I already did a search for this topic, and the results showed threads several months old, so I wanted to get some newer info.

Has anyone installed this unit?

Any pics of placement?

Reviews?

My Mini Cabrio came with the aux input that I've been using for my iPod, so no need to install one of those. (as I've seen in other threads regarding this topic)

In the other threads, there was mention of a problem with the unit staying in it's cradle over bumps and rough roads...as much as I try to avoid these hazards, does anyone have any fixes for this potential problem, other than a rubber band??!!

I'm considering this unit as opposed to the Stilleto or any others because my dad got this S50 for father's day last year, and it's been sitting in the closet ever since...he already has sirius in his cars, so there was no need for this one.

Thanks for your help!

 

My husband has a S50 in his Yukon. It does rattle loose off the base really easily - he wedged a piece of folded up paper and that stopped it. Annoying though.

More recently, something has gone haywire with it where it won't pick up a signal at all. However, he let a friend install it so I'm guessing something is wrong with the wiring. I'm going to take it in to my audio guy to see if he can figure out what's wrong with it.

We've had 3 aftermarket Sirius branded units so far. The first was a Sportster plug-and-play that just flat-out died after 2 years. The second is the S50. The 3rd is my OEM unit that works just fine. I also had a plug-and-play unit, a non-Sirius branded one that now I can't remember what it was (sold it with the car). It worked the best out of all the ones we have had, other than the OEM one in the MINI.

 

I would really appreciate an update on this once you find out from your audio guy...I'm going to hold off on an install so I can research a bit more. I am hurting w/o my sirius, as I had it in my bmw, and have a long commute to work, but I'm willing to wait to find the right solution.

Thanks for your response!

 

Had one in my MINI for a while (before I got a Stiletto). Rubber band was the best solution. Never had a problem. Also, found a black rubber band that worked - hardly noticeable.


Mounted the antenna on the dash and all the other wires were hidden.




While the Stiletto is a nice unit, I actually prefer my old S50. You can navigate by using the dial without pushing buttons. Can't listen to live satellite without it docked, though.

 

I do have to say I like the dial on the S50.

Anyway, took it in to our audio guy and he found that the wire that runs from the harness to the antenna (I think that's what he said) was shorting out. He wired in a new one and now it seems to be fine.

As far as the wiggling, he still has the folded up piece of paper wedged in there (between the front of the base and back of the unit).

 

i had an S50 in my GTI absolutely loved it went thru several antennea's tho.(the black circle with the silver circle in the middle) called them and they told me they were having problems with those models.long story short it was great i loved how it told you the channel outloud when you came upon it.tried to hardwre it into my VW by cutting the cigarette lighter part off, turns out theres a transformer inside...i fried the base.just finally found a deal on a new car kit ($50) and the night before i was going to install it i plugged it into the wall charger and i work up in the morning and it would no longer turn on so now the portable part is my problem! but i never once had a problem with it hoping off the base. i hope it magically fixes itself tho....

 

Thanks for the feedback!

I think I will go ahead and install it...been rough w/o my Sirius and Stern!

 

I bought the factory Sirius from Classic MINI (they give us members a discount-it was about $ 350 or so with antenna) and installed it on my '05 myself. It uses an OEM style antenna so no antenna problems occurred. Install took about an hour and a half and used existing electrical plugs, so no wires were cut. So easy a caveman could do it. Bottom line-I can use my steering wheel controls to control the station selection and volume to control the Sirius so I can easily use it a lot. Works great, less filling. I've detailed the install at the time and it should be somewhere in the archives. If you want any installation assisstance contact me thru the Club or phone 216-469-0915. MINI motoring is lots more fun with good sounds. By the way, I believe the factory radio-at least the one in mine- is a really good radio that sounds better than I imagined it would, and I wouldn't consider replacing it.

 

I have the same setup as you, Mike. I paid my audio guy $75 to do it and he had it done in under half an hour. I really just wanted a factory look and to control through the steering wheel, so that was the best option. The deal on the parts from Classic was nice too!

 

I definitely hear what you're saying about the stock look and controls...and I considered having the dealer do the install. However, I knew this S50 was just sitting in the closet not being used, so I elected to save the few hundred by not getting the dealer option, and spend the money to install this unit instead.

We'll see if that was the right call!

 

Here is my S50 install.