Have received much benefit from others postings, and want to make a contribution. Haven't seen a thread for this so hope it helps others.

After much fretting about XM vs Sirius, PNP vs remote tuner with adapter, etc. I ran across a discount code (111) that gave me a Sirius PNP unit with 1 year of service for $225 all in.

At any rate, the antenna install should be generic enough for any configuration.

Sorry no pics - camera not handy and just trying to get it done.

1. Remove interior/map light cluster. Gently pry from front, unplug from harness and set aside.

2. Remove driver's side sunvisor and sunvisor "catch" to loosen windshield surround trim.

3. Remove driver's side dash panel (the single plastic piece exposed when the door is open) - just snaps out.

4. Lower the driver's side knee bolster with a firm tug just below the steering column.

Now the fun begins . . .

5. Look through the hole created by the missing light cluster for a nut that secures the antenna. I didn't have a socket large enough, but was able to remove with a large pair of long-nose pliers - it's not that tight. (Don't drop the nut! I did and spent 15 minutes with a length of 12 guage wire fishing it out. A magnet would have helped, but keeping hold of it would have been better all around.)

6. Lift out the antenna and lay on it's side.

7. Now you can fish the connection end of the antenna right through the hole and through the slot in the threaded post.

8. Continue to feed the connection end of the antenna under the plastic windshield surround down towards the dash and through the side opening until the wire is all gathered in the area of the knee bolster.

9. There's a small plastic piece on the underside of the center console that I loosened and fed the connection end through for now until I come up with my preferred placement of the PNP unit itself. Your move from here may vary with your choice and setup . . .

10. I gathered the scads of extra cable together and secured under the bolster with a zip tie - careful not to kink.

11. From my old MG/Haynes manual days I'll leave you with something along the lines of reverse the procedure for reassembly.

For those on the fence with satellite - wow already what a difference.

 

Shame - pics would really help

So is there a Sirius antenna connection in the standard MCSc antenna, or did you fit a replacement unit, or an additional aftermarket antenna?

 

There are two cables travelling to the existing antenna - did not perform any trace as to where those went. Simply fit an aftermarket, magnetic model adjacent to the factory base. I've seen some put the same antenna above a tail light, but I thought it would be more effective and cosmetically pleasing up top.

 

I would certainly like to find out if the existing antenna is XM compatible and where the cables might be. If not, does anyone know if there is a company that makes an AM/FM/Sat antenna? Thanks.

 

If anything it's Sirius compatible and not XM compatible. MINI and BMW have a deal with Sirius and that is the "recommended" system... That's why there's a MINI OEM Sirius system...