Double din conversion R56

[chillax]

Ok guys, so I'm seriously thinking about going down the double din conversion route with my Cooper. I've found the kit but it states on all the ones I've found that the kit only fits the auto climate control models, not manual a/c.
Looking at the air con/ fan controls, both look the same size? Not really sure what would stop it fitting so wondering if anyone here has done this mod.

Any info appreciated guys!

[CiderFex]

If it's manual a/c it needs to be moved down to accommodate the bigger head unit. I was gonna have one in GP1499 but decided against it when I found how much work was involved.
Plus I personally find that they are too low in a MINI to get a good look at the screen.


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[c9aan]

we have updated the head unit in the 56 got a local garage to do it Alpine single din with the storage tray , new surround fully fitted £400

[chillax]

If it's manual a/c it needs to be moved down to accommodate the bigger head unit. I was gonna have one in GP1499 but decided against it when I found how much work was involved.
Plus I personally find that they are too low in a MINI to get a good look at the screen.


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Hmm, it would be quite low down. So I take it because the manaul ac has to move down it won't line up with the holes in the replacement centre console trim?

- - - Updated - - -


we have updated the head unit in the 56 got a local garage to do it Alpine single din with the storage tray , new surround fully fitted £400

Any pics C9aan? And you got the name of the company? Is a hella lot of work involved so might be a better option to get a company to do it!

[c9aan]

68776877hope this helps

[chillax]

Thanks for the pic mate. Does the display on your speedo still work (for the trip computer etc)? Or is that done away with? Any more pics?

[c9aan]

no it doesn't work its one of the negatives of this fit. My other r56 has the updated stereo ie it has a usb port fitted as standard

[chillax]

Ahh, that was my other option, fitting an OEM unit from a USB equipped model but can't find one anywhere. I heard even that isn't straightforward either! So wondering where the company that did yours got the conversion kit, as I've not seen any for non climate control models.

[c9aan]

The company are on great western road in Glasgow
that's all I can remember but a quick google search should find them

[chillax]

Thanks bud!

[chillax]

Bummer, company selling the conversion kit confirmed its only available for climate control models. Will need to track down that company in glasgow!

[chillax]

Well, after checking up with a couple of companies I've decided against the dash conversion. Had a look at a Parott kit (with the bigger display screen) but decided against it as I don't really need Bluetooth (phone gets ignored if I'm in the car).

So found this
6899
Has a control unit which gets hidden, and gives me DAB/USB/iPod etc (the parrot didn't have DAB) so think it should be a decent upgrade over what's there. Going to replace the speakers too.

Quite like the look of this unit, anyone tried one before?

[Kettlepot]

What was the reasoning behind wanting to change stereos ?
There is a way around it all but it's a bit of work especially if you ever want to update any of the cars modules etc

[chillax]

A way round it? Im intreagued mate, tell me more. What modules?
The main reason was to have usb input, as mine doesnt have the usb socket and i hate having loads of cd's in the car. Plus the sound is pretty pants from oem stereo. Have done the harness upgrade but still would like better sound from it and dab

[chillax]

And typical! I've just found an OEM boost stereo that has Bluetooth and USB! But would it be plug and play, just swap it with my current one? Here's the link to it http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-MINI-SPEEDO-CLUSTER-BOOST-RADIO-BLUETOOTH-USB-R55-R56-cooper-clubman-/391726689030
If it is plug n play, I might get it

[Kettlepot]

Most of my knowledge is from aftermarket stereos rather than MINI ones. I have no idea if this is plug and play, it may (and probably will) need coding. I know someone has successfully installed an aftermarket stereo into the secret compartment and this could be wired into a channel swap adapter cable (leaving the oem wiring harness intact) and the speakers could be upgraded in turn.

I don't know how much this helps.


The other option depends if you ever want to update any of the cars modules and keep warning tones. If yes, you'd need to keep the stereo and controls complete. Possibly moved but complete.
If no, rip it all out and put an aftermarket stereo in

[Kettlepot]

Modules
There are loads, lighting, locking wipers, airbags etc you name it there'll be one.
The only time you need to update one is if you want to change something or if you have a problem or even replace the battery (as believe it or not also may need coding)

[chillax]

Thanks mate, didn't know there were so many! I'd heard that about the battery needing coded too, which is nuts! Seems it's all designed to make modding them harder/ more expensive.

[Kettlepot]

I think it's technology moving forward for the car to almost "self asses" and check for problems. Also everything is run through canbus so more need for modules

[chillax]

Yeah, think that's why I resent technology in cars nowadays, seems there's more electronics than mechanical parts to cars now ( lol can you tell I'm from the old school cars of the ,70's and 80's?)
I've heard the canbus mentioned quite a lot but have no idea what it actually is?

PS: resenting technology is even more bizarre considering I work in I.t.. lmao :D

[Kettlepot]

Canbus is a form of using one wire to operate different functions. I.e. Only 3 wires going to rear lights powering more different functions
Stop
Tail
Indicators left and right
Reverse
Fog
You get the picture, that's my understanding of it anyway. I'm sure it's more technical that that though


it's some freaky stuff.

[chillax]

Lol it is freaky indeed!

[chillax]

I'll throw up a new thread to see if the OEM Bluetooth stereo can be fitted easily.