Sirius Problems - Need Install Help Please!
 

Hi,

I bought a sirius receiver on ebay that is supposed to be compatible with my E70 X5. It is a Gen 2.5 unit, and plugs into the existing 'open' cables in the trunk.

After plugging it in, nothing happens (no SAT option on the input source selector screen)

Does the car need to be programmed?

I checked the contacts on the plug and the sirius module, and everything is clean.

Vehicle is a 2007 X5 4.8i with all OEM equipment:
DVD Nav
rear seat DVD screen (center console)
single slot DVD (in dash)
6 disc changer (in dash)
ANOTHER 6 disc changer (in glove box - why TWO changers?)

The satellite unit i bought was manufactured in April 08 (gen2.5) and the part number shows it is compatible with the E70 X5 (per realoem.com search engine).

Any help would be greatly appreciated, as I live 2 hours from the dealer...

Thanks,

Sarge

Yep!!!
 

On my '07 E70 I bought the Sirius unit from the Dealer, installed it myself with the same results. Had to take it to the Dealer for programming for the car to recognize it.

The service manager called me back and told me I have to introduce the satellite DSP unit to the system, and that this is something I can do at home. I can't find any information on how to do that.

Otherwise, if I can even sort out what that's about, and it still doesn't work, they apparently have to program it. (I bought the unit off ebay, and it was previously installed in a different car).

Any ideas?

take it to a dealer and have them code it? :)

You should try to negotiate it to a half hour....

GL

A

Dealer advised me to try to do it myself, as the ebay satellite unit "will void the warranty on the stereo/nav system electronics."

So I'm trying to see what this is about, otherwise I'll have to cough up the $450 for a new satellite unit. Considering satellite tuners are available for sirius for way under $100, this is just absolute rape. The unit I have should work fine, I just can't find ANY installation information online regarding the E70 X5 satellite system.

I think it's the first time Google has failed me... I can't believe I'm the first X5 owner to try to do something so seemingly simple myself?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Anyone know how to 'introduce' the sat to the system? The car was pre-wired, including the bracket...

Have you asked Sirius? They'll probably just refer you to your BMW dealer, but it's worth a try to see if they might be able to point you to a technical resource, or recommend an installer in your area that might know.

Dealer is lying. If you bought a BMW sirius tuner, it is a BMW sirius tuner, irrespective of where it was purchased. (And why did you need to tell him you got it on ebay?)The use of a BMW part on your car WILL NOT "void" the warranty.

The dealer knows he can control the situation now. I'd have called and said, "Hi, I need to get my car coded to recognize a new sirius tuner I installed. I was hoping to use you guys, instead of driving to the other dealer. They said it would take about a half hour. can I have you guys do it instead?" If he asked where you got it, you could say none of your business, or make something up.... I'd have had the part number ready to tell him in case he wanted to get pissy. "Oh, you say that will void the warranty? Could you check and see if 61.134.11.xxxx is the correct module for that car?"

Find another dealer, when you'll be headed that way give them a call, drop in, and ask them to code the car...

Here is a system you can buy that will let you access your own systems:

Carsoft BMW Scanner, BMW Repair Manual, BMW Scan Tools, BMW Diagnostic Tool, BMW Diagrams


Finally, at least when I last bought one, a new BMW sirius module included a one year subscription...so maybe you get a reach around.:yikes:

Mine came from the factory with a year free...

Craig

Unfortunately, it didn't occur to me that a BMW OEM part manufactured after the date of my car could void my warranty, so that cat got out of the bag. Ridiculous.

Also unfortunately, my closest dealer is in Idaho Falls - about 2 hours away, and the next closest dealers are in Denver and Salt Lake, 4+ hours away...

I've thought about the carsoft stuff, but for $1500 it's just not worth having.

Best bet may be to pay the rape fee for a $450 Sirius module if I can't get this Sirius module to work. I wish I could figure out what this 'system handshake' thing is about (doesn't require a programmer)...

I bet this is what the dealer was referring to: The "MOST Junction Box"

If it's like the E90 setup, the fibre optics have to be reconfigured at the junction box, like a router...

Anyone know where to locate this 'junction box' on an E70?

I have factory install instructions for E70/Sirius. PM me with your email address.

CD

Thanks very much Craig.

If anyone else (in the future) is looking for the e70 X5 Sirius Satellite Radio Installation manual, PM me and I will email it to you.

Also, if anyone can hose the PDF file so it's out there on the internet, let me know and I'm happy to forward it. I can't believe it's so hard to find this thing!

Thanks again for the help Craig!

- Sarge

Thanks for the file.

Unfortunately as I expected it tells you that the vehicle requires coding with a BMW computer (ie GT1) to recognize the Sirius module.

There may be cheaper options for "GT1 like" programmers/interfaces that you might find. ebay sells cheap knock offs.

Again the dealer is wrong about the warranty- recognize that he (likely an SA anxious to be off the phone) will not be the arbiter of whether or not you have a warranty...

(FYI- I've attached the file to this post.)

GL

A

Once you install this, you still need the programming from the dealer correct? Will they give you a hard time if you installed the unit?

Also, do you trust the ebay recievers?

Thanks

I am going through the sirius installation procedure attached to this thread but am having trouble at step 3. How do you remove the retainers so that the plastic bin can be removed behind the back panel? They don't appear to turn to loosen or be easily able to be lifted. I have tried to gently lift them out but they don't seem to be giving way. I do not want to break them so I am hoping there is a simple method. Thanks in advance for your help.

So the dealer is quoting me $595.00 to install the sirius radio in my 2011. Is this absolute rape? I know I can buy the sirius module around $400 plus the bracket for around $50. The install fee of $150 sounds high but I heard the newer BMW's take a while to code. I have an appt on Sat to get my SRS light reset due to my headrest replacements...so what do you guys think?

That sounds about right from my experience. I bought my Sirius tuner on ebay (for around $250 IIRC) and installed it myself (changed the can bus wiring, etc, requires some trim removal and such) and had had the dealer do the programming. It was still about a half hour of labor for the programming, and the install takes some time fussing with the fiber optic cables under the rear seat trim, etc.


Sounds like the dealer isn't charging you more than an hour of labor after parts and tax, which is reasonable.

I have a 2011 50i....every dealer I asked gave me a different price. Prices ranged from $495.00 to $1600.00 I finally got it done for $495.00 + tax. I was told since I had an 11 with navi there were no parts needed but I would need to purchase a ''code''

If anyone would like me to scan my invoice let me know.