Can someone verify for sure if an Alta (or other brand) short antenna works on a MCSC w/Navi? At first I was told it doesn't but now I'm being told it does? From what was explained to me the non Navi models have a different base for the antenna? On mine the antenna mast simply unscrews from the base. I already have a generic ebay short antenna on and Navi still works but radio reception is poor unless you're in a urban area.

 

All the convertibles have the same "screw-on" antenna for the radio signals regardless of the Nav, because the Nav has a separate antenna. On the hardtop models, only the cars without the Nav have the screw-on type; whereas the Nav cars have shark-fin antenna with the actual radio antenna embedded in the window. Hence, your car has the screw-on antenna, which will accept Alta short antenna.

I actually went through 5 different antennas on my car. The only non-MINI antenna I found that has comparable reception as the original is the antenna from Honda.

 

Thanks for the info. Which different antennas did you try? I was interested in the Alta because it's short but reception is #1 priority and length is #2. The generic one I have looks real good but reception is bad in my area.

 

1. OEM - good reception
2. Ordered from Germany (4") - OK
3. MINI Mania (2.5") - shortest but compromised reception
4. Honda - same as OEM
5. Metra 44UA200 window antenna - descent reception, but allows me to have a shark fin in the factory location.

Many people in the PDX MINI club, use Alta without complaints. :smile:

 

As a general rule of thumb, shorter the antenna means weaker the reception. I personally like the looks of the shorter ones on the MINI. I found a retractable antenna for my MCSC that should arrive the dealership any day now. It's adjustable from 4" to 11". This is great for the convertibles because of the antenna location, allowing easy access from the driver seat with the top open.:smile:

Retracted



Partly Extended

 

I like the factory antenna, or maybe one a bit longer. I like that it looks like an RC model.

 

I think that changed in 2005. We have a hardtop with NAV and everything is in the roof antenna. No sharkfin. No window antenna

 

Hi. Here is my post regarding this topic from another thread:
"I use the Shorty Antenna from MOSS ( http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPr...374&SortOrder=1 ).
I tried several of the short antennas, amog them Alta and the reception was inferior compared to the OEM version. I listen to NPR a lot and the reception in my area (Princeton, NJ) is ify at best. My location is between New York and Philadelphia. Both have NPR stations byt reception of both in Princeton is spotty.
The best reception I get is from the Moss antenna. As far as I can tell, it is the only one that is a rubber covered coil antenna. Most of the others are only a machined aluminium billet. Moss sells it for $ 24.
Denes"
On the convertible there is no separate antenna for the nav. The above antenna is perfect for all my needs.
Denes