So, I decided to change my h/u on my MCS today. Well no biggie, I've done it on loads of cars before, I even did it on another car today. So, after having a closer look, I decided that a DIY guide would be useful. Just take a look at this, nobody at BMW has ever heard the expression "less is more" apparently.
Removal of the dash downtubes is required for changing the head unit or installing the toggle switch panel.

Each dash downtube is screwed to the radio-a/c-toggle-switch cluster. The top of each downtube is covered by the dash center fascia [surrounding the speedometer and two air vents], and the bottom of each is anchored in the center console.

To remove them, use the following tools and instructions:

• Torx screwdrivers (T40 and T20)
• #2 Phillips screwdriver

1) Remove the 2 torx screws (T40 or T20) from each downtube:2) Provide clearance under the dash center fascia for the top of each downtube by either of the following:3) Remove the gearshift surround:4) Remove the side-mirror adjustment unit:5) Remove the 2 Phillips-head screws now visible.

6) Remove the Phillips-head screw from the middle of each cupholder.

7) Provide clearance:8) Remove the T20 torx screw that secures lower passenger side edge of the dash center fascia near the airbag panel:

9) Provide clearance:

Pop the lower clips of the fascia by grabbing its lower edges and giving a medium sharp tug.

Pull the fascia outward just far enough for the tops of the downtubes to clear.

10) Remove the downtubes:Angle the downtubes toward you, pulling the tops under the dash center fascia, and lift them out of the center console:

1. Remove screws holding in stereo
   Remove the four screws that hold in the standard head unit. Pull the head unit out, and remove the wires from the back.
   
   
2. Insert fascia adapter
   Assuming you are replacing the unit with an aftermarket DIN sized one, you will need a fascia adapter available from Autoleads (pn FP-06-05). Insert this into the slot.
3. Attach wiring adapter
   Attach the appropriate wiring adapter for the year of MINI you have and the head unit you are using. The store that sold you your new unit should be able to assist with what adapter you need.
4. Slide in the cage
   Slide in the cage for your head unit. Push the metal pins out to secure it in.
5. Insert new head unit
   Attach the wires to your new head unit and insert it into the cage. Bend the pins on the cage if the fit is not as secure as it could be.
6. Refit dash downtubes

This has got to be the most complicated way of installing a stereo EVER. Even a Veyron would be easier to deal with. And just to make life a little bit easier, I didn't have the proper adapter.
</rant>
God, I'd really like to kick the responsible engineer in the ***** right now.

P.S Ignore the typo in the title
(images and text from the DIY section of Mini2.com)

 

Nice tutorial..I changed the thread title its Head unit not Hed unit...don't know if it was a typo or not...

 

Awesome DYI...thanks for the info!

 

Yeah, it was a typo, thanks for fixing it. I still can't figure out why they had to make the procedure so damn complicated, it's not like anyone is stealing oem head units nowadays.

 

excellent write up