Entertainment Electronics 2nd Gen Installed new radio - WOW

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by Rastoff, Aug 30, 2016.

  1. Rastoff

    Rastoff New Member

    Jul 13, 2016
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    The next time any of you hear me say, "Hey, I think I'll do a radio upgrade on my R56" just slap me. This is my first Mini and holy Torx bits Batman is it a pain to get to the radio. More than that, it's a pain to get anything to work properly.

    Even so, the upgrade will be worth it if I get all the kinks worked out. So, here are some notes if anyone heads down this path. This may have been said before, but maybe this will include some tidbit that you haven't seen before.

    I bought the radio through Crutchfield. This was a good move as they have decent tech support. I also purchased tho Axxess products; LC-BMRC-01 Wiring Interface and ASWC-1 Steering Wheel Control Adapter. If you buy the ASCW-1, be sure to update the firmware before installing it. It won't work correctly if you don't.

    The LC-BMRC-01 is great, but requires some modification. If you have the Harmon Kardon system, the harness wires that are supposed to go to the speakers won't work. You must run the speaker wires independently.

    The constant 12V wire (yellow) doesn't seem to actually be constant 12V. I measured it before making connections and it had 12VDC on it, but the radio isn't keeping some settings. I may have to run a wire to the battery. This means taking the whole thing apart again and I'm not looking forward to that.

    You will need to install new speakers. The 10 speaker system only works with the Harmon Kardon amplifier and that amplifier doesn't work with an aftermarket radio. If you want to use the factory speakers, you'll have to decide which 4 you want to use. This is not a good option because none of the factory speakers are full range drivers and it won't sound good.

    I put in 6 1/2", 2 way, coaxial speakers in the front doors. I removed the large, low factory speakers and put the new ones in their place. They fit just fine, but I had to drill new holes.

    I have 6"x9", 3 way, coaxial for the rear. I haven't hooked up the rear speakers yet because I haven't had time. I've mostly run the wires, but still need to remove the old speakers and install the new ones.

    I took pictures of the process, but haven't gone through them yet. I'll post them later.

    More to come.
     
  2. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

    Feb 24, 2013
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    It appears your on the final leg of your journey. Good luck with the last couple of items.
     
  3. GokartPilot

    GokartPilot Well-Known Member

    Jan 9, 2012
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    Maysville, North Carolina USA
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    Ha, I said the same thing when I did mine. I have never done a radio install that took as long as it did and have as many "gremlins". I am still working out issues, especially with the ASWC-1, thinking about buying a new one just to see if it will matter.

    Good luck with the rest of your install, I might hit you up for some info once you have buttoned up. :Thumbsup:
     
  4. Rastoff

    Rastoff New Member

    Jul 13, 2016
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    So Cal (Near Edwards AFB)
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    Well, I definitely have to hook up the battery. The radio isn't keeping it's settings. This means I have to take it all apart again.

    Sigh...such is the life of someone who wants decent sound...
     
  5. Rastoff

    Rastoff New Member

    Jul 13, 2016
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    So Cal (Near Edwards AFB)
    Ratings:
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    OK, I've finished the install. This really is a bear, but not impossible if you have a little time and know some stuff. I've learned a lot and in a little bit I'll post the complete process with pictures.

    In the end I spent about 13 hours total on this project. I'm sure I could do it in 6 now that I know some stuff. Still, I'd block out an entire day for this install.
     
  6. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
    Staff Member Articles Moderator Supporting Member

    Jul 31, 2009
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    Good job. The HK system doesn't make it easy.:Thumbsup:
     

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