Just installed Sirius
 

Just installed the BMW Sirius radio on my 2003 X5 over the weekend. Bought the radio module upgrade and Sirius tuner from EAS. Thanks to Tom G for all his help. It took about 2 hours and came right up.

KM

Hey KM. I just purchased a 2003 X5 4.6is with DSP and Navigation. The vehicle was produced in 05/2003. I am looking to install the Sirius and display it on my Navigation. Is this what you did? Does anyone know if this is possible? Any advise would be great! Thanks!

it is possible. i believe that u will need the newer radio moudule
though. i'm not 100% sure. it really depends on the software
that's installed in ur current radio module. i, too, have an '03
4.6is w/ DSP and NAV (produced in '05/'03) and i needed a newer
radio module. do a search on "sirius" or read thru the radio section
on the homepage. there are tons of articles.

According to your manufacture date - you're qualified for Sirius. here's what you need:

Sirius Satellite Radio - e53 X5
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=274

This is a very simple DIY that can be performed in about an hour.

johanas007,

I think the BMW compatability chart for Sirius says 10/03 production date. Mine was 11/02 so I needed the radio module upgrade. It's pricey but I wanted everything to integrate with my navigation so it was clean. I bought both from EAS and Tom G. It was a fairly easy install.

Wow, thanks to all for the quick responses. I will check with EAS. I also just found out that I live a couple of miles from Bavarian Soundwerks here in Atlanta so I plan to drop by the store today on the way home. Sorry to interupt your post KM but really appreciate the advice.

On Sirius qualification, the Business CD is a 09/02+ build, while NAV-users are 03/03+. Of course, earlier models can be updated to be compatible for Sirius.

Feel free to contact me directly with any questions you have.

Tom G - I just bought the updated Business CD for my 2001 X5 and so it's ready for Satellite - so would I just need the XM kit from your website to be up and running?

Is your specific configuration DSP or analog? If it is DSP, make sure you have a 3-pin and 6-pin cable in the cargo area.

I have a non-dsp system. I looked in the left hand side of the cargo area and there are 2 small black connectors zip tied together; 1 - 3 pin and 1 - 6 pin. AND a bunch of other ones too. So I think I'm in good shape.

You're in good shape - now all you need the the XM device:

XM Direct Satellite Radio Package for BMW & Mini
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=267

Tom, just placed my order. Thanks for your help. Joe

I have a 2005 X5 and am thinking about upgrading to Sirius as well as the DICE Ipod adapter. Where does the Sirius antenna mount? Can it be mounted in a hidden location?

Absolutely - there is already a DIY here: http://www.janixworld.com/x5/Sirius/

We've got you covered on the DICE and Sirius pieces:

Sirius Satellite Radio - e53 X5
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=274

DICE iPod Integration Kit for BMW with Sirius
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=285

Let me know if you have any questions!

BradATL, Give Tom a call he will take care of you. I ordered my Sirius kit and BMW tuner upgrade through him.

By the way, if you want your BM53 Radio replaced for free, mention this SB and complain about your FM radio:

http://www.bimmernav.com/pdf/b6520904.pdf

I tried that 2 seperate service trips and since they couldn't reproduce it they wouldn't replace it.

Wow, they didn't give me a problem about replacing it. It is not an easy problem to reproduce, bring it a third time and tell them it's a lemon, although I don't know the lemon laws for CO...

I would ask to speak with Service Manager, not a Service Advisor. The TSB does not require that they be able to reproduce the fault, only on complaint, that it be replaced. Since it's a factory TSB, it should be no skin off the dealer's nose to replace and have it paid for by corporate.

Unforturnately it's too late, I already bought a new radio. :tsk: