Unfortunately, there was no option for getting an XM receiver in the MINI..since we have 3 XM units (Garage stereo, portable unit and built in with the C6 Vette stereo) thus no way going with Sirius (which as of today is moot since the XM-Sirius merger has been approved by the Feds...will be interesting to see the new subscription pricing ) Not to be denied, I began the research and search... first nothing on the market that is a XM module that would be a 'plug & play' allowing to use the MINI stereo (I have the upgraded version) head as a controller such as with the Sirius unit..would have been great but just ain't out there yet. I did not want to have a portable unit plugged into the aux input/power outlet in the center console...just looks unfinished. So...I think I found a good solution (few compromises...more on that in a moment) Audiovox XM CommanderMT receiver. I purchased online from Best Buy (they price match) and decided to have Best Buy 'Geek Squad' do the install... the Best Buy in Reston has a fellow who is really excellent on installs otherwise I would have been a bit hesitant to go to Best Buy as opposed to a custom stereo shop. So here is the result and can not be more pleased...looks like is came from MINI built in...
Here is the XM antenna (am working on how it can be installed into the base of the OEM antenna).. also the stubby is from OutMotoring


The CommanderMT comes with a 'XM mini tuner, display controller, FM direct adapter, antenna, cables, remote etc and two mounting devices. You can run the signal thru the FM (which is OK sound) or...this is the good part... output from XM mini tuner directly into an input in the center console thus excellent sound quality (just set input from tuner to aux and you have XM). Second very cool thing is the DIN Opening Trim Bezel (one of the two mounting devices included in the kit) fits absolutely perfectly in the "secret compartment" opening...just like it was made for it. Power for the unit comes from the same power source for stereo so XM powers up automatically as with the stereo itself. A very nice clean install...couple of pics>>>




The little white button just left of the XM controller is a garage door opener (just mounted with double sided foam tape..basic but it works) since we did not get the homelink option.

Now to compromises:
-Can not control (meaning channel selection) XM from OEM stereo head...would be nice, but since where the XM controller is located (as seen in the pics above) no big deal. Can see info on controller and if you have a passenger they have a great access to controller.
-XM comes with a remote control which I keep in the center armrest cubby. Since you can pre-program in stations just use the remote to change stations...but since remote is IR and not RF must have compartment lid open...if you are a channel surfer lid would be up most of the time...for me I tend to listen to a particular station depending on mood (60's, Deep Tracks, The Joint, World Audio...quite a smorgasborg of tunes )

Total cost (CommanderMT kit and installation): $250

If you are in the Northern Virginia area the Best Buy in Reston is a good place to go for the install...the young man (aka Geek) is good...very good.
Michael

 

You can put away that extra "XM Antenna" MINI's come with Satellite Antenna built into base of existing antenna.

Access to the *Fakra* cable connector can be found beneath the passenger seat, it is under the carpet, nearby the Sirius Receiver power/control connector.

(*Fakra* is the standard connector used by the XM "SkyFi Auto Kit" as well as other XM Satellite applications and according to CD International Technology, it's just an SMB connector with a pink plastic 'lock'.)

Caution on seat removal would be to avoid turning ignition on before it is reinstalled, as this will give an AirBag Warning requiring Dealer to fix.

With my SkyFi, I find reception just slightly better with the MINI Antenna than with the XM supplied magnetic base antenna.

Here it is snaked out the existing seat wiring slit with that Sirius Connector in my fingertips:



CD International is going to send me a cable, so here it is, just connected at end of MINI Antenna Cable, under seat:



That 'two bars' of signal strength is with Metal Garage Door and Metal Roof House three feet South,
XM Antenna would show 'zero bars' in that location.

 

There you have it... a knowledgeable solution to the antenna

Question... connector in your hand has two plug sites and the connector from CD International has one... explanation???
Thanks
Michael

 

Michael, can you tell me about your UGDO option, as I didn't get the homelink option either.
Thank you in advance,
Greg

 

Well... very basic... just attached the GD opener to cubby...I edited my post to explain that. Very low tech but it works
Michael

 

Hi. I'm going to follow your example and directions and install a commander mt in the secret compartment of my 09 clubman s and get a CDI cable to use the built in antenna. question: how do i hardwire to aux port in cubby and power to factory radio unit? thanks!

 

I hope my reply addresses your questions:
The XM output plugs into the aux plug in the center console

Just run the XM output cable in behind the console then snake in between lower part of console and the center stack

To access the XM unit set audio input to AUX

Power for the XM comes from the fuse box...just tap into on of the power blocks that comes on when the ignition is on>>

 

I was hoping to hard wire into the aux port instead of plugging into it. Anyone have instructions for this?

 

Wow clean install!!!! Looks damn good!!!