Auxiliary Audio Input conflicts with Harman-Kardon?

[Belayman]

Hey everyone... my wife and I picked up our MCS last night :clap: from Global Imports in Atlanta. Everything is "ok" (considering some things had to be re-ordered because they were incorrect)... but there was one "issue" that arose:

We had specified to the salesperson that we wanted the Auxiliary Audio Input for my wife's MP3 player. we also ordered the Harman-Kardon stereo. last night, when we picked it up, the MCS came with the H-K stereo, but the saleswoman said that the Auxiliary Audio Input was not compatible with the Harman-Kardon... so it was left out. I was disappointed, and thought this very strange, but we were just excited to get the MINI, so we let it slide at the time.

Well... today, I called MINI of Nashville (TN) and asked them if it was possible to put the auxiliary audio input in with the Harman-Kardon stereo... they looked it up, called me back, and said it was no problem at all. I told them what Atlanta MINI said, and they Nashville Service Rep said, "they gave you incorrect information."

(just for reference... i'm in Huntsville, AL... so Nashville is actually closer to me than Atlanta... but my wife works for a company in Atlanta, so she/we go there a lot.)

so... i'm here asking you guys... have you heard of any conflicts between the auxiliary audio input and the Harman-Kardon stereo? it would not surprise me in the slightest if Global Importants in Atlanta was wrong... i've almost decided to never talk to them again (this type of "incorrect information" was a consistant theme throughout our buying process)... but, i wanted to ask you guys just in case.

so... does anyone have any experience or knowledge into this issue? i'd appreciate any and all comments.

thanks a ton!

[///MDriver]

I hate to say it, but I think they lied to you. I do not see why the input would not work with the HK. The headunit is the same IIRC, but the speakers are different. Go back to the place you got the car and demand an input.

[jmciver]

Not to mention the fact you could probably install it yourself. The Mini is very easy to work with when it comes to stuff like that. I have had my Mini for 2 weeks now and have already made a few electrical mods.

[Belayman]

Thanks for the replies...

I'm not going to go back to Global Imports in ATL... they are obviously a bunch of idiots... i'm not even sure that they know what the auxiliary audio input is.

nashvill MINI seemed like a good place... the service tech i talked to seemed very sharp. i'll go to them for the audio input.

thanks again for the replies.

[Computurk]

OMG, my dealer said the exact samething to me and bunch of other stuff I was very disappointed with. Some dealers just do not spend the same energy in the repair and service needs of the car as they do when they are selling the car to you.

Here is the info for my '04 3.30ci:

Harman Kardon AM/FM stereo/CD audio system with 12 upgraded speakers (including 2 subwoofers), upgraded amplification, and vehicle-speed-sensitive equalization; Pre-wired for 6-disc CD changer and auxiliary input

Simple as that. I am waiting for an answer from them. I will try to post if I am able to get it done. Let us know about your setup.

[G. P. Burdell]

Belayman,

I'm not terribly surprised to hear about your problem.

I speak from experience with our family's recent (and somewhat turbulent) purchase of a Mini from Global Imports. My husband very nearly cancelled his order after the staff demonstrated an abject lack of knowledge about options and failed to keep up with memoranda from Mini USA.

You need to move up the chain of command and speak to the following gentlemen about the incorrect information you've been fed:

Mr. Dewayne Bowers - General Manager
Phone: 770-951-2697

Mr. Peter Steiner - General Sales Manager
Phone: Same as above

Their offices are in the new BMW car sales building.

Both Mr. Steiner and Mr. Bowers are very approachable and receptive to e-mails and telephone calls. They will get things done at the other end of the building. Mr. Steiner in particular seems intolerant of poor staff performance.

Even if you never set foot on the premises again, you'll help make things better for current and future Global customers (myself and my husband included).