How to add Sat to 03 X5

[mdrobc13]

Have an 03 X5 4.4 with Nav factory and cd changer. Would like to add Nav after wife bought me a portable Sirrus unit for my other car. Don't like the wires everywhere mount plus it takes up my lighter plug which I'd rather use for other things. Anyway...any options out there? My dealer says I can't get the factory Sat set for my car cause my production date is July 2003 and Sat only works from the OEM sets/units for Oct/Dec 2003 and beyond units. So I am out of luck there. Want to keep the car OEM too....so any thoughts out there fellas?

Already have AUx input in the glove which I use for my ipod but would be interested in an approach that consolidates everything!

Thanks....

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by mdrobc13

Have an 03 X5 4.4 with Nav factory and cd changer. Would like to add Nav after wife bought me a portable Sirrus unit for my other car. Don't like the wires everywhere mount plus it takes up my lighter plug which I'd rather use for other things. Anyway...any options out there? My dealer says I can't get the factory Sat set for my car cause my production date is July 2003 and Sat only works from the OEM sets/units for Oct/Dec 2003 and beyond units. So I am out of luck there. Want to keep the car OEM too....so any thoughts out there fellas?

Already have AUx input in the glove which I use for my ipod but would be interested in an approach that consolidates everything!

Thanks....

Not true, as long as you are 3/03 or newer (NAV vehicles), you are compatible for Sirius. Here's the kit you need:

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

Kit uses original BMW parts, have full steering wheel/text display and comes with full instructions as well as 1 year of Sirius programming.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

[mdrobc13]

Tom
Thanks...what about the changer functions? Do I lose them or keep them with this kit? Also can you add like NAV TV or DVD function at a later date? What about iPod intergration? What would be a whole package including this kit you mention? How difficult would it be for DIY?

I did the Bluetooth ULF myself and it took me about 1hr or so with the website and instructions. Thoughts?

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by mdrobc13

Tom
Thanks...what about the changer functions? Do I lose them or keep them with this kit? Also can you add like NAV TV or DVD function at a later date? What about iPod intergration? What would be a whole package including this kit you mention? How difficult would it be for DIY?

I did the Bluetooth ULF myself and it took me about 1hr or so with the website and instructions. Thoughts?

You can keep the CD Changer with this cable:

DICE iPod/CD Changer/Sirius Interface Cable
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=235

There's also an extension cable needed (not on the site), but we have them in stock. TVonNAV can be added at any time.

[mdrobc13]

What about ipod intergration? Where does the Sat module mount in the rear or do I need to start pulling my head unit? Also I have NAV with the 16:9 widescreen...does that make a difference? you say instructions are included? How detailed are we talking about?

If I use this cable how do I change from ipod to Cd to Sirus then back to regular radio by the way? Is it all controlled thru the head unit? Do I have use with my steering wheel controls? Is this plug and play or is splicing and cutting involved? What about added DVD and back up camera?

Sorry for so many Q's but that is the nature of what I seek to do/add to the vehicle.

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by mdrobc13

What about ipod intergration? Where does the Sat module mount in the rear or do I need to start pulling my head unit? Also I have NAV with the 16:9 widescreen...does that make a difference? you say instructions are included? How detailed are we talking about?

Instructions are very detailed - they are the same the BMW techs have. The sat module will mount in the cargo area, underneath the spare tire and is 100% compatible with 16:9 NAV.

Originally Posted by mdrobc13

If I use this cable how do I change from ipod to Cd to Sirus then back to regular radio by the way? Is it all controlled thru the head unit? Do I have use with my steering wheel controls? Is this plug and play or is splicing and cutting involved? What about added DVD and back up camera?

You will be presented with an additional mode (Sirius) when the MODE button is pressed. All control is via the steering wheel and/or NAV screen like OEM, since these are OEM parts.

The DVD and backup camera require additional equipment, but we can help when you are ready for these items.

[mdrobc13]

Do I need to take it into the dealer to get the Sirus activated? I already have a subscription from my wife so do I use that one or the 1 yr one that u mention with the price above. Where does the antenna SAT mount? I don't think I have one already. So you're saying the channels show up on the screen like my cd or radio does huh? Wow...neat. I may have to get my credit card ready. What about support in case I have trouble with the install...is that readily available or am out out one my one or at the dealer paying a fortune to fix things?

Also please post additional equipment required for the DVD/TV and back up camera. Am trying to decide whether to do this ALL at once or in pieces/steps so prices are helpful as amount of additional equipment I am looking to purchase to install. Links are fine.

Thanks

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by mdrobc13

Do I need to take it into the dealer to get the Sirus activated? I already have a subscription from my wife so do I use that one or the 1 yr one that u mention with the price above. Where does the antenna SAT mount? I don't think I have one already. So you're saying the channels show up on the screen like my cd or radio does huh? Wow...neat. I may have to get my credit card ready. What about support in case I have trouble with the install...is that readily available or am out out one my one or at the dealer paying a fortune to fix things?

According to your build date, you should have a compatible radio tuner and DVD-based Navigation, the required pieces for Sirius compatibility. Here's the kit you need:

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

No dealer trip is necessary, the 1 year of service is already included within the bundle. The display will be fully graphical like OEM, since this consists of OEM pieces.

If you should need help, we are available via phone, email or on the forums.

Originally Posted by mdrobc13

Also please post additional equipment required for the DVD/TV and back up camera. Am trying to decide whether to do this ALL at once or in pieces/steps so prices are helpful as amount of additional equipment I am looking to purchase to install. Links are fine.

Thanks

For a rearview camera solution, these are the pieces you would need:

Video Source Module (VSM) for BMW - Core System
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=161

Reverse Bumblebee Camera
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=439

This is a system that will switch to a reverse view when placed in R and return to normal when in Drive. When installed, there is no a trace of the device in sight.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

[mdrobc13]

Okay kool are these all in stock or must they be ordered and wait for shipping?

Any discount offered online to X5world members and/or BMWCCA members?

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by mdrobc13

Okay kool are these all in stock or must they be ordered and wait for shipping?

Any discount offered online to X5world members and/or BMWCCA members?

Most times in stock, contact me directly to place an order when ready.