Sirius Factory OEM install on '05 MC Cabrio

[mia mini]

I received a factory Sirius unit for my 2005 Cabrio with the H/K radio.I purchased the Mini SIRIUS Satellite Receiver - Item # 84 11 0 150 535 and the Mini SIRIUS Satellite Radio Install Kit - Item # 84 11 0 150 534. I did not need the extension cable that is recommended for the H/K system.

I received the factory install directions from MINI and was told that they were the same for the MC and the MC Cabrio. THEY ARE NOT! There is nowhere to mount the unit behind the panels in the trunk as recommended in the directions. The pillars from the rollbar are in the way. Even though the backet does not fit in the right spot it does make the install easier. I also used the Terk Mini antenna SIR-MINI with Terk Sirius Satellite Radio Splitter and Adapter SIR-SP.

First you need to find the wire harness behind the right trunk panel. There is no access panel. Remove the black bolt and lift the bottom of the panel to get the harness. Once the unit was plugged in the radio did recognize the Sirius unit. I mounted the unit in the trunk on a carpeted board attached to the rollbar pillar. It is visible but does not take up much room in the trunk and looks good ( I plan on painting the unit black to make it less visible For the antenna, I ran the wire to the front of the car and mounted it next to the factory antenna(It is small enough that it does not look bad). I wish Mini would make a Cabrio antenna but this works well.. I will add pictures soon

[ddBRG]

Mia Mini - Did you just install the sirius receiver box and the sirius antenna? I am curious if a standard sirius antenna will work. I currently use a PnP sirius unit and have the antenna on the dash up by the windshield...no probs with reception and looks good.

[scatpack]

ddBRG,

How is the PNP unit connected to the head unit?

[HarryHBMCC]

Which black bolt do you mean?

Harry

[ddBRG]

The PnP is connected to the AUX connection to the head unit.

[mia mini]

There is no factory antenna for the MC Cabrio
I used the Terk Sirius antenna and mounted it next to the factory antenna
It is small enough that it does not look bad
When they come out with a factory antenna I will trade it out

[mia mini]

Harry
If you look in the trunk the side panels are screwed to the rollbar pillars by a small black plastic screw
When you remove that you can pull the bottom of the panel up to get to the factory wire harness
I will try and post some photo links

[mia mini]

Here are some photo links of the install
Again I am planning on painting the gray unit black this weekend and when they get a factory antenna I will swap it out

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...SCN0450_2_.JPG



http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...SCN0446_2_.JPG

[scatpack]

Quote: Originally Posted by mia mini

There is no factory antenna for the MC Cabrio
I used the Terk Sirius antenna and mounted it next to the factory antenna
It is small enough that it does not look bad
When they come out with a factory antenna I will trade it out

How did you channel the wiring for the antenna? Did you go thru the rubber gasket on the roof?

[mia mini]

Yes I channeled it under the rubber seal
It lifts up with gentle pressure and the wire fits nicely under it
The bend from the roof to the side pillar took some time but you cannot see the wire
I ran it back lifted the back seat and fed it through to the trunk and plugged it into the unit