hi...looks like a great forum here. i am tyring to install the sirius reciever in my wife's 5 series that has the sat prep. problem is i am having trouble figuring out which wires plug in where in the trunk. anybody else put on of these babies in that can help me out?

 

Are you installing the BMW receiver? I'm doubtful that's what you're doing. The sat prep option will only help you if you're installing the factory Sirius gear.

If you're installing aftermarket gear, you can probably do it with the RF modulator. I'm pretty sure that the antenna connectors are proprietary so you wouldn't be able to insert the signal directly into the antenna wiring.

 

welcome aboard, tjohnson !

 

Welcome aboard, tjohnson !

 

hey thanks guys...first BMW and i can see many more in my future...as long as i can get the sat radio hooked up!!

rudy--actually just sent you mail. it is the box unit to be integrated into the I drive. the parts are from circle BMW. the dealer is giving me crap about needed a TCU# when i called and said i think i need a software upgrade.

thoughts/suggestions??

its an 04, 525, no gps or bluetooth phone thing.

 

Got your message but figured since you're really repeating the public question privately, I thought I'd answer publically to benefit the rest of the members.

First, I'm not an expert on Sirius installations. I want it as badly as the next guy with a 2004 and navigation!

I'm sorry to say that I think your dealer is correct. You most likely need a software upgrade and, in addition, somewhere along the line you're going to need to activate the unit on the Sirius network.

I'm not sure if the activation process is something that the end user does or is something that the dealer must do.

I think you'll see other members that can add information to this. That's one of the benefits of publically posting these types of questions...

Good luck and keep us posted!!

 

thansk rudy. standing by for any other input.......

 

The dealer has to reprogram the software to recognize the Sirius unit. Then, they activate it. It's really semantics about who activates, since the dealer has to reprogram it. It has to be activated to confirm proper operation after installation and programming, so it wouldn't make sense for them not to do it.

The hardware install will only save you about 1/2 hour in labor, and isn't worth it IMHO. Again, if you bend a fiber connector or something, it could get messy. I'd have the dealer handle it and move on. With 12 months of free service, it's only about $400 out the door.