Background: I had a year subscription in my previous car and wanted to transfer it to my MINI Clubman. Purchased XM Express unit, transfered the subscription and now I want to get it professionally installed. (I have the i-pod/ blue tooth system with the stock radio in the clubman)

Question: From researching this forum it looks like using the aux input is the way to go. However, went to Circuit City and called XM radio and they both recomended that the best sound quality will occur if I use the FM modulator. Is the FM modulator the same as the FM sureconnect that comes with the XM express? Are they trying to sell me something extra? Bottom line question = Which connection will give me the best sound quality? Why?

 

I can't speak from personal experience regarding the FM modulator, but most (including me) run their xm to the system via the Aux in plug. Hard wiring is usally better than dealing with the FM overlap and other issues using the FM modulator. I use a xm sportcaster hard wired with an "add a fuse", the aux-in plug, and the oem sat antenna and it works quite well.

 

aux will hands down be better SQ then an fm modulator. they wanna sell u something extra, plus they will mess something up by the time they figure out how to get your dash apart to get behind the radio

 

The aux is much better than the FM modulator in sound quality but if you like loud there is more volume with the FM modulator(static also).

 

I am definitely intersted more in sound quality than I am in the volume of the sound.

 

trust me go with aux it should be just as loud plus sound better plus you wont need stupid extra parts

 

Aux definitely. I don't understand the sound comment. It can be just as loud through the aux. The XM radio has a aux out sound level (at least a roady does) and the mini head unit has a aux in sound level. I set both at 3. Loud as you'll want it, but you'll want to be careful if all of a sudden you switch to CD as that will be louder and if you've cut xm up real loud the cd will split your ears. Always cut the volume down when switching inputs.

 

I have the old express that also has a volume out level but my MINI dosen't have the "aux in" sound level you mention.

 

I just installed my Sirius Stratus and connected it via the aux port. It is definitely quieter. It only plays at about 60% of the max volume of the radio or cd. Definitely not loud enough on the highway for me. I haven't had this problem when I connected my ipod or Garmin Nuvi to it.

 

Thanks for the advise - I installed an XM Express and had Circuit City use the AUX input. They tried to convince me otherwise but I went with the aux. I have no problem with volume and the sound quality is almost as good as the I-pod.

They powered it through the cig lighter and the only downfall is that when I am at a particularly long light I like to turn off the car - the XM turns off with it. (No biggie)

I found a great place to put it too - I placed it just under the key insert - not the easiest to see but very easy to reach and select the presets without having to look away from the road. The antenna is attached above the windshield on the roof - very clean install. (I will try to include some photos in my gallery soon).

 

Does the volume get as loud as your radio? I ended up mounting my Sirius Stratus just above the key insert. Also, have you checked out this thread about using the mini's built-in antenna.

 

When I switch between aux, radio, and USB the volume seems consistant - at least enough so that I do not need to adjust the volume when I switch. I did some research about the built in antenna before I did the install and it seemed that the XM radio does not work with the Sirrus antenna pre-wired in the Mini?

Oh ... I did adiust the volume output of the XM reciever so that it matched the radio when I switched between the two. I did this before I had it hard wired in. I also use the front aux in port under the A/C controls.

 

I should have read that thread more carefully. You're right. It seems the Mini's antenna doesn't fare well with XM.

As for my volume issues, I think it's my cheap Sirius Stratus unit. In the specs, I notice it's audio output is much weaker than the other models. If I get hooked to sat radio, I'll probably upgrade later.

 

I have a 2008 Mini S and purchased a smb cable from CD INT and us a XM Roady 2 and the signal and sound are great.

 

Aux port is all you really need. You don't need to spend anymore money.

 

I used to have a Dodge Caravan and hooked up a FM directly to my radio. It worked wonderfully with no static. Everyone keeps saying that the aux is the way to go. I'm a little scared to take apart my dash. I currently have a XM Roady2 radio but am considering buying the Express RC and somehow mounting it below the console or in a cup holder.

 

Aux is the way to go- the HiFi (and assume the std radio) has a volume input setting for the AUX, see your "Boost CD" fold-out card.

No take-apart of dash necessary, input jack is in ledge above cup-holders and a 90 degree mini-stereo plug just inserts.

My first antenna cable from CD-INT did suffer signal loss with my XM Delphi SkyFi Receiver and they sent me a new one of different type that works great, much better than the magnetic puck that came with the XM.

You can connect your XM/Sirus Cig Plug to a Terminal '30G' Fuse with an "Add-A-Circuit" to keep it powered for twenty minutes after ignition shutdown, see top 'sticky' on Electrical Board.

Be sure to include the cig-plug as it steps voltage down from cars 12-14 to 5-6 for receiver.