What if I don't order the satellite radio option?

[by350]

I'm about to order a 2011 35i Sport Activity. My sales rep told me that if I don't order the "655 Satellite radio with 1 year subscription" option and change my mind down the road, I'll have to come in to the dealership and spend upwards of $1K to get something installed so I can get satellite radio. Is this true? I assumed it was a big marketing ploy and it's actually prepped for satellite, you're basically just paying for a year of the service.

[ard]

Dunno. Hasn't been confirmed to my knowledge. Near as I can tell I've seen a module for around 300-400, and maybe an hour for them to code it.

Now if you have the dealer do it all, they sock it to for a for as much as possible...bay area? Skys the limit.

A

[Avi8tir]

I'd say it's a crock. However, any aftermarket install will never be as clean as a factory install. Just go for it.

[zachp13]

I can't comfirm but saw somewhere that the later builds are satelite ready and just need a recode to add it.

[marshotel]

I am 99% sure new one are satellite ready. My 2010 is and I wast told that the install will cost around $550.

Avi8tir, the dealer just needs to install the receiver and recode it. It would be just as clean as a factory install.

[Tom G.]

MY10+ X5s no longer have an external Sirius receiver, it is now integrated within the HU.

Those wanting Sirius will be required to purchase a 20-digit FSC code, which will then unlock Sirius, and include 1 year of Sirius programming.

[motordavid]

Not comparing gold nuggets to slivers of silver, but my CEO's new Hyundai
Tucson came with NAV, back up cam, BT, Ipod hole, USB, etc., and XM,
with a sticker of ~$28Gs...

I love my X, and BMWs in general, but they really need to get real on the
"electronics options" tariffs, imo.

[Price]

It will cost you around $800 (I was quoted $795 just today to add it to my 2010 while it's in service), so yes, it's much wiser to order it in advance. If you ask me, Sirius should be free - when new, or whenever you decide to add if it's just a matter of programming, and BMW should work out a deal with Sirius to cover the expenses. But that's wishful thinking...

On a side note, I'm driving new 328i loaner, and what I assume is ~$40K car doesn't have Homelink. So from a perspective buyer perspective, who's not hooked up on a particular brand: ok, let's Bluetooth, Navi, leather, parking sensors - let's all this be options. But Homelink, for a luxury car, in US market? Really, an option?? And do guys know that there's no tool kit there anymore? Not that you use it often, but still, part of the image... now history, I guess.

[FunfDreisig]

Originally Posted by Price

...On a side note, I'm driving new 328i loaner, and what I assume is ~$40K car doesn't have Homelink. So from a perspective buyer perspective, who's not hooked up on a particular brand: ok, let's Bluetooth, Navi, leather, parking sensors - let's all this be options. But Homelink, for a luxury car, in US market? Really, an option?? ...

What's the problem? If it's raining, just pull up under the portage and let the valet park your X5 in the garage for you. You do have 24/7/365 valet service don't you*?

Funf Dreisig

* My wife does!

[Sea Doom]

We chose no sat radio because internet radio content is more compelling for us, and priced a helluva lot better (free, for the most part). We stream webcasts from our smartphones thru the vehicle's sound system. Coverage may be an issue depending on your carrier. Believe in or not, we've had NO PROBLEMS with AT&T's webstreaming of New Orleans radio from here in SoSoCal. Long-term, a case can be made that satellite radio will become extinct as cellular coverage expands and improves.