Getting Sirius, what parts?

[Brian-bmw]

Originally Posted by kevnmurphy

Thats a lot of wires. I really need all of those? Nothing like a BMW. What does the Aux input do for me? Is that located in the back, or will that be up front so I can get an mp3 player?

Yup, you need them all. Except for the Aux cable.

The Aux cable is optional, but it is pretty cool. It is a standard audio input to the radio so you can connect any audio source, like an MP3 player. The radio has an "AUX" selection when you cycle through the MODE button. The cable only reaches the back, so you would have to run an extension up to the front.

[WBa]

My advice talk to a dealer or company that knows what parts to get. I had to buy a new radio for my '03 X5, made 11-02, as well as the Sirius module made for that radio. Be forewarned that several different generations of parts are out there for the MK IV systems that are not all compatible to each other. Also understand you will have to program the MK IV unit to get the Sirius module to work. I had a professional installer that did the wiring right but could not figure out how to get the radio to work. I figured it out later myself.

The easiest thing to do, which I should have done is by a complete kit from a dealer. I bought each part piecemeal, saved a few bucks but I would never do that again. I got very lucky!

[Brian-bmw]

Originally Posted by WBa

My advice talk to a dealer or company that knows what parts to get...

Be forewarned that several different generations of parts are out there for the MK IV systems that are not all compatible to each other...

Also understand you will have to program the MK IV unit to get the Sirius module to work...

Great advise, but I have a couple minor corrections.

First, all MKIV nav computers will work with Sirius. The key is that the MKIV has to be updated with a current version of the OS. The early OS versions for the MKIV did not have Sirius support, and that was the problem. You can update the MKIV OS yourself using the guides on this forum.

Second, the MKIV does not require any coding or programming to work with Sirius. It will automatically recognize the Sirius module (through the radio) and function without any changes. However...

You will need to set the BM53 radio to "USA Mode." Many times, people will install a new BM53 and it will not recognize the Sirius module. The reason is that the default "Area" setting on the BM53 is Europe, which disables Sirius (and has the wrong frequency increments for AM radio). There are instructions on this form for how you enter the BM53 radio's service menu and change the area to USA.

[kevnmurphy]

Thanks again for all the info.
I instantly updated the software to v29.1, so I think I am good there.
I have read about setting the BM53 to USA Mode.
I should be pulling the trigger on these parts. I will probably get most of them Tischer or Circle. Depends on shipping costs. Screw this damn BM53, it is way too expensive.
The next thing to worry about is the merger. I want some of those XM channels!
Thanks

[STALKER]

Are the kits for cars with CD changers diff? On my 4.8is I have NAV and the CD changer. I ordered a kit from EAS a while back and Im going to install it finally tomorrow morning.

[Brian-bmw]

You only need an additional cable to connect the Sirius module to your CDC and keep the function of the CDC. For the E46 coupe, a complete kits would be the following. If you did not get cable PN 84.11-0 150 526 from EAS, you may want to buy that too.

65.12-0 416 377 Sirius receiver module
65.20-0 034 887 BMW OE Sirius antenna
84.11-0 141 976 E46 Installation kit
84.11-0 150 526 CD Changer audio cable

[Brian-bmw]

Originally Posted by kevnmurphy

I want some of those XM channels!

Out of curiousity, which XM channels do you like? We have Sirius on my car and XM on my wife's car. We listen mostly to rock and classic rock. We love the Sirius channels, but we can not find the corresponding XM channels that we really love.

[kevnmurphy]

It would only be the ability to get baseball, and the Pac-10 channel. I am sure there are other ones, as I am not that familiar.
100, 101, 104, 19-24 are my go to channels on Sirius right now.

[kevnmurphy]

So I installed the TERK SIR-3 antenna in the rear spoiler. I used the instructions that are on the homepage courtesy of IFlyX5. It took me about 1.5 hours. I took my time and was careful, but it really wasn't that bad. The hardest part was fishing the antenna lead through the rubber grommit. The one connecting the spoiler to the inside of the car, right under the top of the hatch.
Now I just need to wait for the rest of the parts to show up.

One question - For getting the "free" one year subscription out of the Sirius tuner, I heard I have to take it in to a dealership to activate. Is there any other way to get around this, while still getting the one free year?

Thanks