Alright Team,

What's the deal with the antenna on the F56? From the pictures I've seen, it appears that all variations use the stupid-long Back-To-The-Future-Great-Scott-88-MPH-Lightning-Rod-excuse-for-an-antenna.

For clarification, does a car with the standard radio use the same antenna as one outfitted with Nav XL? Has anyone purchased a stubby antenna (if so, pictures would be outstanding)? Anyone aware of a shark-fin option out there?

-Matt

 

My car came with two antenna. One long, skinny one and also the one I had put on the car. You can see it in this picture.

 

How do you mean "[it] came with two". Is the stubby one aftermarket? Did you get it from your dealer?

Matt

 

The lot car I test drove also came with two. One medium length on the car and the one pictured above was just rattling around in the boot.

 

Wow. Ok. That just seems stupid.

 

Agreed. The MA was surprised that it was just thrown back there.

 

Yup, that's what I'm referring to.

 

The long antenna should be standard, the short antenna a dealer-sold accessory. I suppose some dealers might choose to include the short antenna with their cars by default (and honorably not stealing the original). They sell for $35 but you can find them for $25 on eBay. Less if you go with a non-MINI part. I had a Craven Speed bullet on my R56 that would have fit but it didn't look right.

 

Actually no, they were both included. The long antenna was just in the glove box and the salesman had no idea. So I looked at others and they all seem to include 2 antenna. Unless for some odd reason Mini Universal City goes through and throws extra antenna in each car, but I kind of doubt it.

 

My short one was a dealer add on option that he threw in but my antenna's on the right rear fender. Looks great.

 

Mine came with both as well, as did the other F56s on the lot. No charge for it, and it's not on any of the window stickers. The short one was on the car and the longer one was in the bag that also contained the front plate mount.

 

Exactly.

 

I only got the long one, had to buy the short one.

 

I only got the long one. Does the short one have poorer HD Radio reception?

 

We only got a long one with our F56. Obviously, we agree shorter is better. We have multiple replacement options.

The Original Stubby
The Shorty Stubby
The Bullet Stubby

 

If I wanted to take advantage of my Amazon Prime membership which stubby should I order for my F56? they have a different manuf. part number than the one on your page.

 

I don't believe so, I have the short one and I pick up HD radio signals just fine. My understanding with the short ones is that AM signals are the only thing that is really affected.

 

Does this reduce radio quality in any way? (HD, Satellite, etc)

 

See the post right above yours

 

It's probably a range thing. Most Mini dealers are in large cities so radio single strength is not going to be an issue. If you are out in the boonies or taking a road trip, maybe the longer antenna gives your radio better range. Providing both is a nice touch. Swap it out based on your needs. But most owners only need the stubby one.

 

FWIW: My mini just arrived at the dealership yesterday. I took a look at it and the antenna is designed similar to the original one on the R53/R56, except about 4 - 6 inches smaller. Hopefully have some pictures tonight....

 

will this work?

 

It should. The threading for the F56 is the same as the R56 and other 2nd gen stuff.

 

Always good to read the amazon.com reviews before you buy stuff -- buyers of this antenna complained about poorer reception.

I check the reviews at amazon.com before buying TVs and all kinds of products.

 

Thanks!

I always do!

4 1/2 stars is pretty good. Of course some negative ones will be poorer reception.