My radio doesn't pick up any AM stations, zilch ,nada, nothing. I initially thought it was because of my short antenna so I installed the oem antenna and still got nothing. I don't normally listen to AM but it worked when the car was new (2yrs ago) and now I don't even get any serious static.

 

I don't think I've ever listened to AM radio in my MINI.

I better go and see if mine works!

Dave

 

I don't listen to AM either but I'd still like to get it working before I go out of warranty. The dealer is 60mi away and I doubt if they'd have a radio or an antenna in stock so that means I'd have to make 2 trips to get it fixed. If it was just the antenna, it would be cheaper to fix it myself than go to the dealer. A new antenna base is only about $30 + shipping.

 

I have the same problem! The difference is that I used it constantly when I had a long commute and love that early in the morning you can get stations from cities far away. So it was working great!

But, I had the car garaged in Canada and was not using it much and did not have my nice long commute anymore so I'm having trouble pinning down when the thing lost reception. I took the car to an independent guy for an oil change. He was making a big deal about the cabin air filter being dirty and was showing it to me and I wander if he may have disturbed a connection while he was down there? maybe he knocked a plug somewhere?

I was also wandering if there were any reports of the AM Radio module failing?
Wander if it is possible to get in behind the thing and hook something to antenna plug and see if it gets reception so I can rule that out?

I did purchase a new antenna whip since the old one was rotting...did not help....Does anyone have a diagrams or pics of the antenna wire system?

 

I found and fixed my problem today. I was getting no AM, and spotty FM. I have a aftermarket Head Unit. When I replaced the stereo, I followed the wiring instructions completely. Turns out, the antenna is powered. When I hooked up the HU, I saw no reason to hook up one wire. Nothing in the instructions for the metra wiring harness about the powered antenna. Hooked it up today, and now I have excellent reception. Size of the roof antenna makes no difference. There are 2 or 3 antennas (i think) stock on our MINI's. So you should get reception with a stubby. The amplifier for the antenna is under the right rear trim next to the back seat (In my R53). If its not getting power, there's your problem. If it is, might be a failed unit. It's called the ANTENNA AMPLIFIER DIVERSITY.

 

Does anyone know where I can get a diagram of the antenna wiring for my r55?
I could also use some info on how to get to the antenna system connections..
THANKS!!

 

This is where I go for parts and diagrams: http://www.penskeparts.com/
Just click MINI, and put in the last 7 digits of you VIN, and it will pull up everything for your MINI.

Not sure where everything is in the R55, but I'm sure it involves pulling off interior panels. On my R53, to remove panels, you have to start at the back, and pull everything off till you get to the bits you want. If you do have to pull off panels, probably a good idea to have extra clips, as they break sometimes. They're cheap, and good to have all of them, so you don't get any new rattles!

I just looked at the diagram for the clubman, and for some reason it only shows it with the hatchback, and not barn doors. Guess someone with a R55 will have to chime in....