This NAM thread from ShankRabbit leads you to a web page he created which details making an AUX input cable using bits & pieces salvaged from old computer parts!
Check out his web page for step-by-step details.
DIY AUX input
Another way to replace the HK
A while ago on NorthAmericanMotoring was another interesting discussion about upgrading an HK equipped MINI – the basic problem is that the HK amp requires to “talk” to the stock head unit (unless you fool it with an HKenabler); also the speakers are tailored to the HK amp, with no crossover (filtering is done inside the amp) and dual-voice-coil rear speakers.
However, there’s always a way if you work at it, and magic mini successfully replaced the HK amp while keeping the HK speakers – you can read his post on NAM here and see pictures of the install here.
With permission, I copied a couple of the most interesting pictures …
magic mini had hoped to fit the new Alpine in the original HK amp position, but sadly it did not fit (as shown in the pictures), so eventually the amp is installed on the floor of the trunk.
Great work magic mini, and thanks for permission to run this story. If anyone else is thinking of doing the same, please realize that you need a good understanding of wiring / speaker impedance / crossovers / etc to make it work!
Tricked Out – upgrading the MINI stereo
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 