A new user with a question about Sirius installation
 

Hello all,

I'm soon to take delivery of a '07 X3 and I decided to go the lease route. I was told that I had a production date of Dec. 6. but I don't know how long it'll be before I actually get it. Yes, I'm excited. :)

Has anyone checked their production status via the Owner's Circle site before? I noticed that my Premium package isn't shown as one of the options to be installed. Is that normal? Everything else not in the package shows, though. Hmmm... Hope it's not a mixup somewhere and that this is typical!

Well, my Sirius question:

Is it possible to easily install Sirius in the car (that is, after buying the Sirius module from a parts dealer) and then remove it when the lease term expires? From the pictures I've seen, this looks quite possible, but not sure. I'm not so keen on plugging in the high cost to install it when I'd rather do it myself if at all possible since this cost is not factored in the lease.

Also, are they still producing X3s with the satellite radio wiring issue in the sharkfin? I suppose that would factor in my decision as well. I love satellite radio and have had XM and Sirius for years and I can't imagine driving without it. I'd prefer XM, but Sirius will do so I can use the Nav screen as well.

Thanks for any help!

(Monaco Blue with Black Nevada Leather/Ash Dark Wood Trim)

:xoutpost: :xoutpost:

Yes, the install is easy. With instructions, about 45 minutes. The hardest part is removing the vent above the radio. My experiance is on our NON-Nav 06 X3, your results will vary.
Don't know about the shark fin problem. Someone here has reported it but I haven't read anything in regard to a actory fix except for "the dealer will re-wire it".

Instead you might want to try of Sirius you might want to try free HD radio.

My experience with the owner circle was that had the equipment right.

Thanks - since this is with the Nav, from the pictures I've seen it looks like just installing the module near the GPS drive in the back. At least I hope it's just that easy. LOL! I've also mostly read that the shark fin thing was a dealer fix, but sheesh - if they're still installing that problem even after a tech alert was issued (from what I read), that just seems ridiculous.

I've never actually listed to HD Radio but I've read much of it. Sounds interesting - however what made Satellite radio so attractive to me was the lack of commercials and wide variety of genres - not to mention that I didn't have to search for a local station when I drove out of town.

Thanks for the insight thus far!

PS, I'd get on the phone to be sure your car was optioned correctly. You still might have a chance to fix it if it is not built yet.

I have no idea if they are still producing them with the antenna problems or not, but the tech doc clearly states it is covered under warranty so I wouldn't let that stop you. I installed the Sirius myself and have an appt with the dealer to fix the antenna on Thursday.

The install itself is very easy including making the connection behind the dash.

Derek,

Can you scan in and post the service bulletin that shows the sharkfin antenna fix? If not can you provide a service bulletin number?

Thanks,
Lou

Actually I found it: TSB 6530006

http://www.alldata.com/tsb/BMW/11596...006/index.html


Anyway, I did call up my dealer and she assured me that the X3 was optioned correctly - she checked it in her system and sent me the Vehicle Inquiry Report that showed the options. So, I'm breathing a little better.

On the Sirius front, though - I think Derek you hit it on the nose - it's covered by the warranty anyway so I should just go ahead and try to do it on my own. Now, it's finding a good place to get the unit itself. Is Circle BMW the only place online that sells it?

We offer the Sirius kits also. ;)

:xoutpost::xoutpost:

JSY,

Thanks for posting the TSB - it will be a big help. Now I need to get directions for removing and reinstalling the sharkfin! http://www.xoutpost.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

Lou

If Tom is at all competitively priced (which I bet he is)...... buy it from him..... I wasn't impressed with Circle last time I dealt with them.......

That is the doc i have...... good find.....

I looked at it and talked to the tech....... He highly suggested I let them do it since it was under warranty and looking at what had to be done I decided he was right. I really didn't want to tear up something and then it not be covered when they will do it for free in the first place.

I understand, but you are installing the official BMW Sirius receiver. I am installing a non BMW XM receiver and I doubt my dealer would consider this a justification for warranty work.

Lou

Am I dense because I can't seem to find it on Tom's site? Might as well do a little comparison shopping. :D Tom, I must be looking in the wrong place? Do you have a direct link? Is this for the official BMW part that I see on Circle?

voerman - wouldn't they be required to fix the problem regardless of what you're trying to install? It looks like it being under warranty because of a defect that they would have to fix it, even if you're trying to install something entirely other than the Sirius receiver?

It looks pretty simple to do, but I wouldn't know how to take that sharkfin off either.

Thanks for the information thus far everyone and thanks for the warm welcomes!

Here's a link to what you need:

Sirius Satellite Radio - X3:
http://www.europeanautosource.com/in...67_126_129_133

I didn't see if you were prewired for Sirius and have Business CD or Navigation. We have specific kits for each configuration. Also, all Sirius kits include 12 months of Sirius programming as part of the packages.

Actually I *just* found it after writing that message. Shame on me - I didn't know I was supposed to click on the Sirius Satellite Radio icon to see the options. :)

I (will) have the 2007 x3 which I believe means it's prewired and also the Navigation system.

I wish someone would come out with an XM kit that can use the Navigation display so I can add it as a second receiver to my already existing account...but the 1 year included helps a lot.

I have an additional question about all of this - hope you don't mind the PM. :)

Of course not! PM replied. :thumbup:

Pre-wire for Sat was an option in 06. Is it standard now?

Not sure, but you can check in the cargo area for the connectors and tell within a few minutes. The connectors are on the right of this pic:

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/9...rcablesqx2.jpg

I'm quite certain that all 2007 x3's come pre-wired for satellite now. It's not available as an option anymore and I read it somewhere, too... I think it was in their brochure. Kinda like how the aux input for the radio is now standard as well.

Yes, all 07 are prewired.

It Works
 

The dealer got the antenna glitch corrected and Sirius works great now....

XM works also
 

Well - I managed to pull down the headliner enough on the 07 X3 to do the antenna lead switch. The Roady2 XM receiver now works fine with the builtin sharkfin antenna. I am using the aux in for audio. I did not have to remove the sharkfin itself.

Getting the headliner down was not something I would describe as fun. It took a lot of bending and pulling, but all went back together without incident. It took me about an hour to redo the antenna lead. This would have been a lot easier if BMW had assembled the car correctly in the first place.

Thanks everyone for the advice. :thumbup:

Lou

Are there any specific areas which needed to be removed or pulled back first before others? In the headliner removal, that is!

I posted more details here - go to post number 14:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=177699

Lou

Thanks!