Sirius radio compatibility for 2004 X3 (build 02/2004)

[bennette4796]

Hi, I was hoping that one of you might know if the 2004 X3 w/ NAV can ever be made Sirius compatible with a 02/2004 build date... The Sirius compatibility chart indicates that it can't, but I am not sure if this is because of the NAV software or the radio unit itself.

I have a BMW Sirius unit, all hooked up with power, a recently updated NAV software level of V29.1, and still cannot get my radio to see the Sat tuner. I have doubled checked, and my Area is USA. The radio cycles between AUX and CD, but no sound on either, and no SAT mode. I wired this with an extension cable from the CD changer connection in the armrest.

I am hesitant to spring for a new radio module without confirmation that this is the problem.

Any suggestions?

Thank you, EileenB

[stangmatt66]

I've heard some discussion on this topic and AFAIK early 2004 X3s were advertised as being SIRIUS ready, but were in fact not ready in anyway which left some owners with no options to install SIRIUS.

Anyone know more about this?

[AzNMpower32]

I think you might need to consult your dealer. Back then, prewiring was an extra $75 option. So you were supposed to pay $75 for the prewiring then $325 for the sat radio. But I don't know, maybe they can install Sirius even if you do not have the prewiring.

I have an 02/04 build also, but we don't bother with sat radio, so I can't offer personal experience.

[mguhler]

Not sure you can do it with NAV on the '04. If I remember right, they didn't account for having both in the first year, must have either or. Later models are good to go. I don't think you'll have much luck other than non-BMW Sirius unit and use FM modulator or AUX input being wired in.

I have a 12/03 build, with Sirius, no NAV. Sirius is just about the only thing I listen to anymore. Sometime break out the iPod, but listen to talk stations most of the time.

Good luck. If you get it to work out, please post.

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by bennette4796

Hi, I was hoping that one of you might know if the 2004 X3 w/ NAV can ever be made Sirius compatible with a 02/2004 build date... The Sirius compatibility chart indicates that it can't, but I am not sure if this is because of the NAV software or the radio unit itself.

I have a BMW Sirius unit, all hooked up with power, a recently updated NAV software level of V29.1, and still cannot get my radio to see the Sat tuner. I have doubled checked, and my Area is USA. The radio cycles between AUX and CD, but no sound on either, and no SAT mode. I wired this with an extension cable from the CD changer connection in the armrest.

I am hesitant to spring for a new radio module without confirmation that this is the problem.

Any suggestions?

Thank you, EileenB

This should definitely work, verify you have +12V ignition power going into the Sirius tuner with a multimeter, this will be the middle wire in the 3-pin connector of the Sirius module.

Also, verify the 3-pin connector you are using has the brown wire in the #1 position and not the middle.