I recently purchased a "mini next" certified pre owned 2011 mini cooper. I get an email from sirius sat radio that I am eligible for a free trial thru April, all I have to do is tune to channel 184 and call or click to activate it. Here's the problem: it won't activate. I was on the phone with sirius today for close to 45 minutes and their tech person told me to take it to the dealer because something is not right with the software. Now, satelite radio is something I probably will not purchase but I'd like to try it since it's free and maybe I'll buy it if I'm really impressed with it. The car is still under the original warranty but I'm not sure if I want the dealer to monkey around with and/or replace the original factory radio for something I probably don't want. Anyone had a similar experience? What's the fix for this? Is there any risk in opening up the dashboard for this?

 

No issue fixing it, they prob. won't even need to take the radio out. More than likely they can do a software update for the fix. I'd recommend going ahead and getting it fixed while it's free.

 

I assume you actually have an XM/Sirius-ready radio and antenna, (which would be the case if you can get channel 1). Some car radios need additional parts or upgrades to have it receive an XM signal


I once had a similar problem (in a non-MINI vehicle) activating my Sirius free trial, and it wouldn't accept the activation signal sent. After several tries, I found that to get the activation signal, the radio had to be on with the car running, not just in the accessory mode. I don't know if that could be the case with yours, but you might want to try this before taking it back to your dealer.

 

Way's probably right, go to the dealer. Odds are it's a software issue that can be resolved.

Even if the HU is the problem it'll get replaced with another MINI HU. A dealership will not install an aftermarket HU to replace factory HU. Heck, installing an aftermarket HU is extremely difficult since the interior re-design in 2007...

 

You paid for a car that is supposed to have everything functioning. Take it in & let them fix it for you.

I have Sirius XM & really do enjoy it. After your free trial is up when you call to cancel they will offer you a better rate. Tell them no & they will offer a better one. Saves you a bit of money.

 

You guys are right. I paid for a car which should have everything working. I talked to the dealer and have an appointment scheduled for Tuesday. It's under warranty, the dealership is 15 minutes from my house and they've offered me a loaner. I might as well take advantage of it, I'll let you know how it goes.

 

I took the car in. The problem was with the satellite antenna, it had shorted out. They replaced it (no charge, car under warranty) and now it works fine.

 

Thanks for telling us what the resolution was. Glad you are up & receiving satellite signals....

 

Just make sure you are not in the garage. Mine only works outside, sometimes in the garage with the garage door up but never closed.

Signal is fine outside and driving. Not great in parking decks either but that is the nature of satellite radio. Similar to GPS units.