Looking for help in choosing a CD changer and doing the install. I'm awaiting late April or early May delivery of my MCS (starting to get impatient - can't wait for my first day of Mini motoring). I ordered the HK stereo but no CD changer.

1. Any one have a suggestion for a specific unit? Are they all pretty much the same or are some better than others?
2. Is the installation a difficult operation to do myself?
3. Are '06 MCS's prewired for a changer?
4. I believe that I need an adaptor or two to connect a non-oem changer to the HK system and the multi-function steering wheel, is this true?


Thanks.

 

Hmm, looks like I get to be the CD changer guy for now!

If you want OEM, you can get the 6 disk BMW changer. It plugs right into the stock wiring (which you already have taped to the wire harness below the HK amp). The BMW changer is expensive and only plays standard CDs (last I heard, could have changed so check with the dealer first).

Here are the official directions on installing the standard CD changer (please note you don't have to do any of the wiring as it's already installed on later cars):
http://www.motoringfile.com/howto/CD%20Changer.PDF

A better option would be to use an adaptor. For example, I have a cheaper Sony 6 disk MP3 changer connected to my system using the Connects2 adaptor. It interfaces directly with the stock/HK system and allows me to control it through the MFSW. You can get the adaptor at:
http://www.newministuff.com/

I haven't mounted the Sony unit yet so it's still sitting on the trunk floor. But I should be able to mount it in a similar fashion to the OEM changer.

 

Thanks for the help. The BMW changer seems a waste o time. Will look into newministuff and crutchfield as well.

Thanks again.