Comments on: New Stereo Installation

By: Ian C.

Ian C. — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 21:35:46 +0000

Hugh,
You’re right – the dollar exchange rate hurts Mikeys prices somewhat.
Looks like you can get the Alpine for maybe $300 shipped, so you’re paying $110 for the adaptors compared with Â£75+shipping ($150 maybe) for Mikey.

Installation is plug and play to a European (ISO) head unit but probably not to the one you plan to buy.

I use Mikey / NewMINIstuff because they are very supportive and knowledgeable in the MINI community.

I’ll be interested to hear how you like the Alpine …

By: hugh

hugh — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 21:04:52 +0000

BTW, there’s a VERY interesting thread currently running on MINI2 about installing the Mini aux input. .http://www.mini2.com/forum/interior-ice/115306-aux-port-install-help-2006-mini-cooper-s.html

(1) the Aux input can be installed without removing the radio. Just take off the knee bolster, feel around behind the radio, and snap in the connector.

(2) better audio can be achieved using a Ziplink dock adaptor cominging out of the dock instead of a plug coming out of the earphone. This way, the iPods amplifier is bypassed.

Full particulars in this infomative thread.

By: hugh

hugh — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 20:53:55 +0000

Dear Ian:
I am just about ready to replace my oem non-hk with an Alpine CDA 9857. Although a bit more expensive than the ’56, I’m doing it for it’s mfsw hardwire capability and also, at Crutchfield, the $29 ipod cable, antenna adaptor, facia, harness and shipping are included in the $349 price. Shipping is free, and no sales tax collected.

But I will need to buy the $60 PAC SWI-ALP, which is the non-ir mfsw interface, also shipped free.

With the pound exchange and shipping, Mikey the Mini’s harness would run me twice as much! Is there any reason why his harness would be a better choice? The only advantage I can see is less space being taken up because only a single unit is needed. And perhaps easier to install?

Your opinion would be greatly appreciated.

Hugh

By: Ian C.

Ian C. — Mon, 13 Mar 2006 02:59:11 +0000

I’ve never needed to remove the side mirror controls when doing stereo installation work …

By: cody

cody — Mon, 13 Mar 2006 01:00:49 +0000

I just added an AUX port on my MINI, thanks for the detailed directions – I never expected that I would have to take off so much to get to the radio.
Just to add: when removing the side mirror control panel, it’s easier to get a very very thin screwdriver and slide it carefully underneath the panel and pop it out.

Great, detailed instructions.

By: john napoli

john napoli — Sun, 16 Oct 2005 16:17:08 +0000

WOAH!, thanks so much, need to remove the stereo to get to the CD changer to install my iPod adapter. you laid it out perfectly. great site!

By: Andrew Pratt

Andrew Pratt — Thu, 14 Jul 2005 16:15:49 +0000

Do your steering wheel controls work with the stereo?

By: Ian Cull

Ian Cull — Fri, 15 Apr 2005 16:24:36 +0000

Robert,
As we have discussed privately, PowWeb continues to have database problems giving trouble to many of their customers with no sign of improvement. You will not be surprised to learn that I am progressing with *another* web hosting move!

And yes, the alarm light has been moved to the lights stalk – except that MINI apparently forgot to do it and the stalks are on national backorder, which is why GBMINI#3 still does not have an alarm installed

By: GSKChicago

GSKChicago — Fri, 15 Apr 2005 15:59:52 +0000

The alarm light is on the other side of the steering column now, right?

By: RB

RB — Fri, 15 Apr 2005 15:28:51 +0000

Hum, I wonder why they did not just put that on the dash somewhere? It seems like the alarm lite is more important. I always thought the flat tire indicator lite, that’s down by the ebrake on my ’02MCS, was in a funny place, also.