Could someone please set the record straight regarding after market stereos in a Mini. I recently purchased a 2006 Mini Cooper S Convertible and it has the stock interior, no steering wheel controls and a standard CD player with AM/FM. I want to install a stereo that has Bluetooth, Pandora, USB and an Aux. imput jack. I have been told by the foremost British car mechanic in the area that any stereo other than the one it came with, even a factory model would not be compatible and could hinder the operation of the on-board computer. My regular car mechanic has told me similar stories. The local stereo installer has told me that he has installed many stereos in minis of various years and has never had a problem. I have installed countless stereos in cars and my biggest concern was the fact that the Mini has 6 speakers and I didn't want to lose the tweeters separation.

I have an appointment on Friday for a new stereo installation. Any comments?

 

Do you have the Harman Kardon Stereo Speakers ? You will know by looking at the bottom speaker cover on the door. It should say Harman / Kardon.

If it does I would keep the stock stereo. One is because if you have the steering wheel controls that how you control the factory Bluetooth / volume / radio selections.

Either way you can the factory hand free Bluetooth kit. Simple bluetooth kit. No center armrest integration.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/84110302897/


Either way you can the factory hand free Full Bluetooth kit. You will need the factory center armrest for this.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/84640404810/ES201283/



&

Factory Aux In which can be mounted anywhere, but most put it under the stereo or in the glove box, then you can run Pandora through your cell phone that uses:

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/82110153367/ES194874/




And can use a aux cable connector. For the 3.5 mm socket.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/61122153331/ES2145057/



You have a 2006 R52 MINI Cooper S Convertible ( 1st Gen )

The Head unit is the same on All MINI Models except for the 2007 & 2008 MINI convertible R52.

Let me know how it goes. You can go aftermarket, but you will need to buy a bypass cable for the amp if HK.

 

EDIT: I'm using the ECS handsfree kit in my R53 mini. more info on my OEM handsfree retrofit here

 

Update to thread:

Hello guys I just wanted to update the thread with some of the latest info from MINI.

We have received several kit from MINI with the Bluetooth UFL not in the package on newer stocked kits. They have determined that the kits before did come with the ULF before and the kits now will not come with the ULF. It will have to be purchased separately.

We tried to get the old ULF but it has been discontinued. We did some work and found an updated ULF module which is a shared unit on the MINI and BMW side . The ULF have had multiple super-session over the years.

So, this kit is much like the Gen 2 Bluetooth kit where the ULF module is separate. It has been updated on our website.

Thanks and I hope that helps with future installs.