IM sorry If this thread has been done before, but my stereo just crapped out the head unit looks as though it working as usual but the only noises I hear are the ocasionally static crackles, low level bumps, and some humming. These sounds continue after the stereo is turned off. I think it might be an amp issue but Im not sure. Please let me know what you think my prblem might be.
Thanks in advance.

 

BTW It is the 03 MCS with H/K

 

There is an external amplifier in the boot (right side). They are known to get very hot. You might check into that.....but I don't know how you would do it. Sorry....

 

Yeah I looked at that not that I can really see much through the little door from the boot, any tips on getting it out of there may also prove helpful.

 

You've got to remove the back seat (easy job) and the side pannel (more difficult, but not too bad) to access the amp.
I've heard of quite a few HK amps that quit working for no good reason.
I sold one last week.... wish I had 10 more to sell! The dealer wants around $700 for a new amp.
You can put in a nice sounding (better than HK) complete system for that money!
Good luck
Donald

 

Thanks I might try that tomarow
I was looking at the amps at best buy earlier today that had one I thought looked about the right size for only $75 (doubt it was any good)
I just want an amp that will fit in the same space, if it needs to be replaced. preferably good sound and life expecancy.

 

WA,
Don't just run out and buy a new amp..... you need to do a little more research first.
The stock HK speakers are said to be 2 ohm speakers. Most amps run 4 ohms.
Also, (most importantly) the HK amp acts as a signal processor. It takes a digital signal from the head unit, processes it and sends it out to individual speakers.
Without the HK amp to process the digital signals into regular speaker level.... there's no usable sound for a regular amp to handle.

Good luck
Donald

 

go see the dealer. dunno if you're still under warranty, but you'll go NUTS trying to debug that thing.

 

Unless there is a special stereo warranty it's too late for that, and Ive seen some discussion here about the prices the charge for the stereo components.
If there is that musch of a cost to solving this I may be without tunes for a while.

As for the importance of the perfect amp unless somebody has a specific model they can recomend...Crap

What about new amp and head unit I could probly do that for the same price as just the amp from the dealer.

 

To avoid wasting time tripping around town looking at gear, do some more searching around this site to learn as much as you can about the H/K system. From what I've been able to tell (experts jump in pls), the H/K module is a downstream system from the (almost) stock head unit. H/K seems to have added a digital sound processor (DSP), power amp and custom matched speakers (high current 2ohm). I don't think you want to try swapping stuff out with off-the-shelf gear until you, or a qualified installer, knows exactly what config is in there. It would be quite a drag to drop $$ just to then hear some cat say "Oh, sorry, we didn't know..." and then ask you for another round of financing...

MINI hired H/K to custom build a solution to get the best sound the could install in this small cabin for a reasonable add-on cost. Hence the DSP and the speaker upgrade.

That's all I got to give ya... good hunting!
--tdm

 

Why not try and source a new amp from a junk yard. You can swap it out with yours and if it doesn't fix the problem, most junk yards will let you return it.

 

Your H/K Amp is bad. I had the same problems with mine, which started intermittantly in cold temps then slowly approached 100% of the time. Initially I could make it stop once things warmed up and I turned the ignition fully off then back on.

I had my amp replaced under warranty. They're very expensive as a separate part, but you could also try a junk yard or ebay. There are a few others on here that have had a similar problem if you search.

 

Your Amp is fried...same happened to my 03 HK last summer...luckily, it was the one and only thing I used the warranty for before it ran out

 

DAMN!!!
Three months ago and it woulda been free (what a kick in the nuts?)
thanks for all the tips Ill try the junk yards and probly ebay... unless somebody still under warranty wants to swap j/k

 

When looking on ebay what do I need to look for to be sure its the right amp for the mini, do all BMWs use the same ones?

 

As said, your easiest option is to acquire another H/K amp - they show up rarely but sometimes on eBay.

If you eliminate the H/K amp and go with an aftermarket amp, you need to consider the speakers too:

The front speakers have 2 ohm coils, and no crossover to separate mid/tweeter from bass - you can't drive them from an aftermarket amp or HU; you'd have to replace the speakers.

The rear speakers have two x 2 ohm coils each side (DVC) - you could drive them from aftermarket if you wired the coils correctly in series to make 4 ohm (it would reduce the max power to them).


This one on eBay for a BMW definitely looks different; I'd guess they're not compatible.

You're best to check the NAM marketplace - for example:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ighlight=h%2Fk
or:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ighlight=h%2Fk

 

thanks
Im starting to think if im gonna need to replace these amps all the time maybe I should just do a whole new system.

 

I had H/K in GBMINI#2; no issues in two years. Not sure it's a common failure but it does happen.

 

well mines an 03 and as far as I know its the original amp. I still bellieve that three years is a short life expectancy for an amp, especially one they want around $800 to replace.

 

My '04 HK has blow two speakers due to a bad amp which was caused by a faulty head unit. All replaced under warranty but I worry that the amp is starting to go out again :(

All of the above was discovered during my 7 (SEVEN!) separate trips to the dealer to fix rattling door panels. On the last trip they gave up and said "we did the velvet tape, we filled the panels with foam, we replaced all the grills, tried new speakers, replaced all the screws and their jam nuts (don't remember what they were called), we're just going the replace the whole damn panel". Problem solved after they ordered the door panels, which required me going in 3 additional times until they ordered the right ones...

 

Filling with foam!! That's a new one! (I love cans of "Great Stuff")

 

I must say the bass was really tight after that.

 

At least you should have some time left on your warranty, but then again it will probly wait till the warranty is up then go and eat it. that really sucks tho about the seven separate trips hopefully you live closer to a dealer then I do.

 

All the work was all under warranty so I didn't mind that much. I lived two miles away too so I would just hang out with the people that worked there. Some times they would give me loaner BMW's to drive! :D

 

You might try contacting Harman Kardon technical support. They may be able to point you to a reasonably priced repair center.