I saw a green r53 on 280 heading southbound yesterday (driver if you happen to be lurking) that had a shark fin antenna instead of the RC car antenna the rest of us had.

It looked like a standard non nav dash (i could be wrong). I was wondering if anyone had a diy on which shark fin to use or how to install.

 

There is actually a specific OEM shark fin antenna available from Mini

 

oh sweet and it is plug and play and works with the standard non nav sound system?

if you have any more info I will be much appreciated!

 

Yes, its plug and play. Its designed for a vehicle with factory NAVd but it also works for non-NAV. The OEM part number is 84506918548 - Sewell Parts have it for $188 (but with your NAM discount this should come down to under $150). I replaced my RC antenna with it.

Beware of other 'factory fit' shark fin antenna's like this one on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/VW-GOLF-GTI-...item231d413205

I purchased a similar one, and while it fits wonderfully, the top of the hatch hits it when its open!! The seller then claimed they'd had lots of R53 owners that had successfully fitted it . . and never responded to me after that!!

 

And just so you know, I've bought a new antenna (I got a shark fin rather that the round'ish one I had) from a Mini dealer a while back and it didn't came with the nut to install it and it wasn't the same as the one I had on the car. So just make sure that either the nut you have fit or that you get one with the new antenna!

 

Good point - I bought mine used so it already came with the relevant nut - just make sure that you don't discard your existing one!