Well after having the factory radio for less than 24 hours I removed it. I found some of the instructions on here, motoring file and crutchfield to be useful but none were 100% correct.

Wildone just removed hers the other day and she commented on how her driver's side down tube was a T25 screw and the other side was T20. Then another fellow chimed in about how they should be all T20's now even though they used to be different sizes. Well, mine came off a different line then because my brand new MINI had T40 screws on the driver's side and T20 on the other.

Also, the instructions on MINI2 said to remove the down tubes I could remove a T20 screw that was on the passenger side near the glove box which was holding the trim around the speedo on. Then I could pop it up a bit and slide out the down tubes. They even had a pic. Well, on mine the screw was on the driver side NOT the passenger side.

Bottom line was I got it in and it looks great. I love the new radio already. I got a Panasonic which plays WMA files and has a kick **** display.

I also installed the euro shelf and that was just as frustrating for some reason. It is in as well though so now I don't care.

Was going to take pictures today but its raining. If it stops I may take some interior pics.

 

Which stock radio did you have?

 

Non-HK. Standard radio.

 

Has the sound quality improved since you swapped out the deck?

 

I'd say yes but that's mainly because of the different sound options on my new radio. As far as loudness goes it's the same except I can crank it louder.

I'd like to replace the speakers down the line. Depending on the music it either sounds ok to fabulous.

Love the radio. I have 60,000 WMA files on my computer so now I can burn them onto discs ten albums at a time and take the vast majority of my collection into my car.

 

MINI2 is heavily biased towards the UK. When they say "driver's side", I always make sure to find out if they're talking about the LEFT side or the RIGHT side of the vehicle. Don't know if that's what happened in your case, but it's good to keep in mind.

 

Judging by the picture posted on the MINI2 site I would say that's not what happened. But I never thought about that while cruising the MINI2 site. Good thing to keep in mind so thanks for bringing it up.

 

I found the parcel shelf install to be oddly difficult as well, in case it makes you feel any better.

Glad both installs worked out for you! 60,000 songs???!!! WOW.

 

What are you going to do with the stock radio? You have a 2005 MINI? I might be interested in buying it from you.
Mike

 

My stock radio was sold before I even had the car. In fact it should be delivered to the NAM member today.

And yeah, 60,000 songs is a lot. I have over 1,000 albums archived on my computer.