Entertainment Electronics 1st Gen Most liked posts in thread: AM reception Mini problem

Did you look at the amplified “diversity” antenna module? Number 1 in the first diagram.The radio MINI used in the R50/52/53 is very similar to the 99-05 BMW E46 radio. Which has the same AM static issue and to fix that you either clean all the connectors or replace the diversity antenna module.

 

Many folks loose the AM when they install a stubby antenna...solid Billet types are OK for FM, but terrible for AM.
Some rubber ones, like the s2000 from Honda are shorter, AND have the right length of metal wound up under the rubber to make a proper antenna.... LENGTH IS THE MOST important thing with AM reception.
Also the diversity antenna system on mini's (I'm 99% sure) started with the "refresh cars"...so 2005+. you can look up the right schematics by date at realoem.com...the secondary antenna is imbedded in the glass....
Also the MINI DOES use a inline signal amplifier in the antenna...power is injected at the back of the radio...this is why a special adapter is needed when you go aftermarket.....like any electrical item....this could have failed.
Likewise, a minor issue with a crack in an antenna cable will DESTROY AM reception, but will be nearly unnoticeable with FM.
So a few things too look at...in addition to the radio.

 

It happened to my '04 and it was a bad ground on the head unit.

 

Mine has always been terrible, poor reception and noisy static from day one.

 

Both pre refresh and refresh cars have diversity antennas. Production spilt of 07/04 Part#4 is for refresh cars. Just installed a oem shortie on my friend's R53 and it has great AM reception so far.

 

Mine works the other way. I do have AM reception, but no FM at all. I see it changing frecuencies but have no audio from the FM signal. CD and auxiliary works fine too. Any ideas?

 

Sounds like a bad head unit..........