Hey I am new to the board, just bought a used '04 cooper a couple of weeks ago. I don't know if I have the HK stereo (I don't think so.) How can I tell? There is aunused wiring harness behind the passenger side access panel and I am wondering what this is for. I am going to install a new head unit and sub and am wondering about any potential problems. Thanks for the help

 

If you have HK, it will say it on the speaker covers in the front. If you have HK then changing components becomes an issue. You can change the HU, but you will need an adapter to enable the HK amp. With HK you won't be able to change the amp or speakers without ripping the entire system out and reworking everything.

 

How about just adding a powered sub to an factory HK system? We should be able to do that easily correct?

 

There are two plugs inside that little panel behind the pass side (in the boot) usually taped to the bigger wiring harness...one 3 prong and 1 six prong female plug...they are for a plug in CD Changer. (notice the 3 screw holes around that access panel ...for cd changer Mounting bracket!)

here is a link to the installation of the changer...your auto already has the cables as do most!
http://motoringfile.com/howto/CD%20Changer.PDF

 

Nope, the whole thing is designed as one unit.

 

I know at least one car with "harman kardon" on the speakers but no H/K system.

Best method - press MODE on the radio. Cycle through bass / treble / etc. Do you see "H/K MODE" displayed? If not, you don't have it.

If you DO have it, upgrades are much more tricky. See my weblog for lots of details

 

I just bookmarked your site. It is about time that I use it more often.

 

I find this hard to believe. You should just be able to tap into the rear speakers with one of those adapters that converts speaker level output to line level output. Then plug the adapter output into the sub.

What am I missing?

 

Adding an amp is not quite that easy as this system is not plug and play and has a digital backbone that the HU and HK amp use to communicate.

If you are really curious, go to GBmini's site and read about it. He has a ton of background with this system and even created the HKenabler that is used all over to connect aftermarket radios to the HK system.