In other words, if I get the satellite option ($500), do they activate something or change out the head unit. If the former, can I just buy an XM tuner:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Audiovox...ract_desc=null

...and somehow control it via the head unit in the car. I know the antenna is already sat ready.

-Jim

 

Head unit is the same in all the 2010's no mater what options you have.

The OEM Sat box is a separate unit and is controled by the head unit.

If you purchase an aftermarket Sat unit it will "not" be able to be controlled by the head unit.


EDIT: the item you link to will not work in your mini without the required docking station and a head unit that can control it. Unfortunatley the head unit in the MINI can not do that.

 

I see. Thank you. If I understand you correctly though, there IS a separate piece of hardware that the head unit talks to. Where is it typically put and would there be an after-market version?

-Jim

 

There is an OEM Sat Box. It mounts under passenger seat the seat and has two connectors. 1. power and MOST Bus link 2. sat antenna.

As I mentioned any aftermarket Sat Receiver will not talk to the OEM Head Unit for control purposes.

There is no "aftermarket" for OEM.

 

But, if I found one from an 07 or greater in a junk yard, I could hook it up?

-Jim

 

You could but I would bet that you will have a lot of trouble finding one as most people would remove that from the car before junking it. These are very hot commodity. Then the other problem you would have with that is that it has already been registered with Sirius/XM and they may refuse to activate it as they may think it is stolen.

Just remember that it WILL NOT work until you have it tuned on in the software of the car by the dealer.

 

You could buy a new OEM box (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...=65&fg=05&hl=1). The question is whether your car is prewired for it. If it isn't, it may add quite a bit more cost to add the wiring.

It would be great if you could find one in a junkyard, but the main problem is that it simply isn't a popular option and there are not many out there. If you do find one, see if you can also remove the wiring (it might not be possible if it is bundled with the main harness rather than separate).