sfbmw545

Hi all, I have a 2005 BMW 545i without satellite preparation and I have navigation. I want to get an XM Radio to be able to listen to the MLB games this season.

Any suggestions for how to best do this in the most integrated way possible?

rduncan

Suggestion: Connect XM as an external audio input to your stereo.This allows you to select the audio source using iDrive, and control the volume (and mute) using the steering wheel and front panel controls. You'll have to select the XM "channel" using your fingers, without iDrive.

(1) Get an Auxiliary Audio Input installed ($250, including parts, just did it), providing you with a cable to which you can attach any audio input. Be sure to consider where you want to have your cable attach to the XM (to be installed in Step 2). My preference: cable terminatess in the console, and I attach my iPod there. I find this easy to reach in, select an album/list, and then select Aux Input from iDrive.

(2) Get XM installed somewhere discrete (there's another chap thinking of doing this on RF 6 series, and he has some cool ideas about this). I'll email you his contact info ig you are interested.
(3) Connect XM to Aux Input.
(4) From iDrive: Select "Entertainment" and then "Aux Input" from the list of audio sources.
(5) Enjoy tunes, and control volume (but not content) using steering wheel buttons.

Robert

Guest_Rob_*

Hi:

I think you can get an Aux Input installed from BMW into the idrive. This will allow an installer to tap into the system so you can control the volume from the radio. The Aux logo should appear in the Entertainment Section of the idrive along with AM,FM.WB,CD,etc. You would select that logo (the same way you would select the other functions). You won't be able to change stations , but they will install a separate XM contoller for that. I am going through the same thing now with a 2004 645, yours should be easier to obtain. I'm going to try to have the sat controller installed in the ashtray area (no need to have an ashtray, I'm a non-smoker). Anyother questions you can e mail me at rob@kingswaypaper.com