A quick troubleshooting question about Sirius integration (2003 X5 with nav)

[PaulGinAZ]

Looking at the listing under the Sirius Compatibility Chart http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/s...ity-chart.html it looks like I may be SOL. Apparently this service is compatible with production dates from 10/2003 forward.

How exactly do I get the radio module out? Is it in the rear of the vehicle near the changer or is it forward with the head unit?

Sorry for all of the questions.. I wonder what the resale value of the unit, the cables, and the mounting bracket are going to be.

[el_duderino]

It is probably below the spare in a plastic gear rack. That's where it was in the last car we worked on. I hear some early ones have it in the front.

Do you know any BMW owners near you with Sirius? You could check it with them to make sure the module works.

We had this exact issue with a 2003 M3 with nav and all OK P/Ns... could not get Sirius recognized. Ended up taking it back out and plugging it into an X3 where it worked great.

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by PaulGinAZ

Looking at the listing under the Sirius Compatibility Chart http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/s...ity-chart.html it looks like I may be SOL. Apparently this service is compatible with production dates from 10/2003 forward.

How exactly do I get the radio module out? Is it in the rear of the vehicle near the changer or is it forward with the head unit?

Sorry for all of the questions.. I wonder what the resale value of the unit, the cables, and the mounting bracket are going to be.

Let's do a quick test on the software of the radio module:

1. Turn on your car
2. If the radio is on, turn it off
3. Turn the radio on
4. Immediately push and hold the SELECT button until the radio serial number shows (5 to 10 seconds)
5. Use the < > keys to cycle through the menu

We will need to go to a menu called SOFTWARE VERSION, the version should be in a XX-XX XX number format. Let me know what those numbers are.

Afterwards, turn the radio off to exit service mode.

[PaulGinAZ]

Hi Tom--

The rev number is 28-02 81.... does that help? I think that I installed a new operating system on the nav system last year sometime...

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by PaulGinAZ

Hi Tom--

The rev number is 28-02 81.... does that help? I think that I installed a new operating system on the nav system last year sometime...

BMW performed a Hardware launch in two stages in 4th Quarter '02 and 2nd Quarter of '03 in (get this) starting in 03/03. I'm assuming your build date is 03/03 or earlier.

You've went through all of hoops, it seems you have a old tuner. Simply replace the tuner with an updated version and you will get Sirius compatibility. As long as you have v23 or newer OS on the NAV computer, this would be what you need to get going.

We have them listed on the site as well as in stock.

BMW Navigation Radio Tuner Upgrade - AUX & Sirius compatible
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=290

Let me know if you have any further questions.

[Brian-bmw]

Going back to the picture that you posted toward the beginning of the thread... The radio module is that silver box below and to the left of the battery. It sits right next to the Sirius module in this photo.

[bsprtsgrp]

You need to have a newer radio module installed in order for Sirius to work. Mine is a 1/03 production model but I have newer radio module ending in 398/399 that was installed last year. I just installed Sirius and ran across this very problem. Also, be aware that if your CD changer is an older model, BMW changed the audio pre-outs and your CD's will play but with static and a clicking sound. You will need to replace your CD changer in order for it to work properly with the Sirius Module

[PaulGinAZ]

Originally Posted by Tom G.

BMW performed a Hardware launch in two stages in 4th Quarter '02 and 2nd Quarter of '03 in (get this) starting in 03/03. I'm assuming your build date is 03/03 or earlier.

You've went through all of hoops, it seems you have a old tuner. Simply replace the tuner with an updated version and you will get Sirius compatibility. As long as you have v23 or newer OS on the NAV computer, this would be what you need to get going.

We have them listed on the site as well as in stock.

BMW Navigation Radio Tuner Upgrade - AUX & Sirius compatible
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=290

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Tom and everyone else, thanks for pointing me in the right direction with regards to this tuner issue. I am going to check part numbers on the tuner in my car but quite frankly I am not sure it is worth spending the additional funds to get Sirius in the car; my wife is using the X5 less and less now that she is a stay at home mom and since Howard Stern won't buck up for the new tuner I think we are going to have to pass on the upgrade!

If it turns out that it is something simpler well.. I might consider fixing it but other than that I have a buddy at work with an M5 that might be buying this rig from me for his car.... which means more install time for yours truly.