1st Gen R53 Cooper S Aftermarket radio?

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by lr19, Aug 23, 2016.

  1. lr19

    lr19 New Member

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    #1 lr19, Aug 23, 2016
    Last edited: Aug 23, 2016
    I'm trying to install some kinda after market radio in my 2004 cooper S nothing fancy just somthing to Bluetooth music from my phone, have been reading that the Harmon speakers play a role in what I can do?
     
  2. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    It would help all of us to help if you list the year and model for MINI you have.
     
  3. lr19

    lr19 New Member

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    Sorry it's 2004 cooper s


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  4. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    I think the HK systems are digital. If you put an after market radio in it you have to run new wires to the speakers.
     
  5. lr19

    lr19 New Member

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    Was trying to avoid that lol


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  6. lr19

    lr19 New Member

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    Anyone know of a way to at least add a aux port or somthing to existing?


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  7. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

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    Crutchfields has some info on systems and parts that work.
     
  8. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

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    Adding an aux port is trivially easy....you can do it blindly by reaching behind it and plugging in the adapter...you must unplugg the CD changer cable...but easy...about a $35 OEM part....maybe 30 minutes, including plug install....you pick.
    Do you have the hk?
    Picture of the door will show us yes or no positively.

    My suggestions....
    Use an aux port, and maybe a Bluetooth dongle if you want plugged into it for ease....
    Wait till when and if the HK amp fails....the run new wires AND be new speakers for a new head unit...
    I would caution you against going all in with a new head with the old amp...they are failure prone....
    They are not digital in gen1 but use weird impedance levels for speakers and use a speaker level inputs, not linelevels with non-std controls....
     
  9. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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  10. lr19

    lr19 New Member

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    Yes I have the HK system


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  11. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Ugh that sucks, just instal the OEM AUX cable like ZippyNH said.
     
  12. lr19

    lr19 New Member

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    Was looking at crutch field it's showing some digital units that are supposed to work with HK


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  13. lr19

    lr19 New Member

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    The aux cable might be the easier solution though


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  14. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    You would need to call Cruch tech support to confirm. The link to the Alpine unit I posted is for a very good head unit. :Thumbsup:
     
  15. lr19

    lr19 New Member

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    Does anyone know where the aux cord goes to? Is it a glove box setup?


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  16. lr19

    lr19 New Member

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    Ya so you think the aux cord is a better idea? I actually just had to replace my amp, 275 bucks! But looks like they have them for like 1k from factory


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  17. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Yup it plugs into the back of the OEM radio and goes anywhere you put it. Most people put it in the glove box.
     
  18. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

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    You can drill a hole and install it ANYWHERE
    Some do glove box...some do a downtubes....depends...easy.
     
  19. lr19

    lr19 New Member

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    Gotcha I was trying to avoid that lol my wife has a VW and hers is in the glove box it's kinda annoying when riding with her and a cords laying on yours legs!


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  20. lr19

    lr19 New Member

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