ryant

What is the make of the actual Tuner unit? Is it the Clarion SIRCL1 ? What about the mounting hardware, can that be ordered separately? I prefer to do installs myself as every time I leave the car at a dealer, I notice a scratch or something that wasn't there before! I guess once installed, all that's required is a call to Siruis to activate. Is the free offer good on the 5-series or just the 7-series. I purchased a 2004 530 with Sat Pre. in Dec. of 2003...

kscarrol

Ryan, you're right, the physical install of the module in the trunk seems pretty straight forward. The problem is that inorder to have the unit integrate w/ the iDrive, there is also a software update needed and I'm afraid that will require a trip to your dealer.

beemerjim

My E60 came with Satellite Radio Prep when I bought it in November 2003. I had to wait until June 2004 to get the Sirius Satellite Radio Module installed. The major part of the installation is updating the iDrive software to integrate Sirius. It was well worth the wait. Having Sirius integrated into the sound system is fantastic!

For those in the U.S. whose E60s don't have Satellite Radio Prep, it is still possible to add Sirius as a stand-alone device. It won't be integrated into iDrive; rather, the portable Sirius module will broadcast the signal to an unused FM frequency on the FM band of the radio. A separate antenna will need to be attached to the trunk lid, and a wire from the antenna will need to be routed to the auto dock in the interior. The auto dock draws power from the cigarette lighter or from one of the power outlets on the rear console.

The Sirius module and auto dock/antenna can be purchased from Sirius's online store or from electonic stores such as Best Buy, Circuit City and Radio Shack. Electronics stores that install auto sound systems can route the wiring into the interior for those who don't want to do it themselves.

One advantage of this setup is that the portable Sirius module can be used with the available home dock attached to a home stereo system or Bose radio. You can then enjoy Sirius in your E60 and at home.

ryant

BeemerJim, do you know what the model number/make of the tuner unit in your trunk is? Is it the Clarion?

I'm assuming since I paid for the Sat. Prep already that the dealer will do the software upgrade for free.. Or at least I will attempt to get them to do it. Did you get any months free from Sirius as with the 7-Series owners?

Jimbo

Yes, standard.

Guest

Ryan, I don't know the make of the Sirius receiver module in the trunk. I'll try to find out. My dealer charged labor for installing the module. A free one-year subscription to Sirius comes with the installation of the Sirius receiver.