Navigation & Audio Call me crazy: Nutty stereo upgrade via dealer (w/pics!)
Yep. I said it several months ago... although I will be very happy with the end result when this is finally over with, if I knew at the start just how long this would take (and how much it will end up costing), I would not have done it.
However, the "point of no return" was passed a long time ago.
If nothing else, it's presenting a good example of what not to do if you have the H/K system.
Besides, you don't have to see this thread to know it's still going - just check my signature.
However, the "point of no return" was passed a long time ago.
If nothing else, it's presenting a good example of what not to do if you have the H/K system.
Besides, you don't have to see this thread to know it's still going - just check my signature.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,433
Likes: 1
From: Gloucester, MA, USA
Although you could probably adapt it to the R56 quicker than to Haemish's car!
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Here is the tech's best guess, and it makes sense to me. This harness is actually designed as a generic European or International one, and what is most likely the case is that MINIs sold in other countries do not have the "fade in" and "fade out" ambient lighting that we are all used to now. It was probably added on for the USA market because we are a fickle bunch (note our obsession with cupholders, for example), and it would add that "upscale" feel to the car that might be required in order to sell here.
)Perhaps it was standard in Germany, but I have heard of a "lighting package" available in some countries, so I'm still not sure...
OVERDRIVE
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,233
Likes: 128
From: San Francisco
The "interior light package" in Europe (standard in the US) for the R50/R53 added vanity lights to the sun visors and lights in one or two other locations.
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, KY
Rarely read NAM, finding info from other sources, but stumbled across this thread around midnight and...after reading every post...all 23 pages...5 hours later ("I couldn't put it down"..."I laughed, I cried"...my dog stares at me thinking I'm very sick...and I stare back and whisper, "no, silly, just imagine how Edge feels"....) OHHH myyy goshhhhh....
Edge...if you are EVER in Louisville, look me up...a steak dinner is on me!! You are one crazy (kind-hearted) dude. You truly have the patience of Job. There are no words which capably describe this thread!!
As self-appointed representative of all the NAM lurkers of this thread, please know that the entire MINI nation waits with baited breath of word when Mr. OEM will be returned to your loving hands (and ears).
(I was originally attracted to this thread by the audio upgrade, but I am now seriously interested in learning whether the extensive use of sound dampening materials resulted in a measurable reduction in ambient noise levels in the cabin. Did you take dB test levels before the installation for comparison's sake?)
Seriously, best of luck to you. Keep the faith. The world needs more folks like yourself...(I think....)(laughs).
Speed
'05 MCSa, CR/W, H/K, most all packages/options except NAV, 15% alta pulley, Bluegrass Mini Club
Edge...if you are EVER in Louisville, look me up...a steak dinner is on me!! You are one crazy (kind-hearted) dude. You truly have the patience of Job. There are no words which capably describe this thread!!
As self-appointed representative of all the NAM lurkers of this thread, please know that the entire MINI nation waits with baited breath of word when Mr. OEM will be returned to your loving hands (and ears).
(I was originally attracted to this thread by the audio upgrade, but I am now seriously interested in learning whether the extensive use of sound dampening materials resulted in a measurable reduction in ambient noise levels in the cabin. Did you take dB test levels before the installation for comparison's sake?)
Seriously, best of luck to you. Keep the faith. The world needs more folks like yourself...(I think....)(laughs).
Speed
'05 MCSa, CR/W, H/K, most all packages/options except NAV, 15% alta pulley, Bluegrass Mini Club
...I love you too man, but you're not getting my Bud Light! 
Seriously though, thanks for the kinds words, SpeedPedal. I'm glad you found the thread entertaining.
Right now everything is at a standstill while the dealership (incl. managers & shop foremen) works to reach the right people (likely in Germany) for new wiring schematics... ones that apply to this harness, since all of the documentation they have available to them now isn't doing them any good.
At this point, I don't really care if I get it back next week or next month... I just want it back in full working order, before MINIs on the Dragon. That's it!
When the car is finally complete, it will definitely be obvious to everyone. No need to ask "is it done yet?", my signature reveals instantly.
Seriously though, thanks for the kinds words, SpeedPedal. I'm glad you found the thread entertaining.
Right now everything is at a standstill while the dealership (incl. managers & shop foremen) works to reach the right people (likely in Germany) for new wiring schematics... ones that apply to this harness, since all of the documentation they have available to them now isn't doing them any good.
At this point, I don't really care if I get it back next week or next month... I just want it back in full working order, before MINIs on the Dragon. That's it!
When the car is finally complete, it will definitely be obvious to everyone. No need to ask "is it done yet?", my signature reveals instantly.
Actually, no it's more like Edge's budget = Titanic. In every sense of the word.
Credit cards are dangerous. I'll say that much. My financial priorities are seriously twisted.
(I'm no millionaire!)
Credit cards are dangerous. I'll say that much. My financial priorities are seriously twisted.
(I'm no millionaire!)
LOL - yep:
...only this time I really mean it. Heh.
Even though I was given a very nice loaner by MoS for MOTD (as a consolation of sorts), it still wasn't the same. No more! I want my own MINI!
Even though I was given a very nice loaner by MoS for MOTD (as a consolation of sorts), it still wasn't the same. No more! I want my own MINI!
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 723
Likes: 0
From: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Guys, I've H/K and want to upgrade it. What do you think I should do? Get the DPSM? I will never go the way Edge went. I will never allow the dealer to mess my car this way. Any other solutions to stay OEM and upgrade the H/K???
So to answer your last question literally: No. You can't truly stay OEM and upgrade the H/K... unless you want to do something insane like I did (yeah right!). MINI simply doesn't offer any official upgrades for the H/K - only for the regular Boost system (for which the upgrade is the DPSM).
OVERDRIVE
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,233
Likes: 128
From: San Francisco
Depends on what you mean by "stay OEM". There is no OEM upgrade for H/K (DPSM wasn't designed for upgrading H/K). However you can keep the OEM headunit and replace the H/K amp and speakers with aftermarket.
