I just received the ALTA Performance antenna to replace my MINI's stock radio antenna. I think it looks sleeker:

http://www.altaminiperformance.com/p...a/ANTENNA.html

However, when I received it in the mail, the paperwork included with it specifically said:

ANTENNA ALTA MINI PERFORMANCE (NO NAVIGATION)

Nowhere on the web site does it indicate that it's incompatible with the nav system, so I'm puzzled about this. I've asked ALTA to clarify, but received no response yet.

Does the GPS use the same antenna as the radio? Or is it boosted by the radio antenna somehow? I thought they were entirely separate.

 

Hmm. I never even considered that.

I have the Alta shorty antenna & OEM NAV. Never had an issue. It even worked in *most* of the remote areas around The Dragon.

 

Good news. From ALTA Performance:

"The stub antenna will fit all models of the MINI other than nav models 02/03. Those years do not have an antenna base that accepts the mast. Your 2005 with nav uses the bottom of the antenna base for the satellite negotiation, not the FM/AM mast. Sorry for any confusion!"