Installed XM direct in my 2003 MINI Cooper S with HK stereo and MFSW. The install took me about 1 hour. The hardest part was getting the part of the antenna that connects to the XM radio thru the rear pillar into the area where the HK amplifier is in the boot. Then when you put the blitzsafe and the XM radio in there it is a mighty full little compartment. Other than that it was a snap, and requires zero technical skill or even mechanical skill. The radio works pretty well with the multifunction steering wheel. Although, using the same buttons for scanning and for presets is tricky. Trying to remember to hold it down and then looking down at the radio to see what channel you are on will probably get someone killed. Still it is a great simple install.

jc

 

Did you have to buy the MINI specific module ($299) or did you just have to use the base modle ($99)?
Could you submit any hotos of the install?

 

I did buy the $299 type version. The install was very easy. If you have the HK the amp makes the little boot box very crowded but it will all fit if you try.

There was a web site that I used for pictures. My MINI is an S and he didn't have the amp, but a standard stereo in his setup, but the process is the same, so in the spirit of not reinventing the wheel here is his website.

http://www.nickpresley.com/xm/

It works slick as heck and if you price the dealer installed version of sirius, it is still a real bargain. Although, I think I got it for a tad under the $299 price.

jc

 

where did you get the xm direct kit?

 

http://www.myradiostore.us/


There may be other sellers of the product, but I didn't do too much research, and when I saw it I bought it. Like I said it is pretty slick, and definitely a doable install even if you are not technical. The unit literally plugs in and you are good to go.

jc

 

Do you have to have the HK kit for this? I just have the standard head unit and have been looking at this.

 

It will work with any factory radio 2003 and newer. If memory serves me properly, I don't think the 2002 radios were satellite radio ready.

 

I think Minidreaming is correct, but I am not sure. The installation shown in the link I posted earlier is a non HK install. It doesn't have the HK amp in the boot. It is a tight fit with the HK amp

jc

 

Thanks for the help guys, time to save up and enjoy some XM radio.

 

Circuit City or Crutchfield has the xm direct unit for $49.99....all you need to buy is the blitzsafe adaptor and walla....it took me about 45 min for the complete install, 2 min to recieve xm radio.. the running of the antenna wire took most of the time.. I ran it into the stock antenna for a no wire showing install...

 

Where did you order your Blitzsafe adaptor from? I called Blitzsafe & they wouldn't sell me one.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=31985


Check out the above thread. We have been talking about this for a week or so. It's almost impossible to get the BlitzSafe adaptor by itself. Now that they know we want it, they jacked up the price. They have already contacted all their retailers and told them this also. Good Luck.