You know as everyone else states, Sirius and XM will merge.


http://www.siriusmerger.com/

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I guess i should be wondering if my 05/X5 is prewired correct?

OBTW Howard is not the determining factor regarding the installation.....

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I have the XM sportscaster installed that fits perfectly the X's ash/utility tray by the gear shift. Close the lid, you'll never know that it is there. Make sure if it is an aftermarket unit to get the "direct connect" kit. The FM modulator it comes with sucks!

Krimson, I have an aftermarket Alpine CD changer that also controls the Sirius radio. What do you mean by "direct connection kit"? I guess I am using the FM modulator as I have to tune my radio to a certain frequency to hear Sirius. Is the direct connection kit an inexpensive way to hook the aftermarket Sirius control to the head unit?

Its relatively inexpesnive at approx $40.00. Instead of transmitting wirelessly through the air or through the tape deck (if you have one), it attaches from the XM unit to the deck via the antenna jack located on the back of the radio unit. The XM direct connect kit is very different from the Sirius kit. Still, you have to tune in to a radio frequency, but the signal is much clearer and stronger. It does not give you control of your satellite unit through the steering wheel controls.

Thanks for the info. I was a little unsure of how my Alpine controller worked because it was already installed when I purchased the car. After a little research, it appears to be an FM modulator with no direct connection. It looks like a cable would have to be run from the Sirius box in back of the X5 to the head unit in the dash in order to make the direct connection. I am a little hesitant to do that becasue I have not had the best luck with car audio techs taking enough care when removing and installing the interior panels. They never seem to fit exactly as tight as they were from the BMW factory.

I have an aftermarket Alpine head unit in my 94 325i that controls Sirius with a direct connection and you are right, the sound is much more clear with that type of connection.

Playboy Radio on Sirius!!!
While I was driving back from Lake Tahoe to SoCal alone, it saved me from getting bored to death. It was a AVE, adult video expo., week and live interviews with porn starts were very enticing.
No commercial is only for music stations. I am starting to hate that now those DJ's now wants to be Horward Stern and start being chatty. Why can't shut up and play music.

What's the bit rate though? I am not really crazing about the quality no matter how I try. I have no reference to XM though.

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