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MG MGF Technical - Replacing the radio

Hello again

The missus has asked me for a new radio for Christmas to fit in her 2001 F. She'd like one with a few more toys than the factory fit unit, and especially one that plays MP3's (she's a nightmare for cramming cd's into every compartment she finds). Anyway, can anyone on here give me a 'heads up' on what its like to replace these?

Am I right in presuming it'll be the usual 'keys in each side and pull to remove' scenario, along with simply plugging in the new unit? Other thoughts I've had so far include whether I'll need an adapter block so that the radio connection and dash connection fit, and how are the tweeters connected?

From what I've quickly glanced at, it has the two rear and two door speakers, plus two tweeters.

Thanks in advance.

D Forber

If its the OE radio/cass or Cd unit it has a plastic panel thats flips out od the way each side then you need a small allen key to wind back the side fittings that hold it in place.
Joe one

The connections I think ISO spec did not need any adaptors when I changed my OE one to an aftermarket one,

The original head units were spec'd as having a speed volume feature the faster/noiser the car gets
Joe one

D,

The signal to the tweeters in split inside each door, via a "crossover" filtering circuit, so not an issue.

There are many head units on the market which offer MP3 functionality and some allow you to plug in memory cards.

I have noticed that most are designed for the "boy racer" brigade and are a wee bit brash for the F's console.

You might wish to offset the cost of the new head unit by selling the original one on eBay. They fetch a good price.

Good luck!

Sam
Sam Murray

When you're looking for a radio to connect your MP3 player to here's a couple of things to look out for -
1, is it an iPod or any MP3 player connection, as the conections are different.
2, is the connection from the rear of the unit or the front, if the rear you end up with a cable/wire that you need to tuck away when not in use, and you'll have to buy one as it probably wont come with the radio. If the connection is at the front it makes it a little easier to simply plug in the MP3 player when you need it and no trailing wires.

It's dead easy to swop the units, did mine in a few short minutes, and although my mp3 coonection is at the back the wire can be easily hidden.

Carole
Carole

Have you looked at the new gadget that is a small FM-stereo transmitter for MP3-players? Finally it got legal here in Sweden some weeks ago.I assume it is legal in UK too?
I use it on every longer journey,my Iriver MP3 is simply at a free FM-channel with excellent audio quality. And no need to make any changes to the original radio. A worthwhile change in the system is to upgrade the original speakers,they are really not very good...
Carl Blom

The only point I would make is to avoid changing to a head unit with an LED display.

With the hood down on a sunny day, it is impossible to read the display.

I have just binned my LED display Sony head unit for an LCD display unit from Blaupunkt. It has MPS capability through the CPD player but you can also buy an MP3 player lead.

P
Paul

The iPod iTrip FM transmitter is not legal in the UK, although it is readily available.

Although very convenient, as Carl says, the quality is nowhere near as good as a direct connection and is prone to inerference from external sources.

I agree with Paul, you should select a head unit with a good display.

:-)

Sam
Sam Murray

This thread was discussed between 06/11/2006 and 08/11/2006

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