Entertainment Electronics 2nd Gen After market Radio install.

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by MCS02, Oct 11, 2017.

  1. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Ok I know asking a question around here is like pissing in the wind, lately, but I will try.

    So as everyone may know my HK crappy amp or maybe the radio is going out. If the car sits in the heat thats when the trouble starts. I called a trusted car audio shop about a new system they said around $900 to start and goes up from their for a new system but it would have a lot of options. Thats installed.
    I am thinking about looking into doing my on install. I have read Rastoff wright up about his ordeal. Has anyone els done a install on a Gen2 car?

    Why not a amp? I do not want to pay $1000 for a pice of crap that will just go out agin. I can't find a R58 amp on fleaBay. The R58 amp bolts up differently because it is under the drivers seat, that has to come out to get to the amp.

    Yes I am in a bad mood, I am half way through my coffee, maybe I will feel better when I am done. but for now I am off to the Mini dealer.
     
  2. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    Lee I have your answer...... :smilewinkgrin:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I understand your angst. Those darned radios are a royal pain. The one in Babs clubster makes sound, but loses the display in hot weather. If we think our radios are a pain the F56 seems worse.
     
  3. Qik

    Qik Well-Known Member

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    I'm sure you could find a replacement amp at eMINIparts.com just shoot them a message.
    That being said, I've not installed an aftermarket system in my MINI but do have experience with car audio. You can do an aftermarket amp, I don't see a reason you couldn't. HOWEVER, if you do go aftermarket you'll need to direct wire your speakers. Or you should. Any time I've worked on a stereo, if there's an existing factory amp you need to bypass it. The only reason I haven't gone aftermarket (aside from the fact the HK sounds A-ok) is the info screen on the speedo. I don't care for non functioning displays.
    Get you a nice head unit and some nice speaker wire. Running speaker wire is easy stuff. If you want an amp it's just as simple you'll just have to run more wires and find a place to stash the amp. Or screw it on the back of the rear seats but hide/anchor your wires.

    All in if doing the install yourself can be under $500 depending on what options you want your receiver to have.
     
  4. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #4 MCS02, Oct 11, 2017
    Last edited: Oct 12, 2017
  5. Qik

    Qik Well-Known Member

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    10-4, that's pretty cool! Can tell the quality is a little lacking compared to the stock unit as well. I've also seen kits that just plug the spot where the old display and knobs were and that too is a possibility but I like the existing equipment better. I do kinda miss the way old cars are when it comes to stereo's. Easy swaps are my fav :)
     
  6. fishmonger

    fishmonger Well-Known Member

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    I just put a full setup with amp into my blue R53. Spent most of the time removing panels, seats, etc - then wired it up, then more time spent putting it back together. The audio install itself isn't that time consuming.
     
  7. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Yea on my R53 I have a Alpine unit and 12in sub. I like the nice crisp sound of it.
     
  8. Zapski

    Zapski Well-Known Member

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    I’m betting that the fact that it says iPod and not iPhone plus the discount means that it’s an older unit that probably won’t work too well with a phone directly, so don’t be surprised if that’s what you’re expecting.

    Otherwise, electric tape shoud take care of that white no problem ;)
     
  9. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    I called a junk yard here in town, the import parts guy is a BMW fanatic and really knows his BMW and MINI. He found a amp for me for $247. For that price I can replace it 4 times for the cost of a new one. It should be here Tomorrow or Monday.
    Zapski, I use click wheel iPods in both my Minis. I don't know why but I prefer them to using my phone. For the Helmet I got a U2 iPod. All U2 iPods are the enhanced ones, the sound is much better on the enhanced ones. Plus it is Red and Black so it matches and I am a U2 fan.:D
     
  10. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Sell it on fleebay and buy an OEM amp and keep you MINI all MINI..

    ipod.JPG
     
  11. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    Mod that bad boy Lee.

    [ame="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Auto-4-OR-8-Track-Car-Player-Chrome-Muntz-Stereo-UNTESTED-Parts-Repair-/122732443816?_trksid=p2385738.m2548.l4275"]Vintage Auto 4 OR 8 Track Car Player Chrome Muntz Stereo UNTESTED Parts / Repair | eBay[/ame]
     
  12. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Turn off the radio and listen to the motor and exhaust. :devil:
     
  13. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Go vinyl or go home...

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  14. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    :lol::lol::lol:I like U2 but not that much! I paid 50 bucks on fleabay,

    Hay last week I was at a estate sale and they had a 8 track/recored player for sale with 8 tracks. I almost bought it!

    Well yesterday day the junk yard called and said the yard they were getting the amp from had already sold it on......you guested it eBay. So he called another one that said they had one but it was still in the car. They then called and said they could not find the amp. They had looked in the rear quarter panel and taken both seats out but did not see it. He called to ask me where it was. I told him under the drivers seat under a panel. He is going to call them today.

    Maybe I should just get another exhaust and do what Dave said!
     

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