After-market Satellite Radio Installation

[dszpiro]

My 2009 sDrive 35i came with the standard audio system. While I did get the iPod interface kit, I did not get a factory installed satellite radio. Additionally, I did not get iDrive.

I am wondering what would be involved in getting Sirius satellite radio installed at this point. It is listed as a $350 option on the BMW USA web site with the following description: "Sirius is seamlessly integrated with the controls of your BMW's CD radio."

On the Sirius web site, they show a SiriusConnect Universal Vehicle Tuner that is described as being designed to match with "Sirius-ready" head unit. Presumably that includes the BMW head unit. This tuner retails for $70.

So, here's what I'm wondering:

- Is the $350 dollar option from BMW a dealer installed option that can be added to the car after delivery?
- Do you think the $70 tuner from Sirius would just plug into the BMW head unit and start working?

I look forward to hearing from anyone who has some experience in these matters.

TIA.

[laphil]

I would find out how much BMW charges to install. The part may be $350, but the last time I inquired the grand total was closer to $1k out the door.

[dszpiro]

Thanks for the tip. I will look into it.

I think it is telling when when looks at the discrepancy in pricing for factory / dealer installed car electronics compared to after-market.

- Sirius sells car mount radios for under $100. Same functionality through BMW: close to $1,000.
- Garmin sells portable GPS device for ~$200. Portable GPS ordered from BMW: $500-$700.
- Purchase a power laptop computer: ~$700. Order iDrive from BMW: $2,100.

In 1999 I bought a 1996 Mercedes E320 from the original owner. When he purchased the car he added the factory installed cell telephone as an option. This was an armrest mounted receiver with a curly cord running into the arm rest. It looked like a home telephone. It cost $2,500 in 1996 when cell phone from the major carriers were running one tenth that price.

Car companies are pigs when it comes to these sorts of options. It reminds me of the price for popcorn when you go to the movies: outrageous.

[mrboon]

Here in europe (spain) it was not possible to get the z4 with satellite radio from the bmw dealer Its an option i would really like.

Does anyone know if i can get it installed and working on my idrive system?

[Oh Captain My Captain]

I would get an estimate from an aftermarket radio installer and compare. I had a Sirius radio installed in my Acura by a custom radio place for less than $500 labor plus $150 for the equipment. It worked really well.

These guys in your area seem pretty experienced.
http://www.hiwayhifi.net/audio.html

Another thought:
I wonder? If you have an iPhone, can you get the Sirius app and run that through the iPod interface kit?

[laphil]

Tried the Sirius app for a week with my iPhone (I have the cradle for the phone.) As expected AT&T is not consistent and the stream flips from higher quality to painfully horrible quality without notice.

[Memphis1]

if it's pre-wired i'm sure you can do it yourself and have the dealer activate it...

[matt_435xi]

Originally Posted by memphis2012

if it's pre-wired i'm sure you can do it yourself and have the dealer activate it...

aren't all BMWs prewired these days (at least all USA models)?

[dszpiro]

If it is in fact pre-wired, then perhaps someone knows (a) whee the sat radio mounting spot is located (i.e., where those wires are hanging) and the BMW part number for the sat radio module?

Sirius does sell a "universal" tuner but it only works with head units that have been designed to be compatible. Does anyone know if the standard ausio system in the E89 is compatible with the Sirius tuner?

TIA

[marakbai]

Originally Posted by dszpiro

If it is in fact pre-wired, then perhaps someone knows (a) whee the sat radio mounting spot is located (i.e., where those wires are hanging) and the BMW part number for the sat radio module?

Sirius does sell a "universal" tuner but it only works with head units that have been designed to be compatible. Does anyone know if the standard ausio system in the E89 is compatible with the Sirius tuner?

TIA

Does anyone have any info on this? I'm in a similar situation with my new X3; I'd like to get the Sirius installed

[HerrK]

Originally Posted by godius

Here in europe (spain) it was not possible to get the z4 with satellite radio from the bmw dealer Its an option i would really like.

Does anyone know if i can get it installed and working on my idrive system?

Europe does not have a private or government satellite radio network. In the US we have private investors Sirrius/XM sat radio - thus the sat radios in US vehicles.

[mcbeee]

I thought Sirius was installed in all the cars, BMW gives you a free period then you have to pay Sirius after it runs out. At least that's normal around here.
I'm not sure but I think it might be a Software issue. It's possible that all they have to do is program it because I heard of someone losing his Sirius after a service job and system reboot (also hearsay). It also might only be in the "Exec" package that we get...part of the comm's options.

I'm probably way off base ......good luck anyway.

[HerrK]

Originally Posted by marakbai

Does anyone have any info on this? I'm in a similar situation with my new X3; I'd like to get the Sirius installed

Go to Diagram 65_1930 - SATELLITE- RADIO. Where its located in my car no idea. Prewired in all vehicles . Costs ~$500.

http://www.penskeparts.com/DiagramsM...5&rnd=03192010

Sat radio is a $350 option in US (comes with 1 yr subscription). Can you retro fit with the above $500 module- ???

[BMWZ4]

Marakbai,

Your MY09 should definitely be Sirius/XM "ready", whether US or CAN. You can certainly buy an aftermarket Sirius tuner (Best Buy for example) and hook it up yourself to the head unit.

I enquired a couple of months ago & the tuner at BB was something like $225 with wiring harnesses etc. If you're not comfortable doing the install yourself, I believe BB's hourly rate is $60 or $80 (don't quote me please, been awhile since I've had anythign done there).

Dave

[jmelong]

I am almost positive the SAT Radio module is located in the trunk area...somewhere. I have a 2010 with Premium Radio and SAT Radio option, but have not been able to get it to work properly since delivery. I am taking it to BMW next week for further diagnosis and "hopefully" repair so I can enjoy SAT. I will inquire at that time where the module is located and get report back. If you look at the Penske diagrams in a previous reply, everything except the head unit is located in the trunk area, so I am assuming the SAT module is there also.

[spiicytuna]

Originally Posted by jmelong

I am almost positive the SAT Radio module is located in the trunk area...somewhere.

Can anyone shed any light as to where? I have access to a "free" (to me) satellite radio and I'd like to install it into my Satellite prepped z4 without involving the dealer.

[NoQuarter]

I dont think SAT radio is a separate module in the newer CIC equiped cars. The feature is enabled within the existing hardware.

That said...
What was your plan for enableing the used module you
have once you got it connected into the MOST network?

[spiicytuna]

Originally Posted by NoQuarter

I dont think SAT radio is a separate module in the newer CIC equiped cars. The feature is enabled within the existing hardware.

That said...
What was your plan for enableing the used module you
have once you got it connected into the MOST network?

My car has option: "693 Satellite Tuner Preparation" meaning I need to get the receiver before activating. I will still need to pay for activation using bimmer-tech.com or whoever. If I had to pay the additional $300-900 for the receiver I wouldn't even waste my time. My question is where is the receiver located? Trunk? elsewhere?

[NoQuarter]

What year e89 you have?

[spiicytuna]

Originally Posted by NoQuarter

What year e89 you have?

09

[NoQuarter]

With that model year you probably in fact do have a separate module as you said.

In the rear cargo area/trunk...

- Remove the left side trim panel
- Remove the storage tray
- Sat module should go under there

You likely will need the correct mounting bracket as well.
Finally, I don't think the prep includes a fiber optic connector for the SAT module so you will need one of those.

Once it is connected properly, it will not show up anywhere in iDrive until the option is enabled.

[surfwooder]

I also own a 2009 Z4, that does not have Sirius installed. I have a radio module, and need to find where the plug ends are located in the trunk. I see someone already said on the left side under the tray. Have you looked at that location for the plugs? If you installed your module, what next? My Z4 has the BMW Professional Radio as the head unit. I got no information on that radio head unit. I'm thinking just "plug' program and "play"

Surfwooder