I currently have a XM radio and will be bringing the radio to my MINI once it gets here. But I noticed that on my current car, the antenna has caused some scratching on the paint, which is something I obviously don't want on the MINI. Is there a way to defeat this so I dont scratch my car all up?

 

Yes, put some molding tape on the back flat surface of the antena, it keeps it in place so it dosen't move around and won't scratch the surface. I learned this the hard way.

 

It sounds like you want to install an existing XM receiver in the Mini. We had one as well, but the cockpit is so small we decided to go with a new XM receiver and Blitzsafe unit which works with the existing head unit...much cleaner, but more $$.
It doesn't address the antenna question though, since you still need the new one for satellite. We just placed it behind the existing antenna, (without tape) and will now check for scratches.

I saw on one of these threads you can disassemble the satellite antenna, and put the "guts" in the base of the existing one. Much cleaner. See if you can find that thread.

 

Other options are to mount the antenna on the dash (but not too close to the windshield or the wiper will interfere with reception) or on the back deck... Both locations work fine with no noticeable reduction in signal strength... And neither will damage paint...

 

Another viable and clean option since you don't have Nav is to mount the guts of the XM antenna under the plastic base of the FM antenna. There is a little info on how to do it here--> Thread

This is also possible in a Convertible as described here---> Thread

Great color choice by the way.

Phil

 

Here's my Sirius antenna:

 

I have mine in the same spot as the last picture. It works quite well and have not noticed any drop out. I was a little nervous about how well it would work when I did it.

 

Another option is to put down a square of clear bra film on the spot where you want to install the antenna. The film square should be an extra half inch in all directions in case the antenna moves a little.

 

Warning: If you live--or frequently drive through--an area where the signal can be weak or drop out, mounting the antenna on the dash WILL create additional issues with signal dropouts, partucularly at times when the satellite is behind you in the sky...when the antenna would be shielded by the metal in the car (big MINI metal roof).

 

Mine has been mounted just behind the factory since july/08 and no scratches in paint. Just make sure placement is good so it does not move.

I keep my GPS antenna on the dash, sat radio did not work well at all for me with the dash board placement.