Installing XM radio

[racerboydrew]

I have a sirius roady and a 2002 bmw x5, would I be better off purchasing a new radio module that has auxilary inputs and is wired for x5 then wire the antenna; or should I mount the x5 module where the ashtray is. If I do either what ways are there to make it look very clean and have everything installed to look like it belongs?

[bimmerFanatic]

I recently got the Sportcaster for $38 (brand new including tax/shipping off pricegrabber). It has an FM tuner and I glued it on using 3M pads. It's powered by the flashlight charger (it turns off when the car is turned off). The 2 wires can be eyes sores but I'm gonna switch to sirius soon... you can't see the wires at night and it's amber like the beemer dials Oh...and you can see my emercency mace velcroed to the side

[bimmerFanatic]

the sports caster also comes witha remote which i use instead of leaning over...

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by racerboydrew

I have a sirius roady and a 2002 bmw x5, would I be better off purchasing a new radio module that has auxilary inputs and is wired for x5 then wire the antenna; or should I mount the x5 module where the ashtray is. If I do either what ways are there to make it look very clean and have everything installed to look like it belongs?

The best way would be to update the radio tuner to a 2003 model and use the XM Direct kit we offer. This will provide complete XM integration, retain your CD Changer or iPod kit, and allow for text display on your radio screen.

The XM direct kits also allow for factory presets - nothing is seen in the cabin area for the OEM look and feel.

Here's what you would need:

e39/e53 BMW Business CD Upgrade - iPod/AUX/Sirius compatible
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=289

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

Let me know if you have any questions on the devices.

[bimmerFanatic]

Correct me if I'm wrong but these XM mods that "integrate" seamlessly into the car don't scroll. So if you're title / artist is longer than 10 characters...too bad. The main reason I have x-radio is to grab the titles and buy them online but no scrolling mean no thank you.

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by runningaround

Correct me if I'm wrong but these XM mods that "integrate" seamlessly into the car don't scroll. So if you're title / artist is longer than 10 characters...too bad. The main reason I have x-radio is to grab the titles and buy them online but no scrolling mean no thank you.

OEM Sirius doesn't offer text scrolling either, but the info button can be pressed multiple times to see the artist/song/channel info.

The XM Direct allows to retain your stock CD Changer and eliminate the FM modulation (not recommended) most other kits offer. Some kits do use the CD Changer connections, but sacrifice the CD Changer itself.

If the OEM look is what is desired - this is the best solution out there.

[bimmerFanatic]

If the OEM Sirius doesn't scroll either then it makes sense that the XM wouldn't scroll either. I assumed that the sirius did scroll. thanks Tom.

[Kewl X5]

Okay, Tom G.

What about a 2001 X5 with (digital) DSP, Business Radio with cassette (No NAV), production date 02/01.

How does one add BMW's OEM Sirius satellite module to my X5?

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by Kewl X5

Okay, Tom G.

What about a 2001 X5 with (digital) DSP, Business Radio with cassette (No NAV), production date 02/01.

How does one add BMW's OEM Sirius satellite module to my X5?

Same radio as in post #4, only you need the Sirius kit instead of XM:

e39/e53 BMW Business CD Upgrade - iPod/AUX/Sirius compatible
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=289

Sirius Satellite Radio - e53 X5
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=274

Since you have DSP, there may not be a 6-pin connector in the rear. If there is no 6-pin adapter in the cargo area, an additional cable will be needed:

Audio Cable for digital DSP-equipped vehicles - 12 pin
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=277

We perform Sirius retrofits all the time, let me know if you have any further questions.

[Kewl X5]

Tom G.,

Tell me when I can do this upgrade!!

Can you do the Sirius retrofit on a mobile install or do I go to your shop? BTW, I might as well get a DICE link as well!!

Originally Posted by Tom G.

Same radio as in post #4, only you need the Sirius kit instead of XM:

e39/e53 BMW Business CD Upgrade - iPod/AUX/Sirius compatible
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=289

Sirius Satellite Radio - e53 X5
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=274

Since you have DSP, there may not be a 6-pin connector in the rear. If there is no 6-pin adapter in the cargo area, an additional cable will be needed:

Audio Cable for digital DSP-equipped vehicles - 12 pin
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=277

We perform Sirius retrofits all the time, let me know if you have any further questions.