abmaximus82

I have a 2004 530i it is pre wired for Sirius radio, i was wondering if it was possible to Just buy the tunner and plug it in my self. I went to the dealer they wanted almost $1000 to install the tunner.Has anyone tried this, or know of any other options?

I am new to the post but am already loving everything about it.

ObD

Yes, you can buy the tuner and install it yourself. ~$400 - 500 for receiver and mounting kit.

However the dealer will have to program the car and rewire the MOST bus for it to recognize Sirius. In some cases, a software update to the main car computer is also required before they rewire the MOST bus. Figure on 1 - 2 hrs of labor, more likely 2. Though if they go by the book it probably says 4 hrs labor. If they won't budge on labor, you probably could save on $100-150 DIY. More if they cut the labor to 2 hrs.

I had Sirius programmed for my E90 after I self installed the receiver and mounted it. I paid $435 for the hardware and $180 for 2 hrs labor ... but that labor rate is 3 years old. In the end it was a wash. However I should have ordered it as a factory install ... which I would recommend as the way to go as it is a lot less hassle.

Also remember there is 1 year of free Sirius included.

Rudy

$1000? Assuming you're talking US dollars, you need to run away from that dealer as fast as you can!

Here's a link to what I paid back in 2005 (and there are many other posts in the thread that indicate that your dealer is trying to rape you...)

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?s=&sho...ost&p=80255

thedreamshop

I have done that retrofit for a few people here in the Southern California area. The SA's at the dealers will quote you as much as $1,350.00 US dollars for that job. As far as the job goes you have to be able to plug into the most optical network and maintain the in path and out path. There is a black block at the left rear near where the sat tuner gets installed and you have to change some optical connections since the plug that is prewired for the sat would be a dead link without the sat tuner there to maintain the signal path. The black plug box with green optical lines has a code system with dots that identifies signal path and it is logical, but a mistake would render the whole system inoperable. Make sure to maintain the signal path so the light goes into the satellite and back out to an input wire. Or if you are in Southern California and would like more help then PM me.

rodernr

I?m new to this forum and wonder if you all may be able to help me. I own an 05 330i that has SIRIUS installed. I am selling the car as I just picked up an 04 530i. The 530 shows as pre-wired for sat radio. Question is regarding removing the receiver from the 330 and putting it in the 530. If I unplug the 330 receiver will I damage the system in the 330? Are there wires that need to be capped some how? Also I have a CD changed that became unusable once the sat was installed. Could I just unplug the receiver and plug the CD in and be done with the removal portion?

Once removed would I need a dealer to install the receiver in the 530 or is it a simple plug and play being pre-wired. Is there something that needs software updating ( prod date is 7/04 )?

ObD

If your 05 330i is an E46, then the E46 Sirius (I-bus) is incompatible with the E60 530i (MOST bus) and won't work in your 530i at all. The E46 wires have plastic plugs, and by default the pins aren't exposed.

FYI, for a compatible E60 unit, there is no simple plug and play anymore. Programming the car at the dealer is required to recognize the new hardware.

Heelsonwheels

I had an 04 and installed XM myself; paid alot less for the receiver with a blitzsafe harness which plugged into the amp in the left trunk well...20 minutes DYI. I'll sell you the setup, the receiver and harness if the sirius doesn't pan out. IMHO XM is better anyway!!

virtuosocreative

PM me if you still have that setup as I have an '04 and am in the market for something easy enough to do myself. I will consider buying that from you right away.
Dealer wants $1000 for their install so I am considering a Stilleto. Will your setup work through the iDrive without programming by the dealer?

Thanks!

cagthuzz2807

Yeah, I am also interested.. Let us know..