I'm told that all 2003 models are prewired for SIRIUS satelite radio, but need a special previously unavailable transformer to make it work. Now I'm told by one dealership that it's finally available, but that it won't work if you have the NAV system. In fact, I'm told that any aftermarket satelite radio system will mess with the NAV system. So then I call another dealership and they say there is no part available and don't know when there will be. (!?) ASKMININ doesn't know either but say that the dealerships are a better source of such information. Does anyone have both navigation and satelite radio (either XM or SIRIUS) in their MINI and if so, have you had any problems? I'm making a trip cross-crountry and it sure would be nice to have some tunes along the long stretches of highway.

 

>>I'm told that all 2003 models are prewired for SIRIUS satelite radio, but need a special previously unavailable transformer to make it work. Now I'm told by one dealership that it's finally available, but that it won't work if you have the NAV system. In fact, I'm told that any aftermarket satelite radio system will mess with the NAV system. So then I call another dealership and they say there is no part available and don't know when there will be. (!?) ASKMININ doesn't know either but say that the dealerships are a better source of such information. Does anyone have both navigation and satelite radio (either XM or SIRIUS) in their MINI and if so, have you had any problems? I'm making a trip cross-crountry and it sure would be nice to have some tunes along the long stretches of highway.


MiniMarc,

What dealer did you hear that it was available now? I've heard it would be available this month, I just didn't know when.

I have the NAV in my MCS and have done some research. Check this link at the Satellite Radio Forums that I asked some questions in (my screen name is "slodeanis&quot.

MINI Sirius System

The dealer is correct in saying that the Sirius Satellite System is not available for MINI's equipped with NAV, however it will still work. The only reason it "won't work" is because MINI designed a 2-in-1 antenna for both AM/FM & Sirius into one unit. This antenna replaces the whip antenna on non-NAV MINI's. I don't know what it looks like, but my guess is a shark fin look. Since NAV equipped MINI's have their AM/FM antenna built into the right rear side glass and the NAV antenna is the shark fin, the new antenna for Sirius won't work.

You CAN however buy your own aftermarket antenna and install the MINI Sirius system on NAV equipped MINI's. Apparently MINI found out the penetration rate for NAV equipped MINI's is too small to develop a 2-in-1 NAV & Sirius Antenna. The only problem is where do you mount the antenna so it doesn't interfere with anything and looks good?

I'm buying the Sirius for my NAV equipped MINI when available. If it's available now, I would like to find out which MINI dealer's are selling them now. I have a few ideas where I'm going to mount my aftermarket antenna, but I won't disclose that until I'm done with the work. I do work for a major auto-maker as a quality engineer, so this is just up my ally!

I'll keep you posted...

 

<<mount my aftermarket antenna, but I won't disclose that until I'm done with the work.>>

Oh common! I"m trying to find out which dealership said they had the parts, and as soon as I find it out, I'll post it. I do know that they said they were charging about $500 for parts and installation.

I'm now looking at installing XM instead with a Delphi system, but the problem remains of where to put the additional antenna. Disclose. Where were you thinking of putting it? Any suggestions would be welcome.

 

The parts department at MINI Long Beach (California) said they'll have the part ready to sell and install as of this Friday. Cost is $499 plus instalation, which was $192. If you have Harmon Kardon, the installation fee goes up. If you have the CD changer, the installation goes up. And if you have them both, it goes up a lo, as in over $1000. But they couldn't say for sure. (I have to add that I've never seen more unprofessional, uninformed salespeople at a dealership ever. EVER! These are the same people who said that the alarm system in the MINI doesn't have a motion detector, so always take whatever they say with a grain of salt).
Two other local dealerships didn't know when they would be getting the part but they all knew that it wouldn't work if you had the navigation system. They all gave different reasons: (1)because you can't have two satelite antennas on the same car, (2)because it'd go where the nav antenna is, so for asthetic or other reasons, they don't offer it; (3)because there isn't room for both the nav system and the SIRIUS unit. ?! It sure would be nice to have a straight answer.
My dealer is trying to find an answer and has his field rep on it as well. Hopefully I'll more information soon.

 

MiniMark

Just go to Best Buy or Circuit City and buy a XM unit that works with your existing system and mount the small antenna on the forward dash of the car. it is not obtrusive and works great. there is no change to the looks of your car.

_________________
Minian(^-^) DrkSlvr/DrkSlvr S/Sprt pkg/Aero/HK Sound(May Club)

 

I was going to mount the antenna under the dash just forward of the sunlight sensor for the auto climate control. This may or may not work, that's why I didn't want to disclose it yet, but I'll try!

I just got this email today from ASK MINI:

MINI is pleased to announce that Sirius Satellite Radio will be available for the MINI Cooper and Cooper S starting today, April 16th, 2003. The Sirius Satellite Radio is compatible with all 2003 models and later vehicles without factory Navigation systems.

Pricing is as follows:

MINI Sirius Satellite Receiver $299.00
MINI Satellite Roof Antenna $125.00
Cooper/Cooper S Installation Kit $75.00

In addition to the parts above, additional cables are needed if the vehicle is equipped with optional Harman Kardon audio system &/or optional CD-changer.

Extension Cable for Harman Kardon Audio $12.50
CD Changer Extension Cable $12.50

Please keep in mind that all listed prices are the manufactures suggested retail price (MSRP). Additionally, please keep in mind that your authorized MINI Dealer does determine the final retail price and any labor costs that might be involved for installation. I would also encourage you to discuss the available subscription plans with you MINI Dealer for this service as well.

If you are interested in getting the needed parts and having this exciting new feature for your MINI installed, please contact your service/parts department at your MINI Dealer. If you should have additional questions, please let us know.

LET'S MOTOR.

 

<<Just go to Best Buy or Circuit City and buy a XM unit that works with your existing system and mount the small antenna on the forward dash of the car. it is not obtrusive and works great. there is no change to the looks of your car.>>

The good folks at XM told me this could interfer with reception, but it sounds like you're proof that it works and works well. (They actually recommended placing the antenna on the glass) Do you have a photo? Would love to see how this looks. Thanks!

Also, I presume that you placed your XM unit under the toggle switches, behind the lighter? Delphi?

 

I put my Sirrus antenna inside the car on the Dash right infront of the red sensor next to the glass. I have had no problems, been using this for almost 6 months.

 

I recently took a trip from Misouri up the Pacific coast and back with my Kenwood Sirius system's antenna placed - not even mounted - on my front dash. The few times I had any drop-outs I would have had them with a roof mounted antenna as well ( I actually stopped and put the antenna on the roof to check).

For a long trip satellite radio is fantastic, I'm not sure it's worth the price for everyday use. A particular pet peeve of mine is that the NPR streams (the reason I got Sirius over XM) don't carry the "Morning Edition" or "All Things Considered" which are arguably the best shows on NPR.

You be the judge on content and value, but the system works well - even from the inside!

Steve

By the way, the Pacific Coast Highway in the MCS is about as close to heaven as you can get!

 

OK. I'm still a busy guy and might not be able to install my Sirius sytem from MINI until next weekend. I have to go out of town for a week starting this Thursday and just don't have time.

I received all of the components and took 4 pictures of the MINI Sirius Antenna. The antenna looks like something from Darth Vador (or however you spell it) They can be viewed at:


MINI Sirius Antenna/ Install Pictures


The actual Sirius Tuner is made by Alpine. The rest of the hardware is straight forward. When I got the system Friday, I plugged the antenna into the receiver, plugged in the existing CD Changer wires into the receiver that are located behind the right rear compartment door and then turned on the radio. I pushed the mode button and "SIRIUS" lit up on the display and I immediately got the preview channel.

Now I just have to finish the install. I'll keep everyone posted

_________________
Stewy was born on 2/20/03, Current Status: I picked him up today, 4-1-03!! MCS, DS/BL, Prem, Sport, Cold, Harman Kardon, Nav, PDC, Rain Sensing Wipers/Auto-Dimming Mirror, Black Panther Leather with Anthracite trim!

 

I recently spent several weeks in the San Diego/Los Angeles/Santa Barbara areas with a Sirius-equipped rental car. The content was pretty cool, but the number of dropouts I experienced was really disheartening. Frequent dropouts were, unfortunately, the rule and not the exception. I'm not sure if this is a region-specific problem or not, but what's the point of hearing your favorite tune at full volume just to have it disappear halfway through??

 

Yeah. Right. I'm going to pay to listen to the radio.

 

I'm all for paying for no commercials. When I commute 50 miles each way to and from work, there is nothing worse than listening to some stupid DJ or a bunch of dumb adds on how to add inches to your manhood the whole way to and from work. I like a broad range of music, so swapping CD's out all the time irritates me too. Different strokes for different strokes! =-)

I have XM now and do not experience any dropouts in the LA area. Maybe the antenna on your rental was not hooked up correctly or defective.

 

>>there is nothing worse than listening to some stupid DJ or a bunch of dumb ads on how to add inches to your manhood the whole way to and from work.
>>



X2

 

>>>>there is nothing worse than listening to some stupid DJ or a bunch of dumb ads on how to add inches to your manhood the whole way to and from work.
>>>>
>>
>>

 

I went ahead and bought the Delphi XM system on Ebay and had it installed under the center console, under the toggle switches. The antenna went on the front dash. The cable on the antenna is on the larger side of the antenna, the side that you need to face inward, so we raised the antenna slightly and ran the cable underneath. Looks fine. Works fine too. It does cut out occasionally, mainly when obstructed by trees or overpasses while facing north, but not enough to complain about. The XM receiver, while it looks great at night, being the exact same color readout as the rest of the car, it's nearly impossible to read during the day. And you have to take your eyes off the road to read it even at night. That's where the remote comes in. It's easy enough to program your favorite stations on the remote and just click away without even having to look at the receiver. It was a lot less expensive than the SIRIUS option offered by the dealer (if I didn't have the Nav system, which I do) and can swopped from car to car, even to the home stereo, all with only one subscription. I'll bet that the SIRIUS, however, is a lot easier to read on the MINI. The Delphi had among the smallest, most onobtrusive antennas I've seen and fits perfectly behind the "little dot" on the dash. (Don't know what the MINI SIRIUS antenna looks like installed on the dash or how well it fits). Over all, I'm very happy with it. Thanks for all your help, suggestions and comments.

 

Pictures??? I am wanting a system but not sure which one. No way will it be a MINI system though. Way to much $$$

 

Just an update. I completed the install of the MINI Sirius system on my MINI Cooper S with Navigation. The install went FLAWLESSLY. =-) Please remember that MINI does not sell the Sirius system for NAV equipped vehicles because of the lack of a 2-in-1 antenna for both the nav and Sirius. I didn't like this, so I created my own solution.

I will post some pictures on my yahoo site above later tonight of the aftermarket nav antenna that I used and mounted under the dash pad in the location already outlined by the factory. I routed the new nav antenna cable along the existing wire harness under the dash pad, down the passenger side foot well and under the passenger seat to the nav computer. I fully integrated this cable into the factory wiring so it doesn't look "aftermarket". The existing nav antenna cable I left in place, but just tied it out of the way. Same goes for the connector under the headliner in the rear for the shark fin. Just tied it out of the way.

The NAV antenna that I purchased is a Titan 3 available at

http://www.gpscity.com/accessories/a...htymouse2.html

for $59.95. It comes with various adaptors to plug into varius nav systems. MINI uses an SMB type jack on the nav unit. The Titan 3 comes with a SMB type plug, just like the factory cable. It works perfect!

The new nav antenna works perfectly and even works with my garage door shut! Amazingly, I even get Sirius reception with my garage door shut.

One thing to point out is that the MINI Sirius Antenna has about 1-1.5 mm of lift at the front edge of the antenna and about 0.5mm at the rear. It does not fit flush against the roof because of the thick gasket used. I followed the torque of 7-9 Nm so not to distort the roof. I wish there was a rubber gasket around the base of the antenna to hide this gap like the factory shark fin. If MINI is listening, please try to fix this! =)

 

MiniDean, I know you had XM and now you have SIRIUS. I'll be anxious to see which of the two services you like better. And I know we're all anxious to see your photos.

 

>>MiniDean, I know you had XM and now you have SIRIUS. I'll be anxious to see which of the two services you like better. And I know we're all anxious to see your photos.


I have XM in my "commuter" car now and haven't really driven the MINI since Sunday after my install. I'm driving my MINI to work tomorrow, so I'll have 50 miles of stop and go while playing with my new sirius system! =-)

I have some pictures posted now of my install. You can see them at

http://photos.yahoo.com/minidean2003

I still have some more pictures to post, but these are a start. Have fun!

Please note that I did some things that most people wouldn't do to their MINI's, so I am not accountable for anything you do. If you follow what I did, it's at your own risk. Just a note: I left all of the wire ties untrimmed in the photos to show you where I tied things up. After the photos were taken, I trimmed all of the excess tails for a clean install. I suggest doing the same.

I removed the Driver's Side Rear "C" pillar trim to secure the antenna cables to the existing wiring harness. Do not do this unless you dont mind buying a new trim piece for $60! There is a safety strap that connects the trim to the body for the Head Curtain Airbags. If you remove the "C" pillar trim, you will destroy it. I knew I was going to do this so I bought a new one before hand. The safety strap is to prevent the trim from flying into passengers during an airbag deployment. If you have to ask, I removed the trim so that I could apply special foam tape to the cables and tie them securely to prevent rattles. I'm **** retentive so don't ask. =-)

I attached the new nav antenna with both double sided tape (3M) and a large zip tie. This is how MINI shows it attached in the training manual I have (they don't mention double sided tape though, that's my deal...;-}).

Also, the instructions make no mention that you have to turn the tool bag velcro strap 90 degrees to get the tool bag to fit after the tuner is installed. This is for Harman Kardon equipped installs only. See my pictures for more detail. If you're planning to install a MINI alarm, this is now the time to do so. After the tuner is installed on H/K systems, it is not possible to access the opening behind the tuner to install the tilt sensor. If you install an alarm later, you have to take the rear trim and tuner out to install the tilt sensor. I already installed my alarm before my Sirius install, but it's something I realized to note.

I also installed the ALC (Antenna Level Control) Module to the tuner bracket (the rectangle box). I liked it here better. =-)

I will post more pictures in the next few days of the intstalled Sirius Antenna and what the tuner and tool bag look like with all trim installed (with the cover removed of course!).
_________________
Stewy was born on 2/20/03, Current Status: I picked him up today, 4-1-03!! MCS, DS/BL, Prem, Sport, Cold, Harman Kardon, Nav, PDC, Rain Sensing Wipers/Auto-Dimming Mirror, Black Panther Leather with Anthracite trim!