Newbie question on XM installation

[speciphi]

Ok...2nd question today:

Eventhough I have a 2003, the head unit is NOT satellite ready (sucks!). Production date is 03/03. I can't explain it.

Currently I have navigation, DSP, CD Changer, Ipod on the auxillary port (dealership installed it), and XMDirect receiver connected via FM Modulation ...which is horrible sound quality.

So...is there any way on earth to get my XMDirect receiver to work without FM modulation on a non-satellite ready nav unit w/DSP?

Note: I had the Blitz SLD-01 with CD pass thru on my previous 330Ci, but it does not seem to work in the X5. When I plug it up via the CD changer, the Nav system never reads it when I hit the "mode" button. I guess this is because the head unit is not satellite ready(?)

I've heard about the Pioneer P920XM as well, but I keep getting conflicting info. One site says it works with non-satellite ready radios, while others say the radio must be satellite ready. Does anyone know for sure?

[statdoc]

Originally Posted by speciphi

So...is there any way on earth to get my XMDirect receiver to work without FM modulation on a non-satellite ready nav unit w/DSP?

No. I suggest you discuss this with Tom at EAS for help.

[Driver8]

I did an XMDirect/Blitzsafe install on my '03 530i and it worked like a charm. HOWEVER, as you know with your build date, the radio needs to have the satellite radio functionality built-in to be able to use XM (or Sirius, for that matter).

I agree with Statdoc...Tom @ EAS would be a good resource for more information. Please post your findings here when you get it worked out.

Mike

[speciphi]

How do I contact TOM at EAS?

[Michelle]

Originally Posted by speciphi

How do I contact TOM at EAS?

Send him a private message. Tom G.

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by speciphi

Ok...2nd question today:

Eventhough I have a 2003, the head unit is NOT satellite ready (sucks!). Production date is 03/03. I can't explain it.

Currently I have navigation, DSP, CD Changer, Ipod on the auxillary port (dealership installed it), and XMDirect receiver connected via FM Modulation ...which is horrible sound quality.

So...is there any way on earth to get my XMDirect receiver to

The problem lies within the NAV unit - the XM Direct is not compatible with Navigation-equipped vehicles, regardless of model year.

How have you determined your HU wasn't Sirius ready? Here's how you can tell:

1. Turn on your car
2. If the radio is on, turn it off
3. Turn the radio on
4. Immediately push and hold the SELECT button until the radio serial number shows (5 to 10 seconds)
5. Use the < > keys to cycle through the menu

Look for a screen that says "SOFTWARE VERSION' and let me know what numbers you see.

* Turn the radio off to save the settings.
* Turn the radio back on and use it as normal.

[speciphi]

Done. Software version is "28-02 81".

I was told the HU was not satellite ready by the dealership. I had them look up the VIN and they're response was "no satellite".

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by speciphi

Done. Software version is "28-02 81".

I was told the HU was not satellite ready by the dealership. I had them look up the VIN and they're response was "no satellite".

Seems you just missed the cutoff. A replacement radio tuner will get you up to specs for Sirius, assuming you have DVD-based Navigation:

BMW Navigation Radio Tuner Upgrade - AUX & Sirius compatible
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=290

The old tuner can be sold on eBay to offset some of the cost.

[speciphi]

Ok...before I spend $549 let me be sure I know what I'm getting.

1) This tuner will allow my XMDirect receiver to work with my navigation, CD Changer, Ipod, and DSP...right? Remember, I have the Ipod already hooked up through to Aux. Will the XM channels, song title, etc. all show up on the Nav screen?

2) Where is this piece physically located in the X5?

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by speciphi

Ok...before I spend $549 let me be sure I know what I'm getting.

1) This tuner will allow my XMDirect receiver to work with my navigation, CD Changer, Ipod, and DSP...right? Remember, I have the Ipod already hooked up through to Aux. Will the XM channels, song title, etc. all show up on the Nav screen?

No - This is only to make your X5 compatible for Sirius. Unfortunately, there is no way XM can be integrated into a NAV-equipped X5. There are kits that will allow the XM to operate like a CD Changer, but the CD Changer is replaced and you will not see ID3 text on your NAV screen or have presets.

Also, the DICE iPod kit cannot coexist with the CD Changer since the DICE kit is emulating that device. This goes the same for the BMW-version.

Originally Posted by speciphi

2) Where is this piece physically located in the X5?

Your radio tuner is underneath your spare tire - under the plastic BMW-logo trim. It will be the piece on the left hand side in this picture: