2006 X3 Sirius Retrofit

GilbertB11 · #1 08-16-2006, 05:15 PM

Hope someone can help. I know this has been posted before but, I still can't find the answers to the questions I have. I bought my wife a 2006 X3 without sirius. I know the car is pre-wired and I know I need a retrofit kit to add sirius but, where do I buy it, do I also need a sirius receiver,and is the sirius receiver the radio? Sorry for the ignorant questions. I would appreciate any help and details on what is needed to avoid the $800 cost of taking it in to BMW to have it done. Thanks again and in advance.

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Rick in Prescott · #2 08-16-2006, 06:14 PM

If it's really pre-wired you don't need to "retro-fit" anything. You can buy the mounting bracket and reciever for under 300.00 and diy the install yourself. I have a buddy at Chattanooga BMW that will give you a great deal on what you need.
Call 1-800-846-6269, ask for Brian and tell him Rick Irrgang sent you. He'll sell you what you need and provide you with instructions to DIY the istall. I took 45 minutes to do mine. It's really a piece of cake to install.

GilbertB11 · #3 08-16-2006, 06:18 PM

Rick, I really appreciate it. I was told that it was pre-wired. Is there an easy way to check?

Rick in Prescott · #4 08-16-2006, 07:15 PM

Yes. Remove the left side cover in the rear cargo area. There's a bundle of wires with connectors on them. Two are antenna connectors (you'll need one of them) and the others are for the receiver. They'll be wraped in a foam type of protective wrapping.
If you remove he head unit, (4 screws and 5 minutes of work) you'll find another bundle of un-used connectors to the right side rear of the head untin opening. Those are for the sirius radio as well.

RastaGurl · #5 08-16-2006, 07:19 PM

If you look in the trunk, to the left there is a removable panel which protects the Sirius receiver (once installed), and the Nav unit. Remove the panel by pushing the little black button. If your car is pre-wired, there should be a bundle of wires enclosed in velcro which will connect to the Sirius receiver. Here are pics I posted a few months ago. Hope this helps! http://www.x3world.com/x3-e83-forum/...tml#post135847
GL!

Rick in Prescott · #6 08-16-2006, 07:50 PM

Gilbert, if you don't have NAV, the opening won't quite look like Rasta's pics. My reciever is mounted in a vertical fashion on a mounting plate. If you have neiter NAV or Sirius you'll see a larger area of nothing, where the mounting plate will attach for the sirius reciever. Where you'll find the bundle of wires is toward the front of the opening.

GilbertB11 · #7 08-16-2006, 08:14 PM

You guys, thank you very much. I really appreciate it. Unfortunately, I don't have nav. I guess I should expect to see an empty space with a bundle of wires. I check for them. I tell you, normally I wouldn't be so impressed by satellite radio, only I have it in my e90 and really love it. Any more info that you guys have would certainly help. I'll try and Rick, I'm going to drop your buddy a line for the parts. Thanks guys.

Nickjc · #8 08-16-2006, 09:18 PM

Just added XM to my 04 X3..got the interface recevier from Tom G at EAS...no fuss no muss....

Please check if you are prewired, make sure yout option tag has, what was it 693 option or somthing to that effect...if not,
the wires are under the console...again real easy...

I am partial to XM and Tom G can help you out...

Tom G. · #9 08-16-2006, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickjc

Just added XM to my 04 X3..got the interface recevier from Tom G at EAS...no fuss no muss....

Please check if you are prewired, make sure yout option tag has, what was it 693 option or somthing to that effect...if not,
the wires are under the console...again real easy...

I am partial to XM and Tom G can help you out...

Since your X3 isn't prewired for Sirius, it needs the antenna and the wiring. You will first need to locate your CD Changer connections underneath the center console:

We have created a retrofit kit that will get your X3 up to specs for Sirius.

Sirius Satellite Radio - e83 X3 w/ Business CD (non SA-693)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=280

If you are partial to XM like Nickjc, we have that base covered as well:

XM Direct Satellite Radio Package for BMW & Mini
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=267

Let me know if you have any specific questions on either of the kits, I'm happy to assist.

Tom G. · #10 08-16-2006, 09:47 PM

My mistake, I reread the original post that you are prewired for Sirius. I'll leave my previous post up for reference for non-prewired X3s.

This is the kit you need if you are prewired for Sirius (SA-693):

Sirius Satellite Radio - e83 X3 w/ Business CD
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=278

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