The AM radio reception in my 03 MCS is awful; while the FM reception appears to be fine. I purchased the car used a few months ago - and I assume the sound system is stock. I haven't been able to find any worthwhile advice on-line, so I thought I would post it on NAM in hopes that someone out there might have solved this problem in the past. Anyone?

 

What's AM?

 

I drive without the antenna and my AM reception is fine, actually, regarding the reception, there is no difference with or without the antenna connected. BTW, my antenna is always disconnected. Yes, I have the standard radio, 2003 non-S.

retroom

 

I have the same problem with my '03 MCS. I admit I'm a talk radio addict. I can barely pick up local AM stations, yet my FM reception is excellent. One odd thing I've noticed is that if I turn on my Xenon headlights while the radio is on, my reception gets noticably better. If you find an answer for yours please let me know.

Jayhawk

 

Dump the AM & FM and get XM.

 

You might want to check the ground connection on the head unit.

 

I finally stumbled across the cause of my poor AM reception. I took off my antenna to install my car cover and happened to look at the threaded end and noticed a thin layer of corrosion. There was also corrosion on the antenna mount. I took a small wire brush and cleaned both the antenna connection and antenna mount connection. My AM reception is now outstanding.

Jay

 

gunna have to check that out tomorrow !

 

"One odd thing I've noticed is that if I turn on my Xenon headlights while the radio is on, my reception gets noticably better."

Must be the Low Impedance Flux Capacitor igniting a stray HF plasma around those Xenons; this in turn may distort the single side band portion of the AM channel you're tuned in to. Thus, better reception!

Same thing happens to me.

 

So, how much will it cost me to convert my standard headlights to Xenon ones?

 

I had an 03 Cooper with the same problem. The dealer installed a new radio and that ended that problem....was under warranty,


Dave

 

Seriously, the Xenons are great for seeing and avoiding DEER and other mammals that prefer to commit suicide than stay on the side of the road but I honestly can't say if the lights improve A.M. reception. Mine are on all the time when I motor so I'm not sure if the A.M. is improved. I'll have to test that theory.
Anyway, I listen to XM 98% of the time that I drive since I'm a Lifetime Subscriber. :D (Let's hope Sat Radio sticks around for a while)...