I've read about the audio package (with somewhat mixed reviews as far as stereo hardware quality), but I can't find it anywhere on the miniusa site when building a car. Is it unavailable now?

 

They dropped it for the '08 model year. You now have to buy the parts individually (at higher cost)

 

we're talking about the Hi-FI? interesting...
If it is, it's a nice upgrade but you would still need to upgrade the speakers..

 

No. For 2007 there was an audio PACKAGE (like Premium, Sports, etc) that included the Sirius satellite radio, HD radio, and the HiFi audio upgrade.
Actually it was delayed - I'm not even sure if it ever got released; maybe it simply got killed off.

For 2008, there's no package; you can still order the individual HiFi upgrade, Sirius and HD radio - but the total will be $2000 (the package last year was $1500, if it existed)

 

It did indeed exist; my MINI (week 36 build, I believe) has it. Since the HiFi upgrade is part of the premium package for 2008, they discontinued the actual audio package.

 

They must have had lots of complaints about the quality of the basic sound system!

 

More than likely. From what I've read here on NAM, it seems that just about everyone who has it hates it. IMO the HiFi system should be standard, with MINI offering a true HiFi upgrade on top of it.

 

Well, I guess since it has "go-kart" handling it has go-kart stereo as well. But for some reason it doesn't bother me so much. Like others have said, if you really want a good system, then just go aftermarket.

 

I love it in my car. I like good systems and I think for the $ this one does fine. Seems that I come from the dodge world into the BMW world so expectations are higher. This systems meets my expectations

 

Do you two have the base system or HiFi??? For me at least, the HiFi doesn't bother me at all. I plan to upgrade the front door speakers and that'll probably be it. However with the base system I was simply referring to what I've read here on NAM - I've never listened to it myself.

 

HIFI sounds ok for me as well. No real heavy bass but decent mids and highs. I got the audio package with mine, week 34 build.

 

I have the audio package...

 

I think the HIFI package was the biggest waste of 1400.00 I have ever endured. The speakers sound as if they are about to burst at the slightest hint of bass.

 

Well you definitely have to regulate the bass levels. I generally keep mine at 0 and never set it above 3 unless I'm going to have the volume barely turned up (treble is always on 6). That's my motivation to replace the front speakers. Being a of a rather cheap paper composition they simply cannot handle significant amounts of bass well at all. And it makes matter no better that the headunit/amp directs nearly all low frequencies to the front speakers.

 

I think i may follow your lead and replace the front speakers. You're talking about the 2 on each door? Does speaker replacement void anything?

 

Yep, just the lower ones in each door. A few members have gone all out and replaced the four smaller front speakers as well, but I find it unnecessary for my uses. It's not the mid-range or highs which are lacking, just that bass distorts the system to such a large degree. No problems with voiding your warranty by replacing speakers. Obviously if you blow one the dealer won't replace, but that's it.

 

I got the Audio Package. Mixed feelings on if it was worth the $1400. HD radio is neat, but I never listen to it. The lifetime sub to Sirius is what I really wanted, and the HiFi - which I'm most disappointed in.

 

What size speakers are in the door?

 

I know how you feel. In my first MINI, which I ordered, I opted for the HiFi uprgrade by itself. The only reason I sprung for the audio package this second time around is that I bought off the lot. I haven't used the HD radio once (not even sure if I get it in my area) but I do get pretty good use out of Sirius. I wanted it on my first MINI but couldn't justify the almost $1000 pricetag. The HiFi is somewhat of a disappointment but it sounds worlds better than the base system. Also I'm sure with a simple speaker upgrade it'll really shine. Granted one shouldn't have to upgrade an upgraded sound system, but what can ya do?

The lower ones are 5.25" (although many have installed 6.5" speakers in this opening without a problem) and the uppers are 3.5".