My PW/B MCS is due to arrive in a couple of weeks. One of the first things I'd like to do is switch out the antenna to something a little less obvious. I'm having trouble figuring which to go with. Most of the vendors seem to have a few to choose from but don't give many details. I'd like to hear from MINI owners who have bought black ones. What size did you go with and which one(s) seem to have the best reception?
Thanks,
Annette

 

Annette,

I have the S2000 (Honda) - love it!

-Justyn

 

I have the Alta one

The Alta Performance antenna mast is only 4" tall vs. the 18" tall stock antenna.
All aluminum construction will ensure excellent reception.
The anodized black finish of the new antenna mast looks great on the stock mini antenna base.
Installs in seconds!
About $30


(Photo and text from http://www.detroittuned.com/)

 

I just ordered this one, so far had good luck with ALTA, and like their products.

http://www.altaminiperformance.com/p...a/ANTENNA.html

 

I went and got a little short black one. aprox 4 inches I guess. Alta I think. $29 I think. I could not hear any loss or gain in reception. I like it!

 

You can get the S2000 antenna on hardtopguy.com for $16.

 

I got a S2000 one on my PW/B. Check out the photos here:

http://www.motoringphotography.com/karen/

 

I replaced mine with this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BLACK...QQcmdZViewItem

Made of aluminum, great quality, perfect fit, excellent reception, low price, etc....

 

Thanks everyone for the quick replies. I am slowly stockpiling a box of goodies to put on when the big day arrives. I almost never listen to the radio, I prefer my Ipod, but when I do I like to have decent reception. As long as I can get the major Atlanta stations I'm a happy camper.
Also thanks for the pics, makes me more anxious for mine to get here!
Annette

 

MiniMania

 

I've tried a quite a few of them, and the S2000 OEM antenna is my favorite. It isn't made of the aluminum that tends to lose its finish after a while, but is covered in a tough plastic. It fits perfectly, gives excellent performance, and is the perfect size in my opinion.

 

i have the Alta one... it looks great

 

I put the S2000 antenna on the first day.

 

Another happy S2000 user here.


A_Sr.

 

I had an ALTA one and LOVED it... I am ordering a new one for my new MINI...

 

I also have the S2000 and it has held up perfectly after 3 years in the Florida sun. (I wish I could say the same for the black rain gutters. )

 

I bought the Ultrik stubby from MINIMania. It's black anodized aluminum and I believe just a bit shorter than the Alta. Reception is fine and looks good on top of the Sirius base.

 

I have the Alta antenna on both cars but I do like the looks of the S2000 antenna

Out Motoring (NAM sponsor) ships them free if you're interested

 

These guys have a few stubby antennas in black:
Carccessory.com.
I got their "B-Series" which gets better reception when extended. I have a cabrio, so I just reach up and extend it. It wouldn't be as convenient with a hardtop.

 

True

 

I have the bimmian antenna. I was going to go for the alta shorty, but when I ordered the interior lighting kit from them they offered me a discount on their shorty antenna. I actually like the design as its very simple, only about 4 inches tall, and no reception lost. The site is listed below, they have some other cool items. I plan on ordering the black S badges next.

www.bimmian.com/MN

cheers,

bizzlesmini

 

Here's another alternative: $9.95 for the Euro-style antenna at AntennaXhttp://www.antennax.com/products/description_ax01.htm

It's only about 3" shorter than stock, but looks nicer, and it will certainly give better FM reception than the short stub types.

 

I have the Alta stubby and found no difference in reception. I listen to a NPR station about 100 miles from here, and both worked the same.

 

FM reception is sorta like digital, in that it works and holds reasonable fidelity until the signal gets really weak before audibly breaking down, unlike AM.

With a stub antenna you will certainly get a weaker signal going into the radio, which the radio can sometimes compensate for, but a longer antenna will give a stronger signal even if you don't hear it on a specific station or location.

That's why BMW didn't put a less-expensive stub antenna on the Mini - you get more stations and better reception with a longer antenna, appearance aside...

 

Ran down to the dealer and bought one today ... perfect