Jazzman_Q

I just got a 04 530i, and am thinking about satellite radio, I have xm in my other vehicles, but given the clean look that I seek, I'm thinking about adding sirius, but I have a question.

On bmw's website they say "SIRIUS Receiver For vehicles produced from 09/04 to 02/06" that might be a problem as mine was built in 03/04 according to the sticker on the door jamb.

Has anyone with that early a build have the sat radio? was it an upgrade done by dealer/aftermarket. I'm looking for a stock look, so I would prefer to not have to add a visible receiver, like I have with the xm radios I have in my daily drivers.

I could have swore that my car had bluetooth enabled when I test drove it, but since they had to replace the cd changer prior to delivery, I think when they updated the system they disabled the BT. So I go back to my build date vs availability of BT.

Sorry for putting multiple issues in one post, but I am dazed and confused over these two issues, and am really seeking some clarity from more knowlegable (sp) person.


BTW: this is my FIRST Bimmer, I have dreamt about them for years, and finally took the plunge, so please excuse my noobness.

Thanks

wasupdu

If you don't have the SAT PREP then you will be unable to get the factory installed Sirius configuration through the idrive screen.

I installed XM in my car since I prefer the XM programming over Sirius (plus it was A LOT less expensive versus spending roughly $700 to get the Sirius reciver and have it installed by BMW)

Heres a couple pics....
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=...l=radar+install

Jazzman_Q

Thanks for your input, I have XM, and love it, with the exception of being able to get the NFL, hence the thoughts of going to sirius. I might just have to suck it up and find a way to wire up for xm.

Anyone with bluetooth in their 04 ??

hinckley

BMW upgraded the TCU for bluetooth compatibility in March 04. You should be all set although I've heard that a few very early March 04s did not get the upgrade. Your dealer will be able to tell you for sure.

Jazzman_Q

Here is another thought, can an xm tuner be installed, and work through the bmw controllers, and nav screen?

wasupdu

On previous generation BMW's there was a work around and a XM part that you could buy that would interface with the car's electronics. I'm 99.99999% sure this does not exist for the e60 (although I hope someone can prove me wrong). I think it would be nice to have XM accessible through the idrive screen as long as it was substantially less than BMW's rip off $700+ Sirius receiver/install package.

Rudy

I think you're correct that there isn't any XM part that interfaces with the E60. XM sells a device called "XM direct" that does work on BMW's as long as they aren't iDrive equipped...