Ok I have done some searching and i cant find this answer to this question. I have a 05 Mini coming my way soon. I did not opt for the HK upgrade as i will over time upgrade the factory system. Will i be able to replace the HU and the speakers and not have to do any modifications to them? I went on to crutchfields website and they said that if i upgrade the head unit i will have to run seperate wires to the speakers. Is this correct? Or can i just install the head unit into the factory wiring with a harness and all be well?

Garrett

 

The revered Crutchfield has it half right...that rewiring disclaimer refers to issues that may arise when modifying the Harmon Kardon option which, believe it or not, quite a few people do. With the non-HK you can:

(a) pop in an aftmkt hu and keep the oem speakers

(b) keep the oem head unit and install aftmkt speakers

(c) replace both

ALL WITHOUT REWIRING. You will need an additional interface if you have the multi function steering wheel and want to retain the remote control capability.

If you decide on high-end speakers (expensive), you may wish to

(a) amplify them.
(b) amplify AND replace the oem head unit

Then rewiring does become an issue.

All of this is a lot less complicated than it sounds. Start reading all the ICE (in-car-entertainment) threads on NAM and www.mini2.com. A learning curve will begin. Vist the big box stores like Best Buy and Circuit City as well as the pricier stereo boutiques. See what's out there. By the time your Mini arrives, you'll be as undecided as I am about how to upgrade, but it's all in the game. Listen to your favorite stuff on the standard system and see what you like and don't like about it. Then go from there.

One thing I CAN tell you...last weekend I went to a rally and listened to my mix cd on somebody's Harmon Kardon system, and again, I was VERY GLAD that I opted out of the HK. Sounded ok but not $600 worth !!!

Good Luck! Please let us know what you decide.

Hugh

 

How does the Nav work into this equation? Does the stock HU have an input for the Nav? Just wondering how to retain Nav voice through the system if one were to go for an aftermarket HU.

 

That will be tricky because the Nav voice automatically overrides whatever is playing on the stereo at the time. One way to overcome this problem is to have a dedicated small external amplified speaker for the factory Nav. :smile: