MINI USA’s Audio Pack Delayed Until Summer

Sections: R56 (Hatch) Dec 27th, 2006 16 Comments

MINI USA’s Audio Package that includes Sirius Satellite Radio, HD Radio and a Hi-Fi 10-Speaker sound system has been pushed back to a Summer 2007 introduction. Apparently the hold-up is the Sirius or HD Radio options and not the Hi-Fi Stereo (which is available now).

Written By: MF Staff

JPM

Well, it sounds like they’ve delayed the one package I was gonna wait for. Time to drop it like it’s hot, order the Hi-Fi and get a production number!

Anyone know if the Sirius can be added by the dealer later? I was kinda keen on that. I liked the “lifetime of the car subscription” offer.
http://www.jwardell.com/mini/ Josh Wardell

Hopefully they are updating the sirius receivers to more modern hardware with better sound quality and more features found on sirius radios for the past few years.
http://blog.kurtcollins.com Kurt Collins

Yup.. I think XM Direct will work in the car anyways. :-)
Mark Smith

Sirius will be available from the dealers for installation.
JPM

But, according to what my MA told me, NOT with the lifetime subscription. They will have 1st year free, then the usual fee from then on in.

I’ve just given up on the Sirius. Would have been nice. Ultimately, Mini and Sirius lose out on potential income.
Edge

JPM,

Lifetime SIRIUS subscriptions have 100% to do with SIRIUS and 0% to do with which receiver you have(whether they be built-in or plug-n-play).

All that is needed is the ESN of the receiver, and you’re golden. The MA didn’t know what he was talking about.

HOWEVER, SIRIUS only offers the “lifetime” subscription from time-to-time, so unless you already have it, then you will have to wait until (if?) SIRIUS offers it again.

I have it with my OEM SIRIUS receiver in my 2005 MCS. The deal I got does have one limitation though – I can only transfer to another receiver (ANY SIRIUS receiver) up to 3 times.
JPM

That’s reassuring. I have contacted Sirius regarding this as well, and will report in on what they say. Here is what Mini USA had to say when I told them I was disappointed, and that for my rather pricey build to be delayed over a radio seemed under-professional.

Here is what Meg Brown told me: “Unfortunately, when a new model is released, it is typical to experience a delay on some options due to issues such as supply or production concerns. In the interest of releasing our new models in a timely fashion, we sometimes experience a delay on certain options, such as the audio features you are considering. In addition, we cannot guarantee that it will be possible to install these systems after delivery to your MINI. Unfortunately, we must ask some of our customers to wait if they desire certain options. I am sorry to convey such a disappointing response and hope that you will still consider a MINI. “

I had also asked her if it would be possible to add in Sirius afterward, or prepay/order the package and have the HD Radio and Sirius installed once it was available.

To paraphrase what my dealer told me: It’s gonna be a while until Sirius will be dealer installed on the 07 models, and when they do it’ll be just the first year free, like now.

I guess the question is: what is the cost of just a reciever for the 07s going to be, and can I assume it will be nicely integrated into my SatNav system like the rest of the audio?

Thanks for your input, Edge. (My favorite guitarist, by the way, no lie!)
Gary

If you read the miniusa website it says that prewire for satellite and HD is standard. Go to full equipment/pricing list and scroll down to audio.

http://www.miniusa.com/#/learn/FACTS_FEATURES_SPECS/Pricing_Full_Equipment_List-s

XM direct will eventually work in their as well. Right now aftermarket doesn’t yet exist for a car that is not here. But you can currently get xm in 06 and earlier minis that play through factory deck. It uses a converter and plugs into the connector used for 6 cd changer. There are a plethora of web sites that show actual installation of xm direct reciever into mini and bmws.

My preference was to wait on xm anyway, I already have it in two Hondas. XM is better anyway in programming and sound quality/signal strength.
FrankInMiami

How does HD Radio compare to the paid subscription satellite radio services (XM & Sirius)?
JPM

I believe Frank that it’s bascially your standard radio channels with commercials, etc, only in XM/Sirius quality sound. Aside from the hardware, the signal is available at no cost.
DPB

Any idea if the hold up is the Sirius or the HD? I really only want the HiFi with the HD and an iPod connection. If I can get the HD, then I’m good to place an order. No word from my MA. I emailed him earlier.
scurvy

Hi. Does anyone know a status on the ipod hookup – the one where one can control an ipod from the steering wheel? It went from available for order in March to “coming soon” on the website. It is the feature I was waiting for, but I am starting to think that there will be a decent aftermarket solution before summer.

Thanks
scurvy

Hi. Does anyone know a status on the ipod hookup – the one where one can control an ipod from the steering wheel? It went from available for order in March to “coming soon” on the website. It is the feature I was waiting for, but I am starting to think that there will be a decent aftermarket solution before summer.

Thanks
DPB

Finally heard back from an MA (my previous one never acknowledged me so I went to another dealership in Houston. Guess who is going to sell me the new MINI.) Ironically, he told me to check out the info on MF, since it was the most up-to-date. So, a plug for MF and for Mini of the Woodlands for at least being responsive. http://www.miniusa.com has not answered the question of whether or not it is the HD or the Sirius that is holding up the audio package. However, my new MA says that he figures it is the HD since they can install Sirius at the dealership. He also suggested I look at aftermarket HD installation.
JPM

I keep noticing the Mini website still hasn’t been updated to show delayed availability. I wonder if maybe it still might make it for March availability.

I don’t understand why, if Sirius is available, it wouldn’t be available ala carte. I don’t really care about the HD radio anyway. I don’t need to hear the radio stations I don’t listen to anyway in crystal-clear quality sound.
DyeLooper

Finally they post a date of Aug/07

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