Hello

been doing my homework on a Xact sirius unit i got for the holidays.
I've got the standard audio headunit and standard NAV package in a 2005 MCC. I've also got the AUX cable in and working.
I'm trying to determine my options.
Can i have all that i have now (aux, nav, standard head unit) and install this sirius package and manage to get my HU to control the sirius unit?
Do i have to use the aux cable to run it, and control through the sirius unit?
Can i use another port on the HU, and keep my Aux, but not get my HU/steering controls to work the unit?
there are so many permutations, and searching the forums isn't helping like i'd hoped. What kind of suggestions can people make?

p.s. i might not be sticking with sirius, might go to XM (not interested in a debate of whose hardware is better/etc), so if there are specific manuf. products i need, please let me know.

 

How much are you willing to spend?

The least intrusive option is the OEM Sirius receiver - it mounts in your trunk inside one of the pop-open panels, it connects to your head unit and gives you full head unit control over it. It doesn't use your Aux input, it becomes a new choice with the "MODE" button. I have it and I love mine.

The downsides? It's much more expensive than an external unit, you only get one line of display at a time (using the head unit), and you can't transfer it to another car (unless you uninstall it and install it in another MINI!).

Note that since you have the factory Nav (like I do), you won't be able to use the OEM SIRIUS antenna with the reciever... but you can use a small and unobtrusive 3rd party antenna, which is what I did. Actually, the fact you have a convertible precludes you from using the OEM antenna anyway (even if you didn't have Nav).

To the best of my knowledge, there is no "OEM XM" receiver, so your choices with that may be an external unit using the Aux input.

 

I just installed the Blitzsafe XM adapter that I got from enfig.com for ~ $150 and the XM Direct tuner which I got from crutchfield for $49.99 with a $50 MIR.

They work together to give you OEM integrated XM that you control from the stock HU and MFSW controls for $150.

Instalation only took around 30 minutes.

Very happy with it.

 

Ahh, good info, I had heard of the Blitzsafe but didn't realize it was as "streamlined" as that! The XM Direct tuner is still an external device with its own screen though, right? (which could be a pro OR a con depending on the person's wants)

 

No, the XM direct has no display. Installs in trunk. All info is displayed on the factory hu.

 

Just a note...

If you have a convertible you may have trouble finding a good place for the antenna.

If you have IceLinkPlus, you can get an line in adapter from them that adds 3 inputs to the IceLink system.

Just tossin that in to the mix...

I want to get Sirius, but gettting it to work in my Convertible sounds like more of a effort than wanted!@

 

I'm going to go to XM strictly for the lineup (but i don't want to start an argument here about all of that...)

so my question: Is there any XM unit i can buy that will install in the car and be controlled by my non HK radio unit (forward, backward, display, etc), that can also be used by itself in my home (has its own controls, display, etc)?
Are there any adapters that will make this possible?
Any way to keep my AUX port free? (cd changer port?)
please keep in mind that i have the NAV.

the OEM unit doesn't sound like something i'd go for - I do want to use this outside of the car (and xm, and all that..). thanks for the info on that!

I plan on putting the XM antenna on the dash, at the bottom of the windshield, like someone else here did.