The following is an e-mail correspondence I recently had with MINI Customer Relations and Services.

From: (my work e-mail address)
Sent: 12/3/2004 12:00 AM
To: mini.assistance@askminiusa.com
Subject: Questions about our cars

First Name: Bob
Last Name: (Deleted for my privacy)

Question concerning my stock radio. I have a 2002 MINI Cooper S VIN number WMWRExxxxTDxxxx (I gave my full VIN number). I understand there is a XM satellite radio adaptor available for the MINI if the radio is satellite compatible. Wlll my head unit (stock radio) recognize the XM radio if it is installed? The wiring harness is already installed in the boot.


From: <MINI>Assistance@askMINIUSA.COM>
To: (my work e-mail address)
Sent: Friday, December 03, 2004 1:26 PM
Subject: RE: Questions about our cars [1-219163545]

Hi Bob, thanks for contacting MINI.

I am sorry, but we cannot recommend aftermarket parts like XM be installed in your car. However, MINI does have a Sirius satellite radio for the MINI, which can get installed in your car. If there are further questions I can assist with, please feel free to drop me an e-mail and I will be happy to lend an hand.

LET'S MOTOR
(name deleted to protect her identity and maybe, job)
MINI Customer Relations and Services
Representative
866.ASK.MINI (275-6464)

1. I may not be the brightest bulb in the box, but I feel that MINI Customer Relations and Services simply did NOT answer my question.
2. I understand MINI wants to install THEIR Sirius radio, so they can realize the profit in the upgrade.
3. Will a XM radio void my warranty? Don't think so, the car is already out of warranty.
4. Did I make the question too complicated? A simple "Yes, the XM will play thru the head unit" or "No, it won't" was what I was expecting. Not a sales pitch for Sirius.
5. If I read her reply to my e-mail correctly, my stock radio WILL recognize a Sirius, so therefore it will also recognize a XM radio. Right?

This is WAY more complicated than it needs to be. Here is a couple of questions to anyone out there in MINI land with a 2002 MCS: If you changed your head unit to a newer one for the XM - why did you? Did the original radio not recognize that a XM was onboard? Did you TRY it?

The answer I got from MINI Customer Relations was something I would expect (and got) from FORD! A run-around.

Is the MINI corporate mission statement: "If you can't impress them with facts, befuddle them with bull defecation." (?)

 

Two simple rules all big business follows ALL THE TIME:
1) Never, ever say the word "No" to a customer
2) Always do and say exactly what our attorneys tell you to do and say.

 

You simply asked the wrong question. You should have asked, "I have a 2002 MCS, VIN... and would like to know is the factory radio fitted to the car is Satellite Radio compatible?"

They didn't need to know about your desire to go with XM. In fact, they're happier not knowing. If you're not asking about a genuine MINI original part or dealer accessory, they're not going to be helpful. The corporate lawyers have deemed the potential for litigation to be too high.

 

The XM Direct setup will work in any MINI radio that the Sirius will work in. Assuming the person was right about the Sirius, you are good to go. I do remember reading somewhere that late build 2002's were sat radio capable so she is probably right, especially considering she had your VIN.

 

2002's with a build date after July are Sat ready.

 

Thank you, thank you, thank you.


The order will be placed today.

 

Uhmmmm.....

Well, no, no they aren't.

I found out the hard way this afternoon. Installed the XM radio, hooked everything up - and it DOESN'T work. My radio doesn't recognise that there is a XM on board. The display just toggles from the FM (or AM) to CD and back using the Mode button. Oh well... This is getting expensive...

Anyone know where I can find a late model head unit reasonably priced?

Geezzzzz...

 

I've got XM radio installed in my car. MINI of Sterling Virginia installed it for me, but if I remember, I think they got an adapter so it could work. So, give them a call and ask them about it all -- their phone no is (571) 434-1944. It works great, but still shows Sirius on the dial instead of XM. Generally speaking, that dealer installs XM and not Sirius, for some reason. :smile:

 

Well of course MINI isn't going to tell you anything about compatibility with XM, they have a deal with SIRIUS! The official BMW/MINI sanctioned satellite radio is a Sirius radio, they're not going to tell you to use any other radio! The dealer's that are selling XM installs are doing so under seperate agreements that they have made with XM outside of the BMW/MINI Corporate Sirius deal. Odds are the customer service people don't have any knowledge about XM tuners outside of what they've personnally played with on the side.

Now if you ask them about Sirius tuners and their compatibility, then they should be able to work with you...

Will a satellite radio void your warranty? Well that's a pretty solid maybe... Like any other "non-BMW/MINI" approved mod you do to your car, if the problem can be linked to the installation of the non-BMW/MINI approved part, then yes a warranty claim for that problem can be denied. And even then some dealers may let it go anyway. But your entire warranty wouldn't be voided by a satellite radio.

 

http://www.xmradio.com/xm_direct/factory_installed.jsp

 

Are there any dealers that sell the XM setup? I would be supprised if there was.



And to answer your question If a product is not tested then customer service cant say that it works.

 

MINI of Sterling for one...

 

I suppose I'm hallucinating the XM radio playing through my stock stereo

 

Anything you hear saying "burn it all down!" is just the voices in your head!

 

Thanks mbabischkin, I'll keep that on a post-it note on my alloy patina