Not sure how many have already come across this but I accidently found this out.

When I bought my '05 cabrio, the first thing I did was order a stubby antenna. It was only 3" long and when I installed it, I lost half of my radio stations immediately.

I had it on for a few days and couldn't deal with it.

When I got my '06 cabrio, same thing, same results... again, I tossed the antenna in my drawer.

Last week for the heck of it, I tried the antenna on my '08 coupe.

I don't know what is different but it works like the factory antenna. If there is a noticeable difference, it's discernable and I can't tell. All the stations I used to lose when I tried it on earlier models now work like normal.

I can only assume that it has something to do with either the way a coupe is wired for the antenna or maybe the base itself is different.

The point is, I thought I would mention it for any of ya'll that perhaps tried it and was gun shy of trying it again on your new (er) mini.

HTH's,

Mark

 

just bought astubby on ebay for 6 bucks work perfect now going to see if i can match the red

 

Hmmm... I have a 7" stubby on my 06 and it works fine.

 

What do people have against the standard antenna anyway?

 

I think it makes the car look more like a toy, which I do not like. Some people do like that, though. Others buy them because their original antenna has been stolen or damaged (boo).

Really, if there are options availabe for anything, someone's going to go for them. Just the way it goes.

 

I have a 4" stubby on my 08 - works fine - no problems

 

i;ve a 05' cabrio and my stubby work fine..

 

Where are you guys getting your stubbies? I think I'll probably want one on mine as well...

 

Bought mine at minimania.com, but apparently ebay's cheaper.

 

4" from WayMotorWorks...no problem at all on my 2004 MCS

 

I got the 2" super stubby from Alta.

 

I went with a 4" NAM stubby because of some low clearances in the parking garage at work. The OEM antenna would flex, but I doubt it would have lasted long.

 

Free stubby for anyone who owns a pair of wire cutters:


Cut off all but a 1/4" and top off with the rubber cap on original antena.
Works great.

 

I've got a 4" stubby antenna on mine, and radio reception is fine. I do live in the middle of a metropolitan area, though, so I think it would be bad news bears if I had lost reception.

 

You people are not secure enough to sport a stubby antenna? I switched to a stubby and like the look much better. Performance is the same. Dosen't look like an oversized Radio Control car.

 

I switched because I hate the long antenna.... even more so, when I installed a mickey antenna ball. The wind PUSHES the antenna back.

Doesn't do it when it's a stubby.

Mark

 

Now I like that solution. [Not that I mind or care about my stock antenna.]

If I screw it up can always buy another.

I'm gonna give this a try. Besides, here in the Bay Area I only listen to news talk on the AM. Both stations [KGO and CBS] have strong transmitters.

Don't like all the Top 40 crap on stereo FM, so I would not know if this crude "mod" affects FM stereo reception.