Adding Sirius to X5 with Nav

[jfoj]

The install should be stupid easy. If you think the radio module is in question, find a used BM54 as I recall.

Then you need a few cables.

No coding that I am aware of, the e70 is a different story.

Ebay will be your friend.

[jfoj]

If you have $50 to throw away if this does not arrive - BMW Becker BM54 Radio Update New Chip MP3 ID Tag Audiotext | eBay

[Plattus1000]

Jfoj--
Thanks for that also.
I have the BM53 and found a guy in the UK who said he can flash it to the latest firmware so that saves me from rewiring the whole truck.
I've got a newer sirius receiver so that's good.

There's a trick that sometimes works for lifetime sirius. Install, setup through sirius and pay for a month. 25 days later, disconnect your sirius receiver and wait 30 days before plugging it back in. The "kill signal" will have taken place and your receiver will never have received it.

I also have lifetime sirius in my e39 wagon. Good stuff on long road trips.

[n_sievers]

Originally Posted by jfoj

The install should be stupid easy. If you think the radio module is in question, find a used BM54 as I recall.

Then you need a few cables.

No coding that I am aware of, the e70 is a different story.

Ebay will be your friend.

If the car already has a BM53 and MK4 nav installed (confirmed that the firmware is older and does not support Sirius) and has or is prewired for CD changer then the only thing that needs to be done is the swap the BM53 (not BM54 as that is the European version and will not work with our FM frequency), plug in the Sirius receiver to the CD changer plugs (if want to have CD changer as well then a jumper cable is needed) and route/install the Sirius antenna. If the vehicle already has a Sirius compatible BM53 then it is simple plug n play and route the antenna. You also need to confirm that through "service mode" of the radio, accessed through nav display, is set to US). If the vehicle has the older C43 nav radio module then the BMW adapter cables (old round pin to new flat pin) and radio antenna adapter are used to allow BM53 connection and you will need to have M44 nav drive. I have an 01 and did the entire system upgrade: MK4 nav drive, widescreen display, Sirius (concealed antenna in rear spoiler), OEM iPod adapter (installed in center console), AUX audio in plug (installed in center console) and OEM Bluetooth.

[jfoj]

Its been a few years, so I do not have all the details memorized.

I recall some of the radio modules in the early cars did not support the Aux input or an additional Aux input or or something like that.

Some people upgraded the radio module and I recall it was a next version up or some like that??? This is why I though the BM54 was the updated unit?

I would have to go look at some old notes, but I think they are on a computer that I do not use anymore.

But anyway, good conversation for people that are considering adding OEM Sirius to their vehicle. Interesting about the Sirius cancellation or kill code!

Some of the Sirius modules work with Nav some don't so the correct part number is critical, not sure if there are different software and firmware versions. I recall there may be a slightly newer Sirius module that has a single antenna input as well.

[n_sievers]

Originally Posted by jfoj

Its been a few years, so I do not have all the details memorized.

I recall some of the radio modules in the early cars did not support the Aux input or an additional Aux input or or something like that.

Some people upgraded the radio module and I recall it was a next version up or some like that??? This is why I though the BM54 was the updated unit?

I would have to go look at some old notes, but I think they are on a computer that I do not use anymore.

But anyway, good conversation for people that are considering adding OEM Sirius to their vehicle. Interesting about the Sirius cancellation or kill code



Some of the Sirius modules work with Nav some don't so the correct part number is critical, not sure if there are different software and firmware versions. I recall there may be a slightly newer Sirius module that has a single antenna input as well.

That is correct in there being varied option support on the early BM53's, see my earlier post in this thread indicating model #'s and support. Early Sirius receivers were nav and non-nav specific, "365" and "981" model numbers respectively. The older receivers did have 2 antenna inputs thus requiring the splitter adapter for the newer single-lead antennas. The later models were compatible with both nav and non-nav and have a single antenna input. In regards to the radio module, only the BM53 is compatible with US frequency FM radio therefore BM54 being European specific. If anyone needs any help in integration I would be more than happy to assist.

[Plattus1000]

The BM54 can be changed to the N. American settings. Turn it on and press and hold the menu button to get to the location screen and select region.

I love all this info. Thanks guys!

I found a guy in the UK (from ebay) who can reflash the current module I have. No extra wires needed.

If anything based on the location of the sirius module mounting spot, one extention cable to the cd changer.

I'll wait till after New Uears but will post progress.

Thank you again!

[jfoj]

I do think the BM54 will work in the US, as mentioned there is a setting in the hidden menu and I also believe the European FM band is in 50 kHz steps vs. the 100 kHz steps in North America.

[bcredliner]

An option you might want to consider. I have had the mediabridge with Sirius for several years. I did the install. I don't know about now but I have the 6 disc CD changer in the back and the install eliminates the capability to play CDs and the wiring ran from there to the radio.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMok2y05jNE

[Plattus1000]

It's funny BCredliner, I'm open to doing an engine swap but running wires through the interior on one of these makes me unsettled. Also, that youtube link took me to "find engine vacuum leaks"
If you want your cd changer to work, I'm pretty sure this reflash of the module will accommodate that. You could just use the stock wiring.

The only reason I might go with an extention cable is that the "designated" (although not mandatory) install location for the sirius receiver is behind the battery next to the radio module. If placed instaed with velcro tape, on the cd changer, no extention necessary.
You could have it all!

If I replaced the radio module to a later version, the 10 pin receptacle is a flat pin not round pin and so new cables would be required to mate up with it.

I just wanted easy, reflash and done.

I just added the AUX line to the back of the head unit for a 3.5mm jack to accept players/phone/iPods. Pretty easy. Wife is happy for now.

She'll hate when I take her radio away for the shipping to the UK and back. It'll be a grumpy week or two I imagine.