The power steering sound might be normal since the electric pump usually has a whine to it.

On the key/battery, if you don't want to do it yourself, there's a member on here who has repaired or replaced the batteries for others in the past. This post he started has info on early, face-lift rechargeable, and flip-key modifications: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rbishment.html

 

So it looks like my stereo is toast. It is stuck on 1 channel and I can't change it. None of the buttons work. I am looking at getting a cheap stereo off of ebay. What do I need to install it? Car Stereo Would this one work in the Mini?

 

I have no idea you can get a new head unit that cheap. This is why there is this trade war brewing . Unless you have HK, I don't see why not, if you are an undiscriminating audio listener. I have given up on advising people on audio fidelity. It is like straight ahead jazz. You either get it or don't.

 

Would I need any mounting brackets or anything?

 

It should come with a single DIN basket which should fit right into the Mini's single DIN slot. You will need to either but the connectors off the factory harness and splice into the wires, or buy a harness adapter if you want to preserve the ability to revert back to the OEM HU. Since you are going all cheap, I will not bother with the adapter.

 

Thank you for all your help. From what I have read I will need an antenna adapter ISO-Din to make the radio work. I wonder if I would also need a fascia plate or would it just fit in there?

 

Yes, the Mini HU uses a funky European antenna connector. You will need an adapter. The eBay HU should not require a facia plate if it is true single DIN. I would just wait if I were you.

 

I will order the stereo and the antenna adapter.

 

Also, keep in mind that the audio controls on the steering wheel will not work.

 

Does your MINI have the upgraded Harman Kardon system, or navigation?

 

How would I know? Check myminivin?
This is what myminivin says. Radio, BMW Business/MINI Boost
No it does not have the navigation.

 

if your door speaker grill looks like this - no HK.





I didn't bother mentioning steering control since you are going all cheap and the HU obviously is not economical to repair or replace with same.

 

That is what my door looks like.

 

No speakers nuthin'

 

If your speaker grill looks like this, you have HK, and the HU swap gets very complicated. And most likely you also have the steering wheel control too.

 

I will have to run out to the car and check this out. It does have steering wheel controls. I will have to see how much all of this is going to cost.

 

what changes did you see/hear when going from stock to DDM?

 

changing things up a bit. I can get a used Pioneer deck and then get this Link. This should be all I need to hook everything up and get it working.

 

Good. You are now up to speed. I actually forgot that you do need that facia trim but I did mine change 12 years ago. You are on your own now. Do remember the steering wheel control adapters typically are made for the name brands.

 

I know that now. There is a lot to know. That is why I changed from a generic stereo to a pioneer. The link above supports Pioneer. Little more than I wanted to spend but it will all work.

 

I just pulled my stock receiver out of my 04 R53 HK system...the amp was toast so I'm replacing everything....the receiver is yours for the cost of shipping from NC if you want it

 

Wow that is very nice of you . Will this even work? I only have the base HU and not the HK .

 

No. Not worth the trouble.

 

The base and HK both use the same head unit. The HK is in the wiring, amp, and speakers.

 

As long as the head units are the same and my wiring harness will fit I see no harm in trying it. Can you take a picture of the front of it for me?