XM Radio

Aquamania · #1 11-12-2015, 04:42 PM

Hello all. I would like to know how to tell if my car radio is XM compatible. I would like to get it but can't seem to find if it is or isn't.

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14thbmw · #2 11-12-2015, 04:54 PM

Two thoughts come to mind: look on line for a VIN decoder to see if your X has the sat radio option, or turn on the radio and try to turn on the satellite band. If you have everything, it should give you a screen with subscription information and the radio number (or whatever they call the satellite number) which you need when you subscribe.

Aquamania · #3 11-12-2015, 05:03 PM

Thanks 14th. I am going out to see if I have the SAT option on it. Would BMW put in a new radio for the SAT option or could I program it in?

gregg3gs · #4 11-12-2015, 05:46 PM

My guess is you don't have "SAT" as a choice.
Do you?

It's in the Entertainment screen

http://reviews.cnet.com/i/col/di/idrive_440.jpg

Once you select Entertainment the top bar should indicate the following Sources:

FM, AM, SAT, CD, AUX

Do you have these?

technologiq · #5 11-12-2015, 08:45 PM

head over to bimmer.work : VIN Decoder for BMW and put the last 7 characters of your VIN in there.

You're going to have 3 things occur:

1. You have Sirius Satellite and it's not activated.
2. You have the Sirius prep package (693A I think)
3. You have neither

If you have 1 it's really easy because you just need to activate the unit with SXM.

If you have 2 you'll need to get a Sirius receiver and then have your car coded (or do it yourself). You can pick up Sirius receivers for <$150 used.

If you have 3 then... bummer. It's more work than it's worth IMHO and I'd just go with the hardware that SXM provides.

Aquamania · #6 11-13-2015, 10:12 AM

Yes I checked and I do not have the SAT selection. I do have AUX so I will probably get a receiver and work through that. Thanks all!

Aquamania · #7 11-20-2015, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by technologiq

head over to bimmer.work : VIN Decoder for BMW and put the last 7 characters of your VIN in there.

You're going to have 3 things occur:

1. You have Sirius Satellite and it's not activated.
2. You have the Sirius prep package (693A I think)
3. You have neither

If you have 1 it's really easy because you just need to activate the unit with SXM.

If you have 2 you'll need to get a Sirius receiver and then have your car coded (or do it yourself). You can pick up Sirius receivers for <$150 used.

If you have 3 then... bummer. It's more work than it's worth IMHO and I'd just go with the hardware that SXM provides.

Thanks for this! I just got around to checking and I do have code 693, Satellite Tuner Preparation. Going to talk to the dealer now to see what can be done and the cost.
Thanks again!!!