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MINI Cooper Audio & Entertainment System Questions

27 messages,  Last post on Feb 07, 2013 at 4:24 PM

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What is this discussion about? MINI Cooper, Audio, Hatchback

Messages Page 2 of 4

#2 of 27 Basic Operating Instructions by bardot

Jun 08, 2007 (10:53 am)

Hi All:
New to Mini Cooper S ownership. 2007 model with less than 500 miles on odometer - still working on first tank of gas.
Usually - can puzzle out with some common sense and liberal dose of manuals - how to.... operate the radio for example. Whimsy is good - and the off the wall styling is distinctive. But, could'nt there be specific steps to follow to ...should one be so bold as to want to go from am to fm. Is there anywhere on line where one can find instructions just a tad less succinct than that boost cd "press lightly" handout included with owners manual?
Regards to all> and the car is a blast. Oh - and where is the release catch so I can work some magic ...under the bonnet (yet).
Barry

#3 of 27 Re: 2007 Cooper S - HiFi Speaker Questions [elanning] by bodble2

Jul 26, 2007 (9:20 pm)

Replying to: elanning (Jun 06, 2007 10:53 pm)
I would guess another one would be right on top of the dash in the middle. And probably a subwoofer in the back somewhere.

#4 of 27 Re: Basic Operating Instructions [bardot] by bodble2

Jul 26, 2007 (9:21 pm)

Replying to: bardot (Jun 08, 2007 10:53 am)
"...where is the release catch..."
 
Under the dash on the driver's side.

#5 of 27 Re: 2007 Cooper S - HiFi Speaker Questions [elanning] by wongkid

Sep 02, 2007 (7:32 am)

Replying to: elanning (Jun 06, 2007 10:53 pm)
There are 3 speakers in each door (two are stacked closely together by the open door handle). I wasn't aware of any top-of-dash speakers, but if they exist, then you have 10 total. If top-of-dash speakers don't exist, then, note that the rear speakers are "dual voice coil", and if each voice coil is driven by a separate channel from the amp (the HK comes with a 10 channel amp - presumably one channel per speaker), then that could be considered "10 speakers". Also, here's a popular stereo-geek article on Mini stereos. http://www.in2guitar.com/minihkreview.html.

#6 of 27 Re: Hood (bonnet) release) by wongkid

Sep 02, 2007 (7:35 am)

Replying to: bardot (Jun 08, 2007 10:53 am)
Since you called it a bonnet, possibly you are in GB. Anyway, here in the states, I had to actually call the dealer to ask the same question. Basically, quirky engineering on my 2003 Cooper S left the hood release on the right side (passenger, not driver's side here in the US, on the far right "wall" just under the glove box. Good luck.

#7 of 27 NEED Harmon Kardon Mini Amp by wongkid

Sep 02, 2007 (7:38 am)

Mine's fried and want to avoid paying full-retail-dealer price for the 10 channel Harmon Hardon amp. Anyone got a used one (anyone wreck a Mini recently - horrors), or know where I can get a new or used one at a discount (in the U.S.)? Thanks

#8 of 27 mini sound improvement? by jaar819

Nov 11, 2008 (7:26 am)

i just pruchased a 2009 clubman and debated about getting the 10 speaker, premium audio system, but in the end decided against - and now i am regretting it. could someone recommend the best way of improving the sound without spending much more than the $500 it would have cost originally? ideally, i guess, i would want to simply install a power amp and replace the speakers with better ones of the same size. would this be sufficient? thanks.

#9 of 27 Re: mini sound improvement? [jaar819] by ltq

Nov 11, 2008 (4:33 pm)

Replying to: jaar819 (Nov 11, 2008 7:26 am)
I've got a 2008 Clubman S and gritted my teeth, went for the 10 speaker setup. Sounds OK. Worth $500? Maybe, but ONLY because the std system is so BAD. If you sign up for, then look on the MINI owner's lounge, the factory guy describes what you get for 500 smackers.
From various readings, my estimate is that installing any after-market system will be an absolute nightmare, yet the factory version will cost you a fortune in labor at your dealership. So what to do? If you upgrade only your six speakers (6x9 's in the back, 5.25 in the front), that might be the only cost-effective way to improve your system.
Be careful when buying speakers - on the "Hi Fi" system I have, the speakers are a weird 2-ohm (maybe because the 8-channel amp is digital?). It might be hard to find the correct speakers......
FYI, the main speaker connector is in the left side of the drivers footwell for the Clubman - mine was loose upon delivery, so the mechanic showed me where it was.

#10 of 27 Re: 2007 Cooper S - HiFi Speaker Questions [wongkid] by ltq

Nov 11, 2008 (4:37 pm)

Replying to: wongkid (Sep 02, 2007 7:32 am)
In the Clubman at least, here are the 10 speakers: 2 tweeters in the A-pillar, 4 in the doors, and the rears are 6x9 (with far smaller grill) with tweeters visible in the upper front corner.

#11 of 27 Re: mini sound improvement? [ltq] by jaar819

Nov 13, 2008 (6:45 am)

Replying to: ltq (Nov 11, 2008 4:33 pm)
thanks for the response. i am currently engaging mini about the malfeasance associated with putting a stereo of such low quality in a car like the mini. talk about hitting your head repeatedly against a wall (ouch). actually, all i really want from them, or anyone else who reads this, is a practical way of improving the sound within a $500 budget. the 6 speakers should be sufficient. the remedy could involve changing the speakers, the receiver, the amplifier or installing insulation inside the doors that serve as the speaker cavity.

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