XM radio add-on for 528i?
- Thread starter Trev
- Start date
I just installed the delphi ski-fi system in my 323i, and, although some may say it looks tacky sitting beside the dash (i used a pro-mount kit) I personally think it looks good, matching the factory BMW dash lights exactly. the ski fi also plays very nicely thru the factory radio, using the external CD changer control harness. check with www.xmfanstore.com for more info...the really helped me out when setting up my system. tell them what you are looking to do, and they have everything you will need to install it. Im very impressed with XM. so impressed I bought another one for the other car yesterday. one word of caution, however. XM is very addicting, and you may never listen to your radio or CDs again...I cant get enough of it.
Hey trev, no problem...It took me quite some time to gather enough information to finally decide to put the XM in the Beemer. One note. The Roady is kinda slightly better than the Ski-Fi (the songs load slightly faster when changing channels, the power output is slightly more), but the roady is a little more Volkswagonny and the Ski-Fi just looks like it was made for the BMW. especially if you have any silver trim in your interior...OR...you could get the XM commander and just hide the whole she-bang. good luck, and happy XM-ing. feel free to ask any questions once you get one
I've had Sirius sattelite radio in a few rental cars, and really liked it. If I spent a lot of time communting in my car I'd definitely be putting one in.
I'd be interested to know if anyone comes up with a way to mount a separate receiver where the tape player is in a 528i. That would be the most logical place for it, assuming that wouldn't knock out anything important back there.
Graham
I'd be interested to know if anyone comes up with a way to mount a separate receiver where the tape player is in a 528i. That would be the most logical place for it, assuming that wouldn't knock out anything important back there.
Graham
Bob, I can only assume you mean mount an XM antenna in the rear window...like inside the car on the rear parcel shelf? I have seen some people do that with limited success, the signal cannot get 100% of what it needs inside the car. If you really dont want to have an XM antenna outside your car, if you look around, there may be some alternatives, but i really havent heard of any. I mounted mine on the outside of the car just above the rear glass, and just tucked the antenna wire under the rubber weatherstripping and then ran it underneath the side door weatherstrip to get inside the car. It doesnt get pinched and it comes into the car without any "body mods" (ie: drilling). but to answer your question ( i think) ,the antenna you will need comes with the kit you buy.
SmokedE46,
I've never seen the antenna for XM, so I was just wondering if it would hook to the existing wiring.. which in my 528i is all connected to antennas actually embedded in the glass of the rear window. It isn't a big deal, I just wasn't sure if perhaps I could sacrifice the AM or FM and use that antenna rather than have to run wire for a new one somewhere.
Really, with a satellite signal, I'm surprised we don't need a *dish* mounted on the roof.![[:D]](/images/smilies/biggrin.png "Big Grin [:D]")
Would really kill our gas mileage, eh?
Tks,
Bob
I've never seen the antenna for XM, so I was just wondering if it would hook to the existing wiring.. which in my 528i is all connected to antennas actually embedded in the glass of the rear window. It isn't a big deal, I just wasn't sure if perhaps I could sacrifice the AM or FM and use that antenna rather than have to run wire for a new one somewhere.
Really, with a satellite signal, I'm surprised we don't need a *dish* mounted on the roof.
Would really kill our gas mileage, eh? Tks,
Bob
the gas mileage would surely suffer...LOL. I was really wondering the same thing a couple years ago when I started hearing about the new XM. It really has come a long way. The antenna looks like a small book of matches. Im sure there is no way to use your existing antenna system, as the antenna is unique to XM. I will be passing thru NY state NY state Truway) the weekend of the 17th, either Friday morning or afternoon. I will pass thru Syracuse (which i believe is close to you, right?), if you would like to see the setup. But, anyway, the antenna plugs directly into the XM receiver of your choosing.