I recently watched a great episode of Tricked Out where a MINI was worked on to improve the stereo system.
The actual work done on the MINI was nowhere near extreme – they just added an amplifier and subwoofer to the car, leaving the factory head unit and speakers. But the program goes into excellent detail on the work involved.
If you visit the Tricked Out website, you will find a detailed step-by-step photo sequence showing the removal of the MINIs head unit, connecting wiring adaptors and line level converters, running wires to the trunk and connecting to an amplifier, and finally installing the subwoofer.
The subwoofer is particularly interesting since it is custom shaped for the MINI and uses space behind one of the “cubby” storage spaces in the trunk to give extra resonance space with minimal intrusion into the trunk.
I could not find any reference on the Tricked Out website, but a quick bit of Googling found me this page which looks to be the same enclosure …
If you did not see the Tricked Out episode, and prefer a video guide to removing the MINI head unit, here’s a video that I captured from the broadcast:
M&I / GBMINI 
Ian –
Any plans of further audio mods to GBMINI #3?
I am trying to plan the audio install for my pending (spring 06′) MINI and I can’t seem to decide which direction to go.
Any personal thoughts and feedback on your different audio systems in GBMINI 1-3 would be appreciated.
-Randy
Randy,
I am very happy with GBMINI#3 stereo system (all aftermarket with “stealth” 8″ subs); the only change I would consider would be adding satellite radio – but my previous experience with it was very poor.
GBMINI#2 (HK amp with aftermarket head unit) was OK but lacked the deep bass that I now have – not the sort that gives you and your neighbours headaches, but proper “musical” deep bass.
GBMINI#1 was always only a temporary MINI; my only change with it was aftermarket rear speakers which improved the sound somewhat.
My NUMBER ONE best choice was an expert stereo installer with MINI experience – that choice beat anything I could have made regarding brand of speaker / head unit / amp / etc.
The stock MINI stereo is OK for listening to the radio.
The HK upgraded system is very good but in my experience lacks deep bass – and many people complain maximum volume is not enough.
Best aftermarket systems however can easily cost $2K and up! Unless you want to abandon driving, road & wind noise makes extreme $$$ pointless.
Thanks for your insight. I really like your sub-box install in GBMINI #3.
I am planning on transplanting my current Alpine CD headunit along with it’s iPod adapter. I’ll initially transplant my speakers and amplifiers over (Nakamichi Speakers and Alpine amps) but the subwoofer enclosure is really the unknown.
Thanks again-
Randy
That video certainly makes things harder than they need to be (especially with the near-impossible removal of the side mirror switch panel); instead of touching the bottom center console I instead pop out the bottom of the center dash and pull the tops of the downtubes back, then up and out. But it is nice for a show to be so detailed.
Josh – I also remove the downtubes as you describe; but I have some great details & pics from a MINI circuit buyer showing a new way to do it, which at least works on newer MINIs … coming soon 😉
Almost a nice find. This sounds kinda poo to me:
“Power handling can range from 100 watts to 300 watts.”
Seems kinda low for a sub.
Here is my project from years ago. It is a long read.
The rearspeaker enclosures were created by foaming in the area (read it). New drivers, dynamat, and amps are needed. I can drive myself out with clear solid sound. I think you be deaf at half volume. The car looks stock and I like the stock head with speed variable volume.
That’s an excellent install – can’t imagine why I never saw that thread before (or maybe I did and just forgot).