Sirius install observations...

[kglesq]

I recently installed the BMW Sirius module in my 2005 4.4 (with nav / DSP) and figured that the following information might be of interest:

First, all the information available here and elsewhere on the subject indicated that the tuner had the 2 lead antenna connector. As such, I ordered the Terk 2 into 1 adapter that allows you to use a new one-lead antenna with an "old-style" 2 lead tuner. The reason for this is that I used a low-profile antenna that I hid in the spoiler as opposed to the BMW antenna.

Well, guess what, the Sirius tuner has been redesigned, and the new Sirius tuner (p/n: 65 12 0 398 140) has a one-lead connector. So, don't bother to get the adapter for the install--you will not need it.

Also, there was an apparent issue with the old tuner wherein the bc display in the instrument cluster would go blank after displaying Sirius data. They have cured that (sort of) by eliminating Sirius data display from the bc cluster display altogether.

Finally, it actually sounds really good by comparison to the XM / Bose system in my wife's 2005 Denali XL. Additionally, with the nav radio the category and channel selection architecture is excellent--you get a list to scroll through and it really makes finding what you want / knowing your options easy. On the down side, with the nav you only get 6 Sirius presets.

One disapointment: since the install I get alternator whine in the CD changer (Alpine S634 w/ Soundgate adapter) that was not there before. There is no noise in Sirius mode. If anyone has any ideas on curing that I'd love to hear them because it is irritating.