have an 06 cooper. does any one else think that the radio reception in the mini is horrible compared to other car that your freinds and family drive. my moms HYUNDAI, my grandmothers lexus and my cousins SCION all get better reception. the speakers sound great but the reception is crap. what should i teel the dealer?

 

I have an 07 MCS with the same reception problem. That short antenna must be the cause. Maybe there's an after market aerial that may increase the signal reception.

 

I just recently noticed that reception in my '04 MCS decreases dramatically when I have the rear defogger on. Anyone else notice this, or is there a problem with my radio/antenna/rear defogger?

 

The radio reception in my MCS '07 is terrible too. This is very disappointing. I'm hoping someone has a solution. A better antenna?

 

Mini Freak - HP mini - and Sky 9 capt , BRING THE CAR IN!!! I had horrible reception in my 06 MCS, and they found an antenna cable in the car pinched, causing me the HORRIBLE noise / static.... These cars have really clear radios, and I was sure, Due to the loaner they gave me had clear reception!!!!

 

Thanks! I'll have that checked.

 

Mine is better then ALL of my friends cars. even with the shorty antenna. I would take it in to the dealer.

 

i will take it to the dealor because it really does get on my nnerves

 

The reception in my '03 MC was great, even with a shorty antenna, except when the rear window heat was on.

The reception in my '06 MCSCa is always great, and the radio stations can be few adn far between up here in Maine.

 

Old Thread same issue.

I drove a newer BMW last week and listened to a radio station some 70 miles north of where I usually lose that same station while listenng to it in my 03' MCS.....

So anyone ever install an FM signal booster or other device to remedy this ?

The fact I can't see the coolant level inside our brown colored expansion tanks and this, are my only two issues with these cars and it would be nice to at least get the radio issue out of the way.

Dave

 

Do all the lines in the rear defroster work?!

Often if one or more of the lines are not working, they are scratched, and this may cause radio reception issues (I'm not sure exactly how, but it can cause some static/background noise....some conductive paint will fix the broken defroster line..and may help with your reception.

On a Gen1 car, the roof antenna is (I'm, pretty sure for AM reception only), so a shorty antenna will not hurt you. However since the Antenna is in the rear window glass..it could be scratched like the defroster....thus shorting its effective length, and reception abilities.
If you have Metalized window tint, it could cause issues too!!

I think MotorOn AKA Drew, the MAN behind the scenes is a HAM radio operator and can help out....My 05' S has great FM reception...stock antenna...but these days, I'm mostly usually using the XM.

 

does anyone have a led failure with the stock head unit? also would anyone know of or be willing to sell the stock head unit. the single disc not the 6 disc. thanks

 

I had one installed on my old HONDA....it helps a tiny bit....but must be toggled off for strong/close stations. It Amplified everything, including interference....so it usefulness was a bit dubious.
I'm wondering if maybe variations in the delivery date/manufacture might be to blame..in part..different contract groups or something?

I THINK, most/all Gen1 Radios are from Alpine...and they are usually one of the top 3 for FM sensitivity....or at least was 10 years ago when I was resaeching it.

 

I dunno. Not sure if it's the radio or antenna set up. I switched back to OEM antenna few months ago thinking that was it, but it only got better on the AM band.

And I was going to use tin foil on the antenna trick, but I used the last of that to make another hat.

 

Welcome to NAM....check the marketplace!!
All US units are single CD....to get 6, there is a remote changer installed in the trunk!!

 

Only prob I have seen is when temps get below 30 degress the LCD display is slow to respond or there are numerics missing. Apparently it needs antifreeze.

 

I think Drew (if I am remembering it right) replaced his roof antenna with a bit of re-wiring...so it looks stock...with a CB or a HAM antenna....he stated the FM antenna was in the glass and separate from the whip...which was AM only......

 

Well just to follow up (wow, I forgot I posted in this thread!) - no, not all of the lines worked. I had the rear glass replaced under warranty for this problem and now the stereo reception works fine (defroster on or off). The problem was that the a couple of the horizontal defroster lines were shorted out on the vertical antenna lines.

 

Well that explains why AM only improved. Yeah my rear glass is bad. When the defogger comes on, I can see patches not clearing up.

I am wondering if I can tap into the radio part of the glass array. IMO from an engineering standpoint and cost factor, having two antennas doing the job where one would normally suffice, is dumb........

 

I know some better fm radio's use diversity antennas to improve reception...perhaps we have that, or maybe they are bonded together to make the approprate length antenna or someting. I'd give Drew a shout...he could tell you the wireing arrangement.
To fix the rear defroster...just buy some electro conductive paint/epoxy...sold to fix scratches in the defroster... Then inspect for scratches, and put a dab on the scratch...the defroster will work better, and your FM may improve!!

 

i notice with mine it's more of an interference or ground issue . if you shut car off and ignition off and turn radio on with key off it will be crystal clear . i was wondering if it's a ground issue?

 

If you can tell much of a differance with the car on...then if you go to radioshack, or most car audio places, you can get an "noise isolator/filter" basicly an iron ferrite choke that you install on the + power line leading to the radio....excessive noise can also point to a stressed electrical system...either due to aged ignation cables or even worn brushes causing some arcing/electrical noise...possibly in an alternator or even a ps motor or fan. Not saying failure is going to happen soon, but electrical componets can make extra noise as they age. Removing the atenna whip, whiping it clean, and cleaning the connections may help too! All these checks will help mostly with the AM band...but they help a bit fom FM, but due to the frequency band, it tends to be much more ressistant to electrical noise/reception problems.