I am very interested in getting Sirius, but am curious as to how the factory installed Sirius interface compares to ones you can get at Best Buy, etc. If anyone has Sirius installed in a model earlier than the 07, that might be a place to start comparing.

I am ultimately trying to decide between getting the SatNav interface installed by my dealer, or buying a Sirius unit and using it with my aux port. Anyone have thoughts on the matter?

 

I'm very interested in this as well. I don't want to lose the aux port because I use it with my iPod shuffle. I store podcasts on the shuffle and use DVD's to store my music collection in mp3's. I had planned on ordering Sirius with the car but decided I couldn't wait the extra 3-4 months for the MINI.

 

I didn't want to wait either. I just installed the starmate4, and mounted it under the switch bank above the console cubby. I used a Y-mini plug, so I can still plug my ipod into the aux port, and turning Sirius off. Works fine.

The only thing that I don't like is the Sirius magnetic antenna. I am convinced that the shark fin antenna has a Sirius antenna built in, but I can't find the connector.

 

It is supposed to. I was told by MiniUSA customer no-service that my car is pre-wired for Sirius from the factory. The question is, I guess, are they right? Anyone have a coin to flip?

MikeytheMini on Mini2 might be able to give you some ideas on where to look for the inputs. It seems to me someone posted something about the antenna jack elsewhere on here, but I don't know where offhand. I do recall reading that a standard aftermarket Sirius reciever can not be interfaced with the OEM amp, but no idea how that applies to the antenna.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

 

Yes, they are pre-wired. Look in the rear right cubby hatch. There you will find: 1 fiber optic line with a clear cap, and one multi-connector with power leads, and two fiber optic lines.....can't find the antenna, however.

 

Does anyone know how the functionality via the SatNav would compare with a standalone Sirius plug/play put into the Aux jack, powered by the 12V?

 

The antenna is the sharkfin part of the stocker that comes on all 07 minis

 

Standalone unit will not integrate with the satnav at all. All one sees is the "aux" screen. Aux is however muted when the nav lady speaks, or if one is using bluetooth to make/receive a phone call. The standalone is not the best solution, but it works. The ir remote control that comes with the starmate fits in the armrest, and does make it easier to change channels.

 

I just scheduled install of Sirius radio for next Wednesday. Part is around $320 plus labor.

 

Never mind. The parts guy confused the Ipod interface with the Sirius radio. Sirius still not available.

 

I ordered my MCS last weekend. My dealer will be placing order within 2 weeks, and will call me at that time to review order. I did order the Sirius radio (which even with lifetime subscription was $995). Are you saying the radio is not available yet?

 

Factory installed Sirius Radio is available with June builds. MINI USA told me today that the dealer installed option should be available sometime in June.

 

OK I will respond as I have the OEM Sirius in my 2006 MCS. You can see it and read about it on my web log which you can link to in my signature...I love the OEM look of the MINI dash. I had an Alpine setup with full ipod integration and Sirius module. I chose to stay OEM and install all factory stuff. I added the DICE ipod adaptor. I will admit I am having some whine issues with my ipod unit which I am still working through.. I will say this EAS and DICE are VERY helpful with solutions to remedy this..I just am trying to figure out what is causing that problem....I love my factory Sirius and the whole look of the installation. It was a bit more $ than aftermarket but I want to keep my factory warranty sqeaky clean...and I have other aftermarket Sirius units but my favorite is the MINI system...my dealer did a fab job of installing the unit...go look at the pics..questions, let me know. I love to talk audio!

 

I cant understand why it is taking so long. We are talking about technology that has been out for a few years. What is the hold up?

 

What is the dealer installed option. I re-ordered just for the factory install. Is the dealer install similar?.

 

I'm told it is the same as the factory install but without the lifetime subscription. I don't know about pricing.

 

Right now Sirius is offering $100 off the lifetime membership (I think you have to call, I didn't see it posted on the website) and they'll waive activiation upon request w/ AAA. I bought a cheap radio to use with the Aux in until I can get the installed option, as the discounted price is being offered until the end of July. They also have installment payment options and you can move a lifetime to up to 3 radios. Apparently moving between radios is free if you have a subscription (month to month or annual).

I like it... got mine yesterday, went with the installment plan: 460 total, thanks to free installation and tax. :-(

 

The audio package is now available to order ($1400). I ordered it today from MINI of The Woodlands dealer outside of Houston. That includes the lifetime sub which is advertised for $499 on Sirius web site. Why would they sell lifetime membership for $100? That's less than a year membership. Sources, JMelrose?
A MA at the other Houston dealership, Momentum, told me Wednesday that the audio package wouldn't be available until it appeared in the Configurator, but the MA at the Woodlands says they became available over a week ago.

 

I didn't say they would sell it for $100. I said it was $100 OFF. Instead of $500 it's $400 until July 31st. I have no sources for something I didn't say.

From my startup email from Sirius:
"Start Date: 6/2/2007
Current Active Service: Lifetime Subscriber - 399.99"

The site does not list the new price, but both the customer service reps I ended up speaking with were well aware of the new price and gave it to me with no issue. They also waived activation costs at my request since I'm a member of AAA. Likely they would have done it for any excuse I could give them.

Remember that the audio package "lifetime" is tied to the lifetime of the car, not you. It is based on the VIN. Only by buying the subscription from Sirius can you take the sub to your next car or, as I will likely do, to a portable unit after I am done with this Mini, even if I don't use Sirius much in the car. So far though, I'm really liking it, even though I find the sound quality to be less-than-stellar.

 

Sorry JMelrose, I wasn't reading your post carefully. I have XM Radio now and use the portable setup to go between home and car. I'm just tired of hooking everything up in the car. I don't have the aux jack in my current car so I have to use the FM broadcast. Your set-up is more flexible and long-term.

 

so does anyone know if the 07 antenna is prewired for sirius, like where could it be tapped into??

 

I thought the OEM retrofit was supposed to be available by now. The dealer told me 1 week ago that it was not.

 

We are picking up our MCS with SatNav and factory installed Sirius either tomorrow or next Tuesday, i'll report back on how it is working.

(been lurking here for a long time, this my first post )

 

I was told by New Country Mini in Hartford that the 07 antenna is Sirius ready. I guess that's what that little bulge at the botton of the antenna is. Not sure about the wiring though.

 

Antenna Wiring

X30033: Antenna Power
X16792: AM/FM
X13393: GPS
X14064: Satellite

Sat Receiver Location

X14062: Power
X14063: MOST
X14066: Antenna