R56 MCS manufactured May 2007 with Hi-Fi Sound package and MFSW.

Lost all FM and AM radio reception (just volume-controlled hissing sounds). All other audio functions and displays work perfectly (CD, Aux. Plug, Volume/Balance/etc,. External antenna in tact. Appears that the antenna circuit has been interrupted.

Is anyone in NAM familiar with the antenna connection locations for the R56, and how to access them?

Or could it be the antenna boost circuitry? If so, where is it located?

I have scheduled a service appointment, but my SA indicated that this is the first that he has heard of this problem on an R56, and I am apprehensive about their trouble-shooting techniques, the removal of factory installed panels, and potential for squeaks/rattles, etc.

Has anyone else experienced a similar problem?

 

Sounds like a bad radio. You should get some reception even with the antennae disconnected.

 

Check the connector back at the amplifier in the left side of the boot.

 

Thanks for the info. on the boot amp location - I did not remove the amp, but I was able to reach around to the connector, and it appears to be secure. The MINI SA mentioned an antenna booster - would it be located in the vicinity of the amp, or are they one-in-the-same? All of the other functions of the radio work properly, channnel displays, CD player, aux. input jack, volume, bass adjustments, etc. - it really sounds like an antenna connection failure - simply no reception capability on AM or FM.

 

If you look in www.realoem.com under the radio parts you will find that there is two additional components in the boot hatch external door that are directly related to the BT and sirex /xm system.

 

Just looking at that picture again , one of those components (trap) looks to be in the upper right compartment. look closely to the locating arrow. EDIT.. the one for the hi fi is on the left hand side.

 

Your direction is GREATLY appreciated. I checked out the connections to the best of my ability, and it appears to be a component/connector failure. Testing for those items is beyond my scope. I feel better knowing that the issue could likely be in the boot area vs. tearing into the R56 dashboard components. I have scheduled warranty repair through the dealer on 8/27 and will communicate the outcome for future reference.

Thanks, again, for your input.

 

Update:

Dealer has had car since 8/27, established a PUMA(?) record with MINI technical support and they have replaced the antenna booster with no success. Electronic testing indicates that all connections and everything with the radio is OK.

MINI is sending tech support from the manufacturer to assist in determining the source of the problem. I was advised that the R56 radio is manufactured/supplied by BMW.

My SA stated that they will need the car for an extended period of time to find the problem (apparently a MiNI requirement in order to troubleshoot any R56 new problems). They are providing me with transportation while the car is in for service.

Will post outcome when the repair is accomplished. :impatient

 

Picked up the repaired vehicle today (9/5/07). Total time to repair - 10 days - due to troubleshooting, testing dismanteling, replacement of components, holiday weekend, etc. Final resolution was to replace the radio - my SA indicated that the prospect for aftermarket audio systems is low, due to the complexity associated with removing the console, speedometer, etc. to reach the radio and associated connections. The same issue exists for placing components in the storage bin compartment above the glovebox, since the only way to access the connections on the back of the radio necessitate removal of the console & speedometer.

 

Hi GEP,
I know this post is 11(!!!) years old but I too have an '07 R56 with what appears to be the same issue. When you say replaced the radio, do you mean the head unit that houses the CD player or the IBOC tuner in the right rear of the car? Also, when you had the problem, did you have an icon for the tuner on the LCD or was it replaced with two dashes?

Many thanks!