What is the best way to add a satellite radio to my 2008 Mini. I didn't get it with the factory car setup so now I think I have to go after market. Anyone know how to do it or the cost?
ranmini17

 

There is a very good post on the forums somewhere that describes different methods. My 2008 Cooper S had the wiring for the sirus antena factory installed so I purchased a 5 foot SMB cable and the correct mounts from www.proclipusa.com. My Cooper also has a direct imput so I could run the sirus direct. PM me if you need any help.

 

Do a search of the 2nd gen audio/navigation forum. Lots of great info there.

 

I had a sirus radio with a lifetime subscribtion befor ei bought my mini. i best place i found to mount it is on the dash all the way to the left. it's a slight pain to us but my new one came with a remote so it's easy to use. I have the antenna that came with it but as soon as i have time i'm going to wire it through the factory anntenna so it looks clean.

 

Thanks everyone.
Ranmini17

 

My subscription is for XM and I used this patch cable to connect to MINI Factory Antenna, the standard worked better than the Low Noise version with my Delphi SkyFi.

If your Sirus Subscription could be used with the s/n, you could install the factory receiver under the seat and have access to the MINI's Channel Controls.

For my use, I need the 'portability' of using the SkyFi in different locations and tune it with its remote, have it playing through the Aux Stereo Plug and use the MINI Volume/Tone Controls.

 

Pilotart. I mounted an XM Sportscaster unit pretty much the same way. It was real easy to route a power wire to the fuse box and hide it under the dash. I used an "add-a-fuse" to jumper it in.

 

Since I am an XM subscriber my choice was the XM Commander XT... this link might be a help since the antenna install would be the same regardless XM or Sirius>>
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=149790

Total cost: XM unit+ plus install + my mod (cable) to tie into OEM satillite antenna= $<300

Michael

PS... this was my first thread on the subject prior to having pilotart direct me towards the OEM satillite antenna hook up
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=149080

 

Yes, that and a cork in the cig liter plug hole would nicely complete the installation.

+ Which fuse outlet did you use for the "add-a-fuse" ?

Looking at the Hot or Not (Fuse) sticky it looks like a '30G' Circuit would provide a hot (+) for 30 minutes, ignition off and that would work best.

 

Don't recall the number, but I think it was the Nav fuse. There is a post on the mod page that lets you know which fuses shut down when the MINI is shut off and which ones have delays. With the add-a-fuse, you can put it on any of them. So just pick a fuse that has the delay/no delay that you want.

 

I have an XM Roady XT in mine. Its mounted to the left of the steering wheel I'll snap a picture sometime and post it. Was an easy install location and give easy access to the driver.

 

Thanks for the 'Push" installed and updated photo above.

Advance Auto Parts had "ATM MINI FUSE BUSMN 5080114 $6.49" and I moved the cig liter plug/fuse into fuse compartment,
soldered the Mini Add-A-Line red wire to tip and a ground wire to the metal in the fuse box.

Used F10 which is listed for Telephone and it works now with ignition off, time will tell if it also 'auto-offs' after :30-1 hour.

 

Hey 4xAAA, which fuse did you tap into? How are you getting around the "always on" issue with the radio fuses?

 

There is a sticky (a thread that stays at the top) "Hot Or Not" on the electrical forum that gives a breakdown on the power status of each fuse. Some are on for 10 minutes after key off, some are instant off, some are 30 minutes or 60 minutes off.
I used one of the "relay 30" fuses ( I recant, I now think it was the passenger seat warmer, 'cause I don't have one installed). They switch off when you hit the stop button for the fob.

If you want it to run longer, go with a 30 G-F relay.

 

Its actually good timing the new Sirius radios that allow individual programing from both ( Sirius/XM, since the merger) have just started to come out. I just ordered the Starmate 5 to replace my sportster. They are also the only units that allow a la carte programing.

 

In that 'sticky' that 4xAAA mentioned, you will find two helpful pages linked below:

Here is a printable page describing function of each 'fuse'.

Here is a set of photographs of the fuse panel (a sideways look).

Since I wanted XM to be 'on' with ignition off (to take advantage of the ability to operate HiFi with ignition off)
I plugged the "Mini Add-A-Line" into F10 (a Terminal 30G Supply Circuit) and it times out (to turn off) after one hour.

F11 or F12 would time out in 30 minutes, they all contain 10 Amp Fuses even though their equipment was never installed.
(Telephone, Sat&Digital Tuners, CD Changer, etc..

It would appear that terminal '15' items would power down with ign off and terminal '30' items would be always hot.

Advance Auto Parts "Mini Add-A-Line" would fit locations F10 through F37 but for F1 through F9 and the F40+ series, they have a "Maxi Add-A-Line" for those larger fuses.
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One last caution is that the Delphi SkyFi's Cigarette Lighter Fuse/Plug 'Power Supply' steps the voltage from 12 down to 6 Volts, that is why I moved (and soldered) it into the fuse box. If you connect directly to 12 volts, you will just see a quick puff of smoke. It should state the voltage on your Tuner as well as Plug 'Power Supply'.