Hi all. I just bought an XM OnyX Satellite Radio and have been reading the threads on NAM in regards to installation. I have a question about the radio antenna on my car (2008 Mini S, hardtop with sunroof). Is it true that the factory-installed antenna has a built-in satellite radio antenna? I just looked at my car, and there isn't an electrical panel/box under the passenger seat. There is a plug that runs from the seat to under the carpet underneath the seat. I'm guessing the SAT connector is buried under the carpet, under the seat--which means I have to remove the passenger seat. This makes me nervous--any tips on doing this? I think I also need a SMB cable supplier (from CD International Technology) to connect the XM radio to to the car's OEM antenna? (Admittedly, I am not very knowledgeable on the workings of car!)

Any other helpful information on installing a satellite radio, such as tucking in the wires? How to mount, without damaging the car interior? I was considering a suction cup mount, but I don't want wires hanging all over the dashboard (I already have this with a Garmin.)

Thanks!
Cindy

 

I was removing my seats to fit 4" thick Memory Foam anyway and it was easy to 'fish' the Satellite Radio cable out through the same slit as the seat cable. The photo below is good to see what is under your carpet:

(click photo to open thread it came from)

You do not need to remove the seat, as you can feel the cable through the carpet and move it to and out the seat-cable slit. (Make a 'hook' from a wire coat hanger to 'fish' with.)

Big Caution is that if ignition is turned on while seat plug is disconnected, you will get an AirBag! Warning that can only be Re-$et by a Dealer. Most disconnect Battery (-) cable, I was ok with just hiding key/fob.

My 2003 Delphi Sky-Fi did not work well with CD-Int's "low-Noise" cable and Joyce sent me a regular SMB Cable to replace and it works great. Some have installed inside secret compartment, but that may require longer than the standard 5' CD-Int Cable.

I just have mine in the 'cubby' and use its Remote for Tuning, that makes it easy to remove and play in my other locations.

Antenna Cable is under console, Power wire and cig-plug is inside fuse box, connected to a Buss Mini Add-A-Line and Mini Stereo plug is into Aux Jack, (since photo, a 90º 'Angle' plug adapter has been added at Aux to better 'hide' and protect cars Aux Jack from any side load).