2002 X5 Sirius Install Question
 

Hello,

I have a 2002 X5 with a build date of before 09/2002. It is 08/2002.

Looking at the Sirius compatibility info, I am getting some conflicted information. While my build date does not show as compatible, the radio shows software version 50.

The P/No on the CD Business (CD53) radio head-unit is 65. 12-6 908 783. The build date on the radio shows 00 November.

Does anyone know if this is Sirius compatible?

Thanks!

With your SV, you should be compatible for Sirius. It's a possibility you have a manufactured radio from BMW.

We have the Sirius kits you would need on our site:

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

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Hi Tom,

With the manufacture build date on the radio of November 00, wouldn't that be sort of conflicting?

Or were radio's sirius compatible back then?

It could be a be manufactured radio with updated software, it's been known to happen more than once. :)

Sirius became compatible on 9/2002+ X5s with Business CD, and 3/2003 with Navigation.

Here's how the Sirius actually functions in your X5. Granted, this is a 3 Series in which we're filming, but the operations are identical.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=oSQTVfUvnjc

This will help show you what connectors you'll be looking for in the hatch that will connect to the Sirius module. The video shown is for an iPod installation, but the connections are the same.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zdVWos2clyo

And if you've made your decision and are ready to pick up a Sirius kit, we've got everything you need here:
http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/pr...5-00-06--E53-/


We also have Sirius kits available for the pre 09/02 models, which your radio seems to indicate you may have.
While you won't be able to have text info on the screen, you'll still be able to digitally interface the Sirius into the X5 without FM Modulation. You'll still have full control of changing channels on both the radio and the steering wheel.
http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/pr...or-BMW--039-s/

Hi Jason,

Thanks for the responses. I may go with the Connect system instead of the direct system. In the advertisement for the connect system, it says you reccomend that people use the direct system if possible. Why is this?

Which additional features are only available on the direct system that the connect system does not have?

Thanks!

- Brent

Brent:

We recommend the Direct system in the case where your X5 may be teetering on the cutoff dates of compatibility with the newer system..

It's better to try the Direct, as you gain several features:

Full Sirius Text such as:

-Song Text
-Artist Text
-Album Text

In your case, however, the Direct system most likely isn't going to work. The Connect system will display channel numbers only. You can still navigate via the steering wheel and radio, you just won't have text.

Either way, as long as you have Sirius in some form, it doesn't really matter!

Keep in mind that the aftermarket Sirius kits are not a true "integrated" system a there is no text display on the NAV screen - you will still see the CD1-01, 02, etc on your radio.

My advice would be to save the money and get the better system - you'll be much happier. Also, you will be able to keep your CD Changer or integrate the DICE with the BMW kit.

Let me weigh the costs for you:

Sirius Connect Kit - $299. As I stated in my previous two posts, you will in fact not have text.

Sirius Direct Kit - $600 plus $500 for an upgraded head unit, along with upwards of $100 in wiring harnesses and adapters to upgrade the tuner's wiring to the updated version of the tuner.

While I cannot speuclate as to your anticipated state of happiness after a purchase, I suspect you'll rather enjoy the $300 system.

Jason, I am curious as to how the text displayed on the youtube video that you posted for the e43?

I currently have the dice hd/ipod kit installed, and it scrolls text on the MID no problem. If the dice can show the text, and the text displayed in the e43 connect kit you showed, wouldn't the text also display on an e53?