Upgrade Mini SE standard radio system

My order confirmation says "Harmon Kardon credit" (in assembly now). I understood that meant that if it's not available, I'd get a credit of something like $550. Does anyone know if it's "certain" that that means that I'm not getting the HK system? I thought it was kind of a "wait and see" and I might get it...I need to ask the dealer, of course, and I guess in a few days they will know for sure whether I have the HK. I have a phobia about adding anything after-market to an electric car...like it's just too special to "mess with" after it's built....so I didn't think I'd change the stereo later if I don't get the HK.

 

Not sure what you mean by "too special". It's the same radio as the ICE cars.

 

what I mean is that perhaps the overall electronics are different and "adding a different stereo" later might mess up things

 

Not to worry, the high-voltage drive system is completely independent of the cabin electronics. Everything runs off a 12 V battery just as in a traditional ICE car. The SE has a traditional fuse panel with various fuses for different functions, such as radio. The high-voltage batteries are used to charge the 12 V battery, that's really the only difference.

 

I have the signature model (the 29,995 version of the car). The stereo is not great, especially on the highway when the road noise is loud. This is my commuter car and the audio is fine for my 5 mile commute to work. We don't take this car on road trips because of the combination of the low end stereo and seats I do not find to be comfortable on long drives.

 

if you are getting the credit that means you are getting the standard HK sound system. Which I think is 7 speakers instead of 10.

 

Interesting reason to not take the car on road trips. I see you didn't even mention the low range and slow charging.