A few weeks ago I installed the MINI "Aux Input" kit into my month-old 2004 MCS (stock radio, no nav, no CD changer). It worked fine, and I enjoyed using my RCA Lyra (iPod clone) with it.

Yesterday I picked up the MINI Sirius radio kit from the local dealer (tuner, antenna & installation kit) and installed it myself. Although it's a bit tedious replacing the antenna (have a 22mm open end wrench on hand if you try it!), the installation was pretty straightforward. The Sirius fired right up, and I got the "preview" channel right away. I activated the unit (took advantage of their $399 "lifetime" subscription) and got all the channels, display features, etc.

Today I tried to use my Lyra again, and was dismayed to find that "AUX" had disappeared from the mode selection list. I pulled the control cable plug on the Sirius unit and "AUX" came back, then plugged it back in and "AUX" went away again!

Anybody have any experience with this?

Thanks!

Dan

 

Oh man. This is exactly what I DON'T want to be hearing right now. I've got my aux input on the way from Classic right now, and I was hoping to put the Sirius in in the very near future...

That's just terrible news. Did you ask your dealer about it?

 

Can't comment on your problem because I did the Kenwood Here to Anywhere unit so I can use it in the MINI, the truck and the house.
But, I did want to give you a heads up on the "lifetime" subscription. I was going to do it but declined because I was told the lifetime subscription was good for the life of the receiver, not the purchaser. When I asked if my receiver died (slim chance, I know) in 9 months or two years from now would my "lifetime" subscription become useless I was told yes. The Sirius rep said if I had the reciever/tuner repaired I would still have the lifetime subscription. Seemed rather unfair to me so I went with the one year in advance and get one month free.
Love that Sirius though!

 

>>That's just terrible news. Did you ask your dealer about it?

Nope... I figured they wouldn't be much help on something like this and not too inclined to help anyway since I did the installations. I did call 866-ASK-MINI today though, and the customer service rep there escalated the issue to a "product advocate" or some similar title. They seemed genuinely concerned... I'm hoping they'll come up with an answer.

I saw at least one posting where someone had been told by a dealer that the aux input kits had been "recalled" recently for a "missing part". Gotta wonder (if it's even true) if that might be related?

Dan

 

>>But, I did want to give you a heads up on the "lifetime" subscription. I was going to do it but declined because I was told the lifetime subscription was good for the life of the receiver, not the purchaser. When I asked if my receiver died (slim chance, I know) in 9 months or two years from now would my "lifetime" subscription become useless I was told yes. The Sirius rep said if I had the reciever/tuner repaired I would still have the lifetime subscription. Seemed rather unfair to me so I went with the one year in advance and get one month free.

Yeah, that kinda blows... I signed up online and didn't get all of the gory details. I figured that at anything beyond about 3 years I'd be money ahead, and since the car is only a month old it seemed like a plan.

It sounds like they key the "lifetime" subscription to the ESN of the receiver. I suppose it would be a selling point if I ever sell the car... the Sirius would just keep working for the new owner, unless I called Sirius and told 'em to turn it off, eh? And then in my new car, if I got Sirius it would be my "second" unit for $6.95/mo

D.

 

I'm currently running my H2A in the AUX port. By this time next week I should have my Sirius OEM in place. I too am hoping yours is an isolated incidence. I was hoping to use my AUX port for MP3 capability once the Sirius OEM was installed. Will let you know how it turns out.

jerij

 

Any more news on this subject yet?

 

I have both and no problems. Sounds like your's is malfunctioning.

 

According to the instruction manual that came with my OEM Sirius receiver, it would appear your CD and/or Sirius should work along with a functioning AUX input on the HU. (From what I gathered reading the instruction manual. I've not had time to install my Sirius unit yet).

Try removing it, running thru the radio mode function, then plugging the AUX cable back in. See if the HU recognizes it then.

jerij

 

Good to hear it, Dean!

 

I got my Sirius installed in the Mini today.

The AUX input still works fine.

jerij