, but has anyone found a fix for the cruise control popping up in kph in the original tach display when activated? That's the only thing I haven't figured out how to fix.
Will have more info later but for now, I've confirmed the the HK amp can be removed and the JBL DSP 4086 can be wired in-place of it to provide amplification for the speakers. I haven't check codes yet to see if it throws a code doing so.
The 8835 RCA outputs are low voltage, like 500mv, too low for the JBL to match stock volume level, even with the gain turned all the way up which causes a slight hiss in the system.
To get good sound it requires a line driver to boost the RCA voltage or to use high-level input for the amp.
Once I switched to high-level input I was able to turn the gains down significantly and get a lot more volume out of the system, at least as much raw volume as stock with flat head unit eq and flat amp eq.
Hi Claviger - how do you like your set up so far. How is the JBL 4086 running - anything melt yet
Audio up grade is now on my to do list for 2025 - so a few more questions:
1) I am ( currently ) planning on getting an Android head unit, but running 3 way components in the front ( one option are the Alpine R2-S653s - I have the HK set up ) and coaxials for rear fill - a passive set up. So am thinking of adding an aftermarket amp - from what you and jiggersplat have stated earlier, the RCA outs need boosting for the Android Head unit. What LOC did you use ( I'd be looking for a 4 channel one ). One amp option could be the Alpine KTA-30FW - which can run 2 or 4 channel. If I ran it in two channel just for the front 3 ways, I might be able to use the Android head unit's amp for the rear fill. Or I could just run in 4 channel mode for front and rear ...
Another option is to just run the Android head unit alone, with my existing HK speakers - as you said this was a good set up. I am just not sure how good the existing HK speakers are. And I have an R57, so want a little more power for when running top down.
2) Did you use the rear camera that you can buy with the unit ( https://www.carnaviplayer.com ) - or did you upgrade to a 'better' one.
3) Any unexpected other bits you had to buy - say Antenna extender ..... I unfortunately have the silver CD, so might have to carve into the cd opening to make the aftermarket DVD player to fit or buy the frame that fits the black unit ... - not that I need a dvd player, but would want to fill up the space with something and can't stand the thought of leaving a non working cd player in there
I know this thread is kind of old now but I was wondering if anyone has gotten any further with the indicator/ chime noises. I’ve just bought a r56 cooper sd with this unit pre installed and hated the indicator noise from the get go. I’ve seen there is oem chime boxes online from axxell which can be wired up but I’m no expert when it comes to this kind of thing and was wondering if there was another solution. Cheers.
I haven't found one. I've seen the Axxell box but it wasn't clear to me if that'll work with the HLA system...if anyone knows that would be helpful. For now I've just been living with the crappy tones, lol.
Also every now and then the system seems to give a random warning chime, but no lights or warnings come on in the HLA or on the Mini speedo? That happen to anyone else?
Hello Mini Community. I just installed the Android unit from CarNaviPlayer in China. It's only been 2 days and so far it's great. What a huge difference. I had the base system (no HK) and no nav. So really anything is a big improvement. I watched many of the videos on YouTube which were very helpful. Note that the early versions used the CD player as the "hub" and the screen was secondary to that. Now all the connections occur at the big screen and the CD/DVD player is secondary. You actually don't even need it. I included it as I didn't want to have an open space or non functioning device (you should get the later center stack bezel as the locations are different for the CD player). Works great with the Android phone. The on board nav is perfectly fine. As far as inputs, you get two USB A whips and also a micro SD card slot on the face. I have a 512GB card in that which plays my MP3's. I installed the GPS antenna on the glass windshield running the cable via the headline and weatherstripping at the A pillar into the removable dash sides. I did the same with the microphone. The 4G / Bluetooth antenna is installed in the center stack directly behind the HVAC controls. The stock harness plugs into the aftermarket harness so no splicing. I did remove many of the wires and RCA connectors from the harness I knew I would not need. I did not hook up a back up camera (yet the screen switches to backup camera mode no matter what when you go in reverse, need to figure this out.). I am going to try a new music player for the MP3's tonight as the main screen stock player is not the best. The manner in which it sorts and organizers the music is very clunky. You can log on to your home WiFi to download any apps you need. It's very easy. You can change the wall paper to whatever you like.
As stated the directional audible sound from the tiny speaker is weird. It does not give you a sound for "you left the keyfob in the ignition" anymore for some reason. Seatbelt alarm chime does still work.
Of note is the lag from starting the car to unit up and running is about 30 seconds.
I will review some more over the next few days.
Last edited by Mr&MrsKenmore; Yesterday at 12:23 PM.
As a quick follow up, the Musicolet app is vastly superior to listening to MP3's you have stored locally on a USB jump drive or Micro SD. It is a big improvement over the music player on the home screen of the CarNaviPlayer. I tried Poweramp which I use on my phone but it was not suited for the car. Plus it has a small fee for the app.
Some pictures.
As I had no plans to use some of the wires, connectors on the harness, I unpinned them from the connectors. This included 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15. The connector for 20, 21, 22 could be removed entirely for me (manufacturer agreed).
