I’m going through an absolute nightmare getting SIRIUS installed in my new MCS at MoS. Besides David Rockwell being a complete failure as a Service Advisor, it seems there has been a change in antenna and wiring for SIRIUS in the MINI. I had to wait a month after purchase for the antennas to get in from back-order and now the antennas won’t work. So now I have a separate antenna on for SIRIUS (could have gotten that at Circuit City or Best Buy). MoS is stating mine is the first MINI they’ve installed SIRIUS on since the antennas came in on back-order 2 weeks ago. It’s hard for me to believe this, because I know others have been waiting for SIRIUS. Has anyone else had SIRIUS installed in the past week by MoS or another dealer? Is anyone else having these same problems?

 

I had MoS install my OEM SIRIUS late last year, but because I have the factory Nav, I could not use the OEM antenna. I actually purchased and supplied a Terk antenna for the install, and so yes, I have a separate antenna for SIRIUS on my roof.

Sorry to hear of your problems - I don't think they get a LOT of OEM SIRIUS installs, because the receiver is much more expensive than separate aftermarket receivers.

I'm curious to know more about this "new" antenna though... I'll have to ask about it when I next talk to David or go to MoS. You don't have factory Nav, do you?

 

I bought the components from Classic MINI and, using the installation guides, installed the OEM SIRIUS in my own car. It was not incredibly difficult, but had a few tricky moments. The antenna does need to be changed out--the SIRIUS one looks like a glossy-black backwards Darth Vader helmet (or more like Dark Helmet's hemlet).

If your car has the HK stereo, it takes a little longer since you have to remove trim panels from both sides of the trunk area.

Also, if you use the CD changer or things like the Dension IceLink+ that use the pre-wired CD changer location, you also need to buy the CD changer extension cord.

So, you need:

SIRIUS receiver
Installation Kit
Antenna
(and maybe the CD extension cable)

It operates flawlessly, and is fully integrated into the radio's display and MFSW.

 

I don't have the NAV. The antenna they received sounds like the one you're describing, "Darth Vader", but they're saying it won't work. I've gotten different stories, but it comes down to the wiring from the antenna to the stereo. They say there are too many connections coming from the new antenna for the stereo. Brian Latimer, Service Manager, is contacting MINI to see why the antenna doesn't match up with the stereo and if there is a work around.

 

I received official word from MINI USA that they have made a change in the SIRIUS receiver.....

I did some research and was able to find more information for you.
MINI recently switched to a new receiver for the Sirius accessory. This
new receiver requires a second antenna for your MINI. There are still
some one piece antennas available, but the receivers that were
compatible with this antenna are no longer available. I believe this is the
source of the problem that you and Brian are encountering. At the moment,
the two piece antenna system is the only one that we have available.

There's no word as to when/if they will have a new 1-piece antenna and there are supposedly no "old" receivers remaining. So looks like I'm stuck with 2 antennas for a while anyway

 

I don't know when they made this change, but the OEM SIRIUS receiver that MoS put in my car was installed last November (2005), and it had 2 antenna inputs. I believe the 2-input system is an "older" design, because the new aftermarket SIRIUS antenna I bought for it only had one output, and I had to buy a special "splitter" from the same antenna company (Terk) to supply two outputs.

 

From what they've been able to tell me, this is a recent change.

They couldn't tell me why it was made, but they hope to have a new antenna, although they don't know when that will be.

 

Any idea if this new Sirius setup will work on pop tops?

Bernie

 

I may have found a work around to having 2 visible antennas with SIRIUS. Palo Uber MINI, www.paloubermini.com, offers an Under Hood SIRIUS & XM antenna mount.

Under the Hood Sirius & XM
SKU: 019
This incredible antenna mount not only provides absolute clarity, but mounts under your hood out of sight. Look as good as you sound!Each bracket is composed of a proprietary coated metal, enhancing the magnetic and receptor qualities from the satellite signal providing the sound you expect and deserve. No other company has this breakthrough technology we can provide to you.

This is another unique quality product from the Palo Uber London Company. Each kit includes the mounting bracket, installation hardware and detailed installation instructions for Sirius and XM magnetic satellite antennas as well as magnetic GPS antennas.



The site doesn't list MINI as an application, but I emailed them and they confirmed that is works for the MINI. I'm confirming instructions with them now.

 

Sounds cool, I would also be interested in any info you receive.