Just to make sure I understand what I have read here (a big reach on my part!), the roof antenna is for AM reception only. The FM antenna is embedded in the rear window. Correct?


What about satellite? Can I install a stubby antenna without affecting my satellite reception.


Thanks in advance!

 

Stubby antenna has given me no problems at all. Even when I am motoring around Vermont with tall trees overhead.

 

No problems with my stubby antenna. Everything works fine. Was the first mod I performed.

Good luck.

 

No problem with mine. I replaced the OEM with a carbon fiber one. See photo.

 

To answer the original question: Yes, the vertical portion of the MINI's antenna is for the AM radio. I have put the stubby antennas on all my MINIs, but found the shorter stick degrades AM reception pretty dramatically, especially here in Los Angeles with tons of overhead wiring.

So, while the stubbies look cool (and they do look much better than the original), the MINI's full-sized antenna offers much better AM reception, if you care about that.

I don't think the vertical antenna affects FM reception at all. It also has no effect on Sirius/XM reception. Hope that helps.

 

Thanks for all the replies everyone!

 

I thought the long antennas looked kinda cute on the smaller regular Coopers. It reminded me of remote control cars. Previous owner of my Countryman had already switched to the stubby, so I can't comment on the cuteness of that

 

When out on the road we're usually a long way from population centers and previously listened to AM stations mostly - now we use satellite. The shorter antenna would certainly cut back on AM - I'd like to get a longer one...

 

absolutely no problems with mine and has 0 effect on satellite