XM or Sirius Satellite radio
- Thread starter tyler
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For what it's worth, I ordered an '04 330Ci with Sirius satellite radio, which should be here in a few weeks. However, they won't be able to install it until about November. I'm not sure exactly why, but I was happy to here that they could. There was a problem with software being incompatible in the 2003 models if the car was also equipped with a nav system, which mine is. They have solved this for '04 models. So this might have something to do with why it will take a little longer.
So I can't answer your questions yet about how I like it or if it can be DIY. I think the satellite receiver is place deeper in the dash and controlled through your existing head unit.
So I can't answer your questions yet about how I like it or if it can be DIY. I think the satellite receiver is place deeper in the dash and controlled through your existing head unit.
Tyler, just had an XM Delphi portable system installed in my 98 740iL. The system is connected through the factory stereo using an FM modulater and you just tune the FM to a specified frequency. You can move the receiver from the car to the house, all you have to do is buy additional installation kits, and the house kit plugs into your home stereo system. I also bought a ghetto blaster which the receiver just plugs into. The sound in the car/ house and ghetto blaster sound awesome. It is worth checking out the XM website!! It was $129 for the receiver, $69 for the house/car kits and $54 for the FM modulator, the boom box was $99. Good luck, Nigel.
My buddy has Sirius in his S4. He loves it. Sirius is 100% commercial free. XM has a few minutes of commercials each hour. On that basis I would choose Sirius, and may in the future, but my BMW has an XM-ready Sony head unit, so that will probably happen later.
Other than signal loss when you lose line of sight from the satellites, which doesn't happen unless you are out of view for 8 seconds or longer (at least with Sirius, I think XM's birds are on a different orbit and of a different type), both seem very cool.
You can also get a home subscription through your PC for a few bucks more and connect that to your audio receiver for home listening (or use the PC).
Other than signal loss when you lose line of sight from the satellites, which doesn't happen unless you are out of view for 8 seconds or longer (at least with Sirius, I think XM's birds are on a different orbit and of a different type), both seem very cool.
You can also get a home subscription through your PC for a few bucks more and connect that to your audio receiver for home listening (or use the PC).
Xm have only 2 satellites orbiting the equator, whereas Sirius have three satellites orbiting in a figure 8 pattern, which I am sure means better reception coverage. I picked XM only because I liked the size of the receiver which is smaller and looks nicer than Sirius, it has the orange background lighting which is identical to the 740iL dash/radio lights, the antenna is a lot smaller than Sirius and is barely noticeable. Also the monthly fee for XM is $9.99 whereas Sirius is $13.99 and is cheaper the more years you pre-pay eg. for 5 years I think it worked out to $7.50/month. I also had to pick one that worked in Canada, as it is not available here, and I knew a few people that have XM with no problems!! Anyway I hope this helps, but I think it is all personal preference as the programming is fairly similar(more NASCAR on Sirius). Good Luck. Nigel
READ THIS !
Sirius and BMW are compatible with one another..... tBMW states that ALL 2003 head units are Sirius compatible. So for units built in 2003 the yr from the week/yr digits are the important ones i.e. "03" the software version is not important. However for any MY2003 head unit manufactured in 2002 the SW version needs to be "50" *****the only thing you need is the received and the antenna to get it to work.
hope this helps,
Byron
Sirius and BMW are compatible with one another..... tBMW states that ALL 2003 head units are Sirius compatible. So for units built in 2003 the yr from the week/yr digits are the important ones i.e. "03" the software version is not important. However for any MY2003 head unit manufactured in 2002 the SW version needs to be "50" *****the only thing you need is the received and the antenna to get it to work.
hope this helps,
Byron
hello nigel,
i have a 2002 530i and am installing the delphi skyfi portable system. is that what you have? where did you get power, and where did you exit the wires (antenna connectors) to the modulator? they have the radio compartment so buttoned up, i can get to the radio by sliding it out of the dash, but am having difficulity finding a way to get out of the radio cavity into the passenger compartment without damaging dash, etc. any thoughts appreciated.
thanks, keith
i have a 2002 530i and am installing the delphi skyfi portable system. is that what you have? where did you get power, and where did you exit the wires (antenna connectors) to the modulator? they have the radio compartment so buttoned up, i can get to the radio by sliding it out of the dash, but am having difficulity finding a way to get out of the radio cavity into the passenger compartment without damaging dash, etc. any thoughts appreciated.
thanks, keith
Aplewize
I think what was said is that is used an FM modulator. If it is what I think it is then the antenna cable that normally plugs into the radio will plug into and FM modulation adapter and then there will be an output cable for the adapter that plugs back into the factory radio. That should be the only physical connection....I think!
How to install FM modulater in 2004 525i
Any idea how difficult it is to install the FM Modulator in my 2004 525i?
A broker sold me the car and said it had satellite radio, now to find it doesn't.
Instead of paying another $600+ for installed satellite, I would like to add an add-on unit.
michaelg
Please send to sandiegoeconomy@yahoo.com
Any idea how difficult it is to install the FM Modulator in my 2004 525i?
A broker sold me the car and said it had satellite radio, now to find it doesn't.
Instead of paying another $600+ for installed satellite, I would like to add an add-on unit.
michaelg
Please send to sandiegoeconomy@yahoo.com