Questions on Installing Sirius in 2001 X5 w/DSP
 

Hello All,

I have been reading through all the excellent instructions detailing how to retrofit a Sirius tuner into an old X5. Unfortunately, all of the instructions are for cars with Navigation and DSP, or no Navigation and No DSP. I have a 2001 X5 with DSP and a factory CD-Changer but no Navigation. First question is do I need an old radio to new radio adapter cable in order to accomodate a new in-dash CD-Player, or is this only required for X5's with NAV? Secondly, it appears that the Sirius receiver is cabled in series with the CD-Changer using 3 and 6-pin cables. Currently, my CD-Changer is attached using a Coax (Digital Audio) connection. Should there be an unused 6-pin analog audio cable somewhere in the trunk? If so, do I disconnect the Coax connection and use the 6-pin analog connection instead? Finally, I'm also installing a Bluetooth kit in the car from Advanced Autovations. Does this change any of the Sirius install kit requirements?

Any insight would be appreciated.

Dave

Hi Dave,

1. You will need to replace your current radio module (the in-dash CD unit is actually what needs to be replaced, I believe), and yes you will need the conversion harness. You have the round pin connectors on the back of your radio unit (and your accompanying harness, of course) and the newer style have the flat pin connectors.

2. Yes, look for the 6-pin connector, it should be there.

3. Bluetooth is completely independent of Sirius, so no issues there.

:goodluck: and :xoutpost:

Thanks for the reply. With regard to the 6-pin connector, should I use it instead of the Coax connection. Alternatively, I could continue to use the Coax with the CD-Changer and 6-pin with Sirius. I'm just not sure which method is supported by BMW? Any ideas?

Jan (jmh) was able to install it in his X5 with DSP, so it looks like it can be done. I'm not sure exactly how he connected it, though. I don't have DSP in my X5, so I don't have any firsthand experience with it. See http://www.janixworld.com/x5/Sirius/

UCrewX5,

I have read Jans notes several times, and just sent him and email for clarification. Once I finish installing Bluetooth and Sirius, I will post notes to this forum as reference for everyone.

Thanks again.

Dave

Dave - good luck with the install, and I and the rest of the X5world community will certainly appreciate any feedback on your experiences. :thumbup:

I just thought of one other thing. I was thinking of installing the Bluetooth kit first. If I do this and later replace the Radio, will I have to recode Bluetooth at the dealer again?

No. As mentioned above, BT and the radio are basically independent.

I have installed BT and done the radio module upgrade. Neither required the vehicle to be recoded.