Sirius Problems - Need Install Help Please!

[Sarge]

Hi,

I bought a sirius receiver on ebay that is supposed to be compatible with my E70 X5. It is a Gen 2.5 unit, and plugs into the existing 'open' cables in the trunk.

After plugging it in, nothing happens (no SAT option on the input source selector screen)

Does the car need to be programmed?

I checked the contacts on the plug and the sirius module, and everything is clean.

Vehicle is a 2007 X5 4.8i with all OEM equipment:
DVD Nav
rear seat DVD screen (center console)
single slot DVD (in dash)
6 disc changer (in dash)
ANOTHER 6 disc changer (in glove box - why TWO changers?)

The satellite unit i bought was manufactured in April 08 (gen2.5) and the part number shows it is compatible with the E70 X5 (per realoem.com search engine).

Any help would be greatly appreciated, as I live 2 hours from the dealer...

Thanks,

Sarge

[srfishooks]

On my '07 E70 I bought the Sirius unit from the Dealer, installed it myself with the same results. Had to take it to the Dealer for programming for the car to recognize it.

[Sarge]

The service manager called me back and told me I have to introduce the satellite DSP unit to the system, and that this is something I can do at home. I can't find any information on how to do that.

Otherwise, if I can even sort out what that's about, and it still doesn't work, they apparently have to program it. (I bought the unit off ebay, and it was previously installed in a different car).

Any ideas?

[ard]

Originally Posted by Sarge

Any ideas?

take it to a dealer and have them code it?

You should try to negotiate it to a half hour....

GL

A

[Sarge]

Dealer advised me to try to do it myself, as the ebay satellite unit "will void the warranty on the stereo/nav system electronics."

So I'm trying to see what this is about, otherwise I'll have to cough up the $450 for a new satellite unit. Considering satellite tuners are available for sirius for way under $100, this is just absolute rape. The unit I have should work fine, I just can't find ANY installation information online regarding the E70 X5 satellite system.

I think it's the first time Google has failed me... I can't believe I'm the first X5 owner to try to do something so seemingly simple myself?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Anyone know how to 'introduce' the sat to the system? The car was pre-wired, including the bracket...

[Penguin]

Have you asked Sirius? They'll probably just refer you to your BMW dealer, but it's worth a try to see if they might be able to point you to a technical resource, or recommend an installer in your area that might know.

[ard]

Originally Posted by Sarge

Dealer advised me to try to do it myself, as the ebay satellite unit "will void the warranty on the stereo/nav system electronics."

So I'm trying to see what this is about, otherwise I'll have to cough up the $450 for a new satellite unit. Considering satellite tuners are available for sirius for way under $100, this is just absolute rape. The unit I have should work fine, I just can't find ANY installation information online regarding the E70 X5 satellite system.

I think it's the first time Google has failed me... I can't believe I'm the first X5 owner to try to do something so seemingly simple myself?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Anyone know how to 'introduce' the sat to the system? The car was pre-wired, including the bracket...

Dealer is lying. If you bought a BMW sirius tuner, it is a BMW sirius tuner, irrespective of where it was purchased. (And why did you need to tell him you got it on ebay?)The use of a BMW part on your car WILL NOT "void" the warranty.

The dealer knows he can control the situation now. I'd have called and said, "Hi, I need to get my car coded to recognize a new sirius tuner I installed. I was hoping to use you guys, instead of driving to the other dealer. They said it would take about a half hour. can I have you guys do it instead?" If he asked where you got it, you could say none of your business, or make something up.... I'd have had the part number ready to tell him in case he wanted to get pissy. "Oh, you say that will void the warranty? Could you check and see if 61.134.11.xxxx is the correct module for that car?"

Find another dealer, when you'll be headed that way give them a call, drop in, and ask them to code the car...

Here is a system you can buy that will let you access your own systems:

Carsoft BMW Scanner, BMW Repair Manual, BMW Scan Tools, BMW Diagnostic Tool, BMW Diagrams


Finally, at least when I last bought one, a new BMW sirius module included a one year subscription...so maybe you get a reach around.

[Craig]

Mine came from the factory with a year free...

Craig

[Sarge]

Unfortunately, it didn't occur to me that a BMW OEM part manufactured after the date of my car could void my warranty, so that cat got out of the bag. Ridiculous.

Also unfortunately, my closest dealer is in Idaho Falls - about 2 hours away, and the next closest dealers are in Denver and Salt Lake, 4+ hours away...

I've thought about the carsoft stuff, but for $1500 it's just not worth having.

Best bet may be to pay the rape fee for a $450 Sirius module if I can't get this Sirius module to work. I wish I could figure out what this 'system handshake' thing is about (doesn't require a programmer)...

[Sarge]

I bet this is what the dealer was referring to: The "MOST Junction Box"

If it's like the E90 setup, the fibre optics have to be reconfigured at the junction box, like a router...

Anyone know where to locate this 'junction box' on an E70?